Best USB DAC AMP Combo Budget

[texashorn91]

Hey, I am ready to upgrade to a new amp. I do a lot of computer listening so I was wondering if a DAC/AMP Combo was the way to go. If not, please give me suggestions. I am using my computer with a line out to my stereo that I use mainly for headphone listening with my Sennheiser HD555s. I want the dac/amp to be mobile for my ipod too, if that changes anything. I'm looking at the Headroom Total BitHead, but $150 is tops right now. And I mean tops, Head-Fi. Haha. I know this has been out a while so maybe I would be kicking myself in the foot for that, I'm not sure. Is the combo the way to go, or should I go for a better amp in that price range? Thank you so much guys!

 

[IPodPJ]

$150 tops for a combo doesn't give you many options at all.

Headphonia has one, but he stole Meier's design of the Porta Corda and I wouldn't endorse the person at all.

But it depends what your DAP is. If it has a good quality line out, just get an amp for now. The Mini^3 from Rockhopper Audio seems to have excellent reviews, and might be the best option at $125. The Go-Vibe V7 Max is also an excellent amp at the same price (and uses the same opamps), but I don't know if Jaben has started re-selling them yet.