[JimSmiley]

I'm changing jobs and need a portable audio set-up. I value sound quality above all (size, battery life, capacity, etc.) I use Grado SR-255 cans at home with McIntosh components. I listen to Jazz mostly.

I would like to get a player that I can couple with a headphone amp. I would also like to avoid using a headphone jack if possible. (Unless I am wrongly biased here)

My budget is around 500.00 U.S. (Although, I'm never under budget on audio equipment)

Any help is truly appreciated.

 

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Quote:

Originally Posted by JimSmiley /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm changing jobs and need a portable audio set-up. I value sound quality above all (size, battery life, capacity, etc.) I use Grado SR-255 cans at home with McIntosh components. I listen to Jazz mostly. I would like to get a player that I can couple with a headphone amp. I would also like to avoid using a headphone jack if possible. (Unless I am wrongly biased here) My budget is around 500.00 U.S. (Although, I'm never under budget on audio equipment) Any help is truly appreciated.

Portable headphone amp or home amp?

In either case I would suggest an iPod. Safer choice would be the previous 5.5G iPod video.

if you really want a portable machine a Sansa Express or a Sony NWZ series player are good choices.