[bigbenrfan99]

My current setup is laptop (mostly 320 kbps MP3 or WAV lossless files from CDs) -> Hifimediy Sabre DAC -> Fiio E11 -> DT 880 (premium 250 ohms).  I am considering the Nuforce Icon HDP, since I can get it new for $240.  Would this be a noticeable upgrade when used by itself as a DAC and amp?  Any other recommendations?  I definitely do not want to spend any more than $240.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  My current setup is laptop (mostly 320 kbps MP3 or WAV lossless files from CDs) -> Hifimediy Sabre DAC -> Fiio E11 -> DT 880 (Premium 250-Ohms).  I am considering the Nuforce Icon HDP, since I can get it new for $240.  Would this be a noticeable upgrade when used by itself as a DAC and amp?  Any other recommendations?  I definitely do not want to spend any more than $240.

Audio-GD NFB-15.32 DAC/Amp, $255+shipping (a little over budget).
Dual WM8741 DAC chips and powerful headphone amplifier.
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB1532/NFB15.32EN.htm
 
Or just get a Bravo Ocean tube amplifier, $120.
Plug the Bravo Ocean into the Sabre.

 

[bigbenrfan99]

I really would like to stay well under the $240 budget I mentioned.  The Bravo Audio Ocean amp seems perfect for what I want to accomplish.

 

[bigbenrfan99]

I have also gotten recommendations for the Little Dot MK II, although it is significantly more expensive (almost 1.5 times as much as the Bravo Ocean).  Would the MK II be much better than the Ocean?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  I have also gotten recommendations for the Little Dot MK II, although it is significantly more expensive (almost 1.5 times as much as the Bravo Ocean).  Would the MK II be much better than the Ocean?

I really have no idea on how those two tube amps compare to each other.
Maybe someone on this thread has tried both amplifiers.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/444400/bravo-audio-funny-looking-little-tube-amps