Best budget DAC for HD600+Crack/Speedball? Budget: <$200 Source: Retina MacBook Pro 13'', Spotify Premium I don't even know if I'll need a DAC... Should I just get a Modi? What about a Modi 2? Thanks!

Thanks! Do you have any idea whether the Modi 2 has the Mac-Haswell-incompatibility issue that the Modi apparently has?

Also, I listen to nearly all my music via Spotify Premium

Amateur audiophile here. I have a 13'' Retina MacBook Pro, dt770 250ohm, and Fiio E12 amp. Do you think it's worth buying a DAC for my setup? Or will I not hear any difference? If it is worth getting a DAC, which would you recommend?   Thanks!

Thank you for the reply!   Why do you think the E17 is better than E12? My impression was that E12 is more powerful and would better serve a 250ohm headphone than the E17. I didn't think that I needed a DAC, as I thought the rMBP had a decent enough DAC, but I know very little about audio.

I currently have a DT770 250ohm (with no amp) that I plug into my 13'' Retina MacBook Pro. I'm planning on getting the Fiio E12 amp. Is it necessary/recommended that I eventually buy a DAC as well?   Or would I be better off getting an amp/DAC combo like the Fiio E17 or Fiio E07k?   Thanks

Thanks, but I am actually looking for portable. Sorry for not mentioning that.   So, after looking through the guides, I'm still a little lost; this was my reaction: http://giant.gfycat.com/JealousSerpentineIndigobunting.gif   I guess I'm trying to choose among the E07k, E12, and E17. Will...

<$150?

Thanks for the reply.   I'm a little concerned about issues with the input jack after only a few months (http://www.amazon.com/review/R3R6RC7IBWV45I/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#R3R6RC7IBWV45I). What would be your next recommendation? I suppose I'm okay spending a little more if it's worth it.

Total newbie, here. Not an audiophile in any way.   I just got the 250 ohm DT770, and they sound great even on my 2010 MacBook Pro and iPhone 5; however, I do find myself upping the volume to max or near-max levels. Yes, I know the 80/32 ohm versions are generally better for consumer devices...

Consider the Beyerdynamic DT770