[sgao8]

The Audioengine D1 is about twice the price of the Fiio's E10K, does it worth the extra bucks?
I'm seeking a under $200 portable dac with headphone jack (USB driven, not rechargable ones like E17K). Can anybody tell me which one is the best bang for the buck? Why?
Thanks!

 

[sgao8]

I usually use laptop in dorm and PCs in computer lab. The lab PC's headphone out has plenty of background noise while using IEMs. Hope to find a easy solution for this.

 

[cel4145]

If you want something very portable just to run off a computer, consider the Audioquest Dragonfly.

Also, what headphones do you plan to use?

 

[sgao8]

I just use IEMs like Brainwavz M1, SoundMagic E80, Westone UM1, etc.

 

[cel4145]

The D1 has a low output impedance of 10 ohms. The general best practice rule is that the amp should have a low output impedance at least 1/8 (or less) of the headphones. So for low impedance IEMs, the D1 would not be considered optimal in that regard.

 

[sgao8]

Got it. By the way, which one is better in terms of DAC, regardless of headphone output? I wanna further upgrade by adding an Amp.
Thanks.

 

[cel4145]

Sorry. I don't know which has the better DAC. The Dragonfly has a reputation for excellent sound, which is why I recommended you look into it.