[cel4145]

After a search, and seeing this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSWXAqzNzAQ (skip to 4 min) I'm between the E09K and the sApII. I understand that the E09K is fabulous, but it is TWICE the price. and I like to buy cheap stuff which does stuff just like the expensive stuff.

Well, I didn't watch that whole video, but he seems suggesting that there is no comparison. The E09K is much better. And that makes sense to me. FiiO equipment has been repeatedly shown to be an excellent price/performance value. Which means you don't typically get FiiO performance from something costing half as much.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  That is a bit more expensive... probably only next year. but if I were to get that one the Magni would be the best amp to match it right? Either way I probably wont get it, shipping is at least 50$, so it is out of option. 
So talking about more options. I'm leaning towards getting a budget DAC (again, the Sabre is a nice option) and a more powerful amp to crank up the sound. E09K (120$), Magni (130$), O2 (150$), SMSL sApII Pro (65$) are on the front line, as well as the SMSL M2 (65$) and Sabre (45$) for the DAC.
After a search, and seeing this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSWXAqzNzAQ (skip to 4 min) I'm between the E09K and the sApII. I understand that the E09K is fabulous, but it is TWICE the price. and I like to buy cheap stuff which does stuff just like the expensive stuff.
In summary, my amp quest is almost set. Any more ideas regarding DACs, specially cheap (but good) ones?

 
I've bought 4 SMSL devices (DAC & DAC/Amps), stuff seems to stop working fairly easily.
Pay the extra for FiiO.

 

[rebelinho]

Alright, these are the updates: I've finally got the chance to try the stereo -> E11 method (I was away for two weeks) and the sound is very good. Better than the E11 or the stereo system alone. But the background noise is much louder too, almost twice as loud when compared to the stereo system alone. 
 
The thing is, now that I've been testing the setups a bit more and got a better idea, the stereo system can deliver a much more powerful and punchy sound, but highs and mids have A LOT more grain compared to the E11. Really noticeable. Given the option of choosing only one of them I would go with the E11. Which is a problem, because using the E11 as a desktop amp is just stupid. So these are my options:
 
1- Using the E11 OTG, and buying a DAC+ Amp combo (E10K or M2) for home usage, or even on the train if I use my laptop.
2- Using the E11 OTG, and buying a DAC (HifimeDIY U2, E10K or M2) plus an amp (sApII or E09K) for home usage.
3- Using the E11 OTG, and buying a DAC (the same options as above) to pair up with the stereo system.
 
No. 1 and 3 are wallet friendly. No. 2 is very difficult for me to put up with, at least both of them at once. I'll see what I can do.
 
Any ideas regarding DACs under 100$? How about this one? http://www.shenzhenaudio.com/smsl-sanskrit-24bit-192khz-usb-dac-coaxial-optical-decoder-sd-1955-upgrade.html

 

[rebelinho]

just found this aaaand... I'm sold regarding the DAC http://stoneracoustics.blogspot.pt/2014/08/ud120-now-heres-something-different.html This looks like the ultimate hidden gem. 
 
Stoner has said on facebook that a "Secret" will be revealed this Christmas (link). So I'll wait for that.

 

[d1sturb3d]

looks like in competition with Sciit Fulla

 

[rebelinho]

looks like in competition with Sciit Fulla

 
I hadn't heard about it until you mentioned it. It looks awesome, has plenty of power for me, DAC is very good (same as Modi, AKM4396)... is just about the release date and inputs/outputs available. A very strong contender for my needs. Thanks for the sugestion