[PedroH]

My portable source is a MacBookAir 11inch 2011 playing ALAC via Decibel.
My portable headphones are Earsonics SM3.
I listen most to Rock, Hardrock, Progressive, Pop, HipHop and Jazz (relevance descending order)
 
What should I put between the source and the headphones to improve sq and keep portability (low weight, battery power). I already have a nice desk setup, so let's not go that way.
 
Money is not a restriction.
 

 

[mitsu763]

The built-in headphone jack should be sufficient for your SM3. I also have a MacBook Air and it powers my JH11 nicely with no background hiss to speak of. If you absolutely must have a dac/amp I suggest the UHA-4 from Lekerton Audio. I use one of these as well.

 

[PedroH]

Yep, the amp of the MacBook air is powerful enough. Does the Leckerton DAC deliver any relevant improvement?

 

[mitsu763]

I would say there isn't much of an improvement. It's a just a basic dac. If portability is you're priority just skip the amp/dac.

 

[PedroH]

Thanks!

 

[Vanhornmp]

TTVJ Slim Is awesome if you want something small

 

[oopsydaisy]

Quote:

TTVJ Slim Is awesome if you want something small

I'll second that

 

[chef8489]

Pico dac/amp and rsa predator are both amazing amps with dac.

 

[nanaholic]

Leckerton Audio UHA-4 is a nice piece of kit with plenty of bang per buck.  

 

[markkr]

 
Quote:

Pico dac/amp and rsa predator are both amazing amps with dac.

+1 for this

 

[audiogamma]

Quote:

Pico dac/amp and rsa predator are both amazing amps with dac.

IMO the Pico makes the RSA sound like a toy by comparison (listened to both).