I'm setting up the ULTIMATE PORTABLE HEADPHONE RIG!!! which will use an Archos 9 Tablet PC running Windows 7 Starter (to play my FLAC files using MediaMonkey) output through USB to a DAC and headphone amp. Please note that I don't need the rig to be super-small, I just need it to be portable (as in battery-powered).
Here's where I need some suggestions: I want to find the absolute best portable usb DAC for this system (DAC/amp combo is fine also). No tubes, sorry. Also, no Ipods or Ipads, no Apple; sorry, that's my choice.
I don't believe cost will be a factor because there doesn't seem to be any crazy-super-high-end audiophile products like this in existence; if so, then let's put the cap at $2K-$3K).
My goal is to create the absolute best-sounding PORTABLE headphone rig possible - limited only by the choice of headphones, hopefully.
I am aware of (but haven't yet listened to all) products by Centrance, Cypher Labs, NuForce, HeadAmp, Alo, Fii0, Pyle, Firestone, HRT, and Audiophile Products.
Here's the deal: while I know that any number of the products by the companies I listed will give me excellent/awesome SQ, I am just curious if there are any SUPER-DELUXE-AMAZINGLY-HIGH-END products out there of which I am not aware. I am interested in listening to them to see if I can hear any difference and if so, then I will be interested in buying them.
As audiophiles (assuming the term can even be applied to me) we are constantly searching to squeeze every last drop of SQ out of our gear; we strive constantly to listen and learn so that we can hear even the most barely detectable nuances in our music; and, being naturally curious, I think we all wonder why that $30k piece of audiophile gear costs so much and can anyone actually HEAR the difference??!! (Now - be nice to me, I'm joking, sort-of.)
So, I am curious. I want to know what the state-of-the-art is in portable usb dac's. Any help?
(I have also posted this on the Computer Audiophile forums.)
