Building a Full-Size Set-Up

So I finally have the funds to go for a full-size set-up.  Sold my Macbook Pro yesterday for this very purpose!  My thoughts so far have been the Nuforce HDP, the Audio-GD Fun & the Matrix M-stage paired with a V-dac. (..or something similar in price and ability)  I really want to avoid entering the realm of diminishing returns and am looking for maximum value!  I'm going into this whole endeavor very open-minded, and the only thing that limits me is my budget.

There's a few advantages / disadvantages to all these set-ups and I'm looking for any comments from any of you who have tried these components or find yourself very happy with your own gear. 

Lastly the two headphones I really like are the HD650 & the AKG702.  Don't be intimidated by the wall of text, I've tried to make it as easy on the eyes as possible. 

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Combo Units

Nuforce HDP: Though I haven't heard the greatest things about the amp-section of this dac+amp I've heard great things about it as a dac.  However if I'm shelling out that much for a combo unit I cannot afford an amp on top of that.  Are the things I've read about the HDP dismissible or is this part of the HDP really lacking?  The one reason this dac+amp is still on my list is because I still have hope for it.  First of all, it isn't from a small boutique manufacturer in China (if that counts for anything) and secondly it's so small!  It's still transportable and that's a huge plus considering that soon I'll have a netbook and that will be my primary source.  I like the thought of being able to move my rig around my house and enjoy my music in any room or on vacation.  I found the HDP at $450 shipped.

Audio GD Fun:  I've read great reviews of this dac+amp.  Everyone who has one seems to be satisfied.  Any knocks on it?  The thing I like best about the Fun is the price.  This is cheapest option for me at a meager $325 shipped (Version B with all upgrades).  However I'm not sure about the warranty on this kind of unit.  Build quality & design are very important to me.  My goal is stasis with gear I really appreciate which is why I'm looking for maximum value.

I've heard of the Yulong dac+amp too from a fellow head-fi'er, it just doesn't seem to have generated much buzz around here so I haven't considered it very seriously.  My budget for combo units is a maximum of $450.

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Standalone Units

My budget for stand-alone amp / dac is $600.  I don't mind putting more money into standalone gear because I like the thought of getting a good dac and a good amp without having to compromise on either half instead of something that does two tasks "acceptably" like my washer-dryer at home.  I'm sure getting a headroom desktop dac+amp for $800 or Peachtree Audio $1K+ system will probably circumvent that issue but I still need money left-over for headphones.

Matrix M-stage: I've heard pretty good things about this amp and at $270 it's well within my budget.  I haven't been doing much research on stand-alone amps or dacs so if there are other contenders or standouts at <$300 amp I'd love some names.  Would it be that much better the combos I mention above?

Music Fidelity V-dac: Again, heard good things about this one & again at my budget <$300.  Other names welcome too.  Yes this is the amp-section of the forum but for the sake of complete-ness I ask.