I am sure Thinkpad T430 will have the same audio chipset as mine. That's very helpful, thanks. 

see post #6332.

Yeah, I have seen the frequency response over at headphone.com and it seems that only between the frequencies of 7kHz to 10kHz, its slightly more (+5dB max) louder than the reference level. All other high frequencies are actually below the reference level.    Which DAC did you find better...

Sound quality is bigger factor than portability. I have heard that USB power can be haphazard and can influence sound quality but I am considering both options. Budget is upto $200, but can pull out more if there is audible difference. I am probably gonna build a dedicated power supply DIY unit...

Thanks for your ultra swift replies.    Quote: Although I am new to the audiophile world, I have read more about this unit than I can count. I have looked into it, and I actually believe my laptop DAC would be giving almost the same performance as this DAC, since this DAC has been out...

Soon getting my first good headphones. I am receiving an amp but still unsure if the DAC will improve audible differences, otherwise going to power them using my laptop. What do you guys think?

Soon getting my first good headphones. I am receiving an amp but still unsure if the DAC will improve audible differences, otherwise going to power them using my laptop. What do you guys think?

So more posts will mean more PM allotment?