Ok, I took the plunge. This is exactly what I've been looking for, and for $200, with free shipping and two-week trial, I thinks it's worth a chance.
I spent almost a year working in Sweden and came back at the end of March. I would have loved to have had a component just like this over there. Having a DAC and a preamp to allow using my laptop as a source for some speakers, that doubles as a headphone amp, would be perfect. When you're living out of two suitcases for that long, something like this one box solution would make it much easier to stay sane. Now that I am back home (and without a job), I have been looking for a low-cost preamp and DAC to use for my second system. Due to money constraints, I've had to sell my Rogue 99 Magnum and several other pieces.
I don't know if I have the golden ear that the rest of you have, or if I am as demanding when it comes to headphone gear. But I've seen more than a few here shell-out similar $$$ for low-cost headphone amps from China, and then replace all sorts of circuitry components. It's what many of you love to do, really, and that's great. But I would caution anyone right now, that if you think you are going to get something for $200 that will rival, say, a similar Ray Samuels product, you are mistaken. You can get a really good deal sometimes, but you still get what you pay for.
It's good for us to be wary and critical, but at the same time, in this economy, I can see why a new upstart may have reservations about sharing his recipe. All of the established companies tell their basic components, but when its your capital invested in the launch of a new product, well, I can see why Ryan might want to be cautious too. I suspect that that will change over time.
I'll attempt to do a write-up worthy of these pages, but I'm no journalist. But I think there would be nothing better than to discover the next really cool, inexpensive product, and with time maybe some of you can figure out some nice upgrades to make this an even better value.
Just to make it clear, I don't know Ryan, and have only exchanged an email via eBay asking about shipping and asking for a picture of the inside. I have no other experience with him, and am not connected with him or his company in any way.
So, I ordered it tonight, just before this post. When I get it I will add to this post and then sometime afterward, after a little time to get acquainted and to burn it in, I will do a write-up.
I have HD600 cans and a Squeezebox v3 to try out with this baby. I'm looking forward to it!
