I'm considering the Q-Cables too so I'd love to hear your thoughts on them once you have a chance to try them out.

I was thinking amp but if you have a suggestion that includes the DAC I'd certainly be interested.

Can anyone offer any thoughts on a good amp under $1000 to pair with the LCD-XCs?  I'll break the bank in a year or two on something higher end but I'm looking for something more affordable right now.  I've read mixed reviews about Schiit, WOO Audio and various other amps when paired with the XC.

  Admittedly I'm quite new to this so I find some of the numbers confusing. I had read in the FiiO specs that the Mont Blanc-E12's output power was 880 mW (versus 420 mW for the E12A) and took that to be 88% of the minimum optimal power needed.

Any thoughts on whether or not the newer E12A would have enough output for the XCs? I've read that it's sound is improved slightly but that FiiO reduced it's power output to cater to IEM users.

I'm looking to buy a portable amp to go with my FiiO X5 2nd Gen and not looking to break the bank (I'd rather spend the big money on my home system).  I am wondering if anyone has tried their XCs with the FiiO E12 or E12A portable amps and what their experience was like?