[AKChastain]

Ok, not sure how stupid this question is, but how much to I need to spend to improve on the Ipod DAC? Will an emu 404 do it at ~150? A Beresford TC-7510 do it at ~200? How about a Mood-Lab at ~400?
The idea is to run winamp on my laptop, using the Ipod as an external disk with the music in FLAC files. The Ipod is rockboxed so it will run with those normally as well. That way I get the better sound at the office, but can be mobile as well.

Any info is appreciated.

 

[infinitesymphony]

It'll depend on your equipment and ability to discern sonic differences (but what doesn't in audio?), but I'd guess that any of the DACs/sources you mentioned would be an audible improvement over the iPod.

 

[AKChastain]

That is what I needed, now it's just a matter of sticking to my budget!