[TFox]

Hi All,

I've seen tons of threads like this one, but since some of them are years old and hundreds of pages long, I figured I'd quickly list out what I want and see if there's one or two most appropriate based on what's currently available and popular. My work laptop's onboard sound sucks - I can hear interference from somewhere, and there's a crackle on the right channel, and my home computer's card is also poorly shielded and not very good.

Quick overview of what I'm looking for:

Must haves:
 

1. Desktop form factor
2. Drives a 32-ohm load well - will be paired with Grado SR-225i
3. Line-level output to run to my stereo's preamp or to my LD I+, if I ever get replacement tubes for it...

 
Strongly Preferred:
 

1. 1/4" output jack
2. Supports other impedances well, possibly with DIP switch settings?
3. Support for 24-bit audio - not a total dealbreaker, but very important

 
Icing on the cake:

1. Optical input as well, for when I'm at home
2. Power supply not a wall wart - I hate this so much, why oh why do they still make them like this?
3. Has a line-in as well
4. Packs well / isn't excessively heavy

 
This will be used both at work and at home.
 
At first glance, this Topping D2 at http://mp4nation.net/catalog/topping-d2-headphone-amplifier-usb-dac-with-4-inputs-p-509.html seems like it would fit the bill pretty well, but I don't know how it stacks up against other options. Based on my previous experience with Chinese audio components, I'll bet that this same item is available in nearly identical forms from several different sources.
 
I bought a small PMP from mp4nation a few years back, and while the experience was mostly positive, it really took a long time for my item to arrive, so retailer suggestions are also very welcome.
 
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
 
-tfox

 

[TFox]

bamp

 

[liamstrain]

What kind of budget? 

 

[TFox]

$0 to $160 or so. Definitely not interested in much of anything over that.

 

[liamstrain]

You are a little limited at that price range... 
 
But - there is the Yulong Crystal (does go over budget with shipping):
http://www.audiophilechina.com/cp-show.asp?C_id=154&S_id2=37&s_id=38
 
And the Tianyun Zero models (fits right into budget)
http://www.audiophilechina.com/cp-show.asp?C_id=141&S_id2=37&s_id=40 and
http://www.audiophilechina.com/cp-show.asp?C_id=50&S_id2=37&s_id=40
 
 
There are also going to be used options - but these are a starting point to consider. 

 

[TFox]

The Yulong seems pretty cool, although it would be more appealing it if had a line in. The others don't have USB inputs, so they won't suit my intended use.
 
The Topping I linked to seems to have what I need, and I found it for $20 less than mp4nation on ebay. I just can't much information, any really, that would make me comfortable pulling the trigger on it. I saw one 'impressions' thread that was generally positive, but it just doesn't seem to have received much attention.

 

[liamstrain]

There are two models of the Zero, one has a USB. 

 

[TFox]

Ended up buying a Behringer UCA202. Works perfectly with my Hafler 915 pre - the noise floor is so low I can't hear it. With nothing playing, I can turn the volume up until my power amp protection circuit kicks in and there's hardly any noise.
 
Finally, true line-out and another two input channels. And I'm sure when I finally replace the tubes in my Little Dot I+ (one hums), it'll work well with that too.