Question About Fischer Audio MyST 2702U/1794U

Q1:

Obviously the 2702U has a 2702 DAC and the (physical) bigger brother has a 1794 DAC.

Q2:

Jep, that is correct. It is for connecting another amp. When you line out from the DAC you by pass the internal amp and only use the DAC function.

Q3:

They can both be used with an laptop/computer, sending the signal from the computer over USB to the DAC/Amp then to your headphones.

You cannot use it with a portable player, using the 3.5mm jack. However, if your portable player supports USB out, you might be able to do - if it can power the DAC/Amp. (Look at the at the "DACs that work with iPad" thread fx)

Q4:

Yes, that is correct, the MystAmp would be an alternative if you want to use it with a portable player. But since the MystAmp doesn't have an DAC, If you are going to use the device with you computer, I would recommend one of the DACs. Unless you really have a nice sound card and need the the MystAmp for use with your portable player. 

You should probaly ask yourself where do you listen to music the most, from the computer or from your portable player.

I doubt the FiiO option will deliver the same SQ levels as the Mystify amp and/or DAC, just a hunch. It will be the cheaper option, no doubt.

I am pretty sure that the FiiO's doesn't have as good SQ as the Myst Amp or DAC but they are, as you said, cheaper.

However I have not heard the FiiO or the Myst Amp/Dac yet, so I cannot tell you for sure.

I have a Myst Amp/DAC coming in through - but will take a while to get here.

Q1,

what's the difference between these two, apart from dimensions? They look extremely alike!

An1 - in 2702 we used DAC chip PCM2702. In 1794 - PCM1794. 1794 - much beter chip. Amp - same

Q2,

I can see there's a "line out" at the back of both Amps. What's that for? for connecting another Amp?

An2. You may use it for connecting you active monitors. MM speakers or amplifire you think beter  

Q3,

Are they both can only be used as a DAC for laptop/computer USB in?  Can I still use my portable player as source and connect it with audio in using 3.5mm jack? 

An3. No - it's PC DACs.

Q3.5,

if not, I think the MyST PortAmp is the alternative?

If using the desktop computer as a source, how much difference will there be for using USB in VS 3.5 analog LINE IN, in terms of SQ and noise level (current noise, etc).  Is this solely depend on the sound card? sadly, i am using the onboard sound card only!

An4. PortAmp is not alternative. Because it's only amp. W/o DAC. So - if you'll use it with onboard card - "quality top" will be as in onboard card DAC. But it's not so good quality. In Myst DAC's much beter. Especcialy 1794

1794 - one of best delta-sigma DAC - beter than Wolfson.

Can't wait to give these a listen...they do sound very promising!