Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't Sony produce MDR 1R, 1A, and 1ADAC for consumers and portable use? If that is the case, wouldn't portable headphones targeted to consumers be engineered in a way so that it will sound good with DACs that are implemented in consumer devices, such as iPhones, Android, iPod, etc? Also, even if the DAC inside the headphone does improve the sound quality, what are the chances that the average consumers will be able to discern the difference? Finally, if the MDR 1ADAC is not targeted for consumers or portable use, it would mean that it was designed for audiophiles or professionals for home or studio use right? Wouldn't most people have their own Amp, DAC, headphone, or other audio gears that are better suited for their need than the MDR 1ADAC? Just throwing out some of my thoughts here.