@ mwhals, you won't be alone on your ZMF/Jot combo. Now, given the BIG caveat that I have not personally had the opportunity to audition the LC, after much reading and accessing of opinions across the www, I also opted for the Jot. At half the cost without the internal dac, the price/performance factor between the two was too great to dismiss. I must admit that I originally purchased it for pairing to my HD650. It's always up to each individual how much one is willing to spend for an "upgrade" in sound. For me, it did not seem worth the added expense. As with most of us, I will have to patiently wait until our dynamics arrive before finding out if the Jot/ZMF pairing is as positive.
I just recently added the Modi Multibit to complete the Schiit desk/portable set up. It's also a great little dac and matches well at a fairly reasonable price. Once again, I have no personal experience with the Bimby but many have opined that the the Momby is a very, very close performer to its more expensive sibling. Just more food for thought.
Going out on a limb, I expect that the Eikon will be a wonderful match for my ears, too!
And, as you mentioned, put the $ saved in the pot for the ZMF tube amp upgrade later on.
