[ndwalker1]

VERY new to the headphone world, and I am debating whether to go with a portable DAC / headphone amp, or a desktop DAC / headphone amp.  My use would be primarily at my desktop computer (I do have a Windows laptop, but only use it when traveling, and I rarely do that).  I don't need additional features like SPDIF or Toslink inputs.
I AM on a budget, and would prefer to spend $300 or less.  In terms of Hi Rez, I've only got 24/96 and 24/192 files downloaded at the moment, and am not necessarily gung ho about DSD (yet).
So, any thoughts on the best sound, assuming I'll use an on-ear (not comfortable with any in-ears I've tried) phones that are fairly reasonably priced and fairly easy to drive (nothing exotic planned)?
 
Thanks for your thoughts.
 
Neil

 

[NA Blur]

Go desktop.  This will give you the most bang for your buck value and you spend most of your listening time there anyway.  Portables end up being a hassle in the long run with batteries, charging, cables, etc.  Of course it depends on your needs, but I would stick with a good desktop setup.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Some portables have good bang for the buck ratios in terms of performance, but yeah, over time the battery can become a problem. Depending on the build it may be relatively easy for the user to replace, but the question is how easy will it be to get a replacement battery with the right specs (although some are very efficient nowadays - I charged my D-Zero last month and I prior to that I couldn't remember when I last had the switch behind it enable charging. Still, if you don't actually need it to be portable, then better to go with desktop gear.

 

[ndwalker1]

Thanks for the advice guys. I hadn't really considered the hassles associated with batteries and charging and replacement.
 
Any suggestions for a new or used desktop DAC / headphone amp combo that would fit the bill ($300 or less)?

 

[ProtegeManiac]

AudioGD NFB-15
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB1532/NFB15.32EN.htm

 

[ndwalker1]

That looks perfect!  Thanks SO much.
 
Neil

 

[brandonlyz]

It really depends. 
 
How long will you be sitting at your desk every day? No point getting a fantastic desktop amp if you're only getting short bursts of time listening to it.

 

[ndwalker1]

It varies a lot from day to day.  Some days I'm only at the desk for 30 minutes, a couple of times a day.  Other days I'm there for hours at a time and it seems like I only get away from it to eat.  
I'm curious about what you'd recommend if I were to invest less?  Is there something out there that would still sound pretty good and would cost appreciably less?  I was considering an iFi nano DSD if I decided to go the portable route.  Anything in that price range in a desktop set up that would be acceptable or better?
 
Thanks for your suggestions.
 
Neil

 

[brandonlyz]

  It varies a lot from day to day.  Some days I'm only at the desk for 30 minutes, a couple of times a day.  Other days I'm there for hours at a time and it seems like I only get away from it to eat.  
I'm curious about what you'd recommend if I were to invest less?  Is there something out there that would still sound pretty good and would cost appreciably less?  I was considering an iFi nano DSD if I decided to go the portable route.  Anything in that price range in a desktop set up that would be acceptable or better?
 
Thanks for your suggestions.
 
Neil

Hmmm there have been people saying that the schitt magni+modi combo is pretty good, whilst others recommend the O2 combo. I personally never tried both of these, and thus cannot comment on their quality.
 
However, I bought the Fiio E07K as my starting amp/dac combo, and felt that it was a pretty solid piece of hardware especially for its price. 
 
I'm also currently using the Ifi iCan [Full sized] version as my desktop amp, and can tell you that it's pretty awesome.

 

[ndwalker1]

Thanks for (a) being a voice of reason in terms of jumping into this new venture at a reasonable price point, and (b) suggesting a couple of American made alternatives to the Audio GD desktop DAC/Amp.  I have no qualms about buying Chinese or Asian or International  products so long as they are from a reputable manufacturer... but I get a particular kick out of getting American designed and built kit that is as nice or nicer for the same $.
 
Thanks too for your comment about the sound quality of the iFi iCan.  SO many options for good (or even better) sound at reasonable prices!