I agree. The Schiit dac/amps are probably the most popular dac/amp products (well, and Audio-GD) for desktop setups on Head-Fi. You might certainly find a deal for something elsewhere on the web that might be good, but since you are new to this, I'd suggest sticking to the Schiit products for a desktop setup because they are well-reviewed and well-liked. You know that you are getting a good product.
If you decide you would rather have a portable setup, I suggest the
JDS Labs C5D or the
Leckerton UHA-6S.MKII. Those are well-regraded audiophile DACs/amps. Nice thing about them is not only that they would be easy to carry with you for your phone or tablet, but also when you take your laptop elsewhere. You might find that you don't need a desktop setup once you hear one of those.