Quote: +1 This is what I do.

I find there's a clear improvement in sound going from my portable DAC to my component DAC.  The PS Audio Digital Link III is giving me great results with my Mac Book Air.

Foobar

Thanks for starting this thread.

Does anyone have their hands on a BDP-105?  I'm curious as to how the USB DAC sounds.

I like my JDS Cmoy and use it with the bass boost set to off.  I prefer a neutral sound.

The JDS Labs Cmoy with Bass Boost is a great amp.

The iBasso D4 Mamba is a solid portable DAC.  You can use it with the battery or via USB power.  It can also be used with USB or headphone/RCA.

Great thread.  Thanks.

I never had any issues with my ipod Classic 120gb via the headphone jack but via the Apple connector I would get a slight ground hum/noise in my car.  I could have been related to the ground in my car but when a friend's iPhone was connected the hum/noise was not there.  It could have been a...

The D4 Mamba has both USB and headphone/RCA inputs.  It's a great headphone DAC/amp.

The Mac Book Air 2012 doesn't have an optical out.  I've read that 24/96 is via AirPort.  I use a PS Audio Digital Link III with my Mac Book Air.  I love the combo.  The iBasso D4 Mamba is great as a travel USB DAC.

PS Audio Digital Link III via USB gives great results.  For portable the iBasso D4 Mamba is great too.

Great headphones.   Stating the obvious, you'll get different results depending on the source/DAC/amp combo so don't be so quick to blame the phones if you aren't getting a specific sound that you're looking for.  I'm also not implying to go buy a mega $$$ kit to match the phones either.  ...

FYI, J&R has the HD598 going for $169 but the pricing is only offered on phone orders.