I am looking to setup a computer based hifi rig with flexibility for both 2 channel speakers and headphones. The budget is $500-600 and I already have the headphones (Sennheiser HD600s). Here are the two setups I am considering-
Nuforce Icon 2 with Audioengine P4
or
Nuforce Icon HD with Audioengine A2
I like that the first setup gives me the flexibility of upgrading to a better set of passive speakers but I am concerned that the Icon 2 is subpar for driving the HD600s. The second setup gives me a better quality headphone amp and DAC and allows an upgrade later to better powered monitors. However any upgrades may be sometime down the road and I want to be happy with the current setup for at least a year. Any suggestions? I have considered the A5s but think that they would be a little overbearing for location and have never been a fan of rear-ported speakers. I know the differences sound petty but I have not made an audio purchase in a while and am obessively how it.
Edited by peter braun - 3/21/11 at 5:05am
