[TPage3221]

I'm sure you are all getting tired of these threads, but I'm new to the audiophile scene. I recently purchased a pair of a700s, and I love them, but was wondering if a cheap DAC will improve my sound quality by a lot (enough to warrant a 100$ price tag). I'm currently looking at the Nuforce line, and have my eyes set on the Icon mobile, considering it can be a USB DAC and also be a mobile headphone amp.

I've heard good things about the uDAC, but unless it will give me a massive improvement over the Icon mobile, I'd rather have the versatility of the Icon. (Also I'm playing FLAC files, using onboard sound)

So a summary of my questions:
1) Would the uDAC be such an improvement of quality over the Icon Mobile that I should not worry about the versatility of the Mobile and get it.
2) Should I even worry about a DAC at all, if I'm only going to be buying a cheap DAC.
3) Finally my last option would be to get a soundcard for my computer, I would be getting the Auzentech forte.

Of all the options I see the Icon Mobile as the best option for me, mainly because I'm on a budget, but if the sound quality would improve greatly, I would be willing to go with the uDAC or the sound card. Sorry for the long winded post, and any opinions would be appreciated.

 

[tosehee]

At around $100, I don't know how much of improvements you can expect. I would think the quality is closely matched amongst the competitors at that price range.

 

[drandall]

i think part of it depends on the quality of your computer's DAC. i have an imac which supposedly has a decent one and when i got a Udac, i was very pleased with the improvements...not only volume, but tightness of bass, spatiality and clarity.

i'm very happy with mine. $100 well spent.