[tyoung8]

Alright, I bought my first proper pair of headphones, the Ultrasone DJ1/HFI 580 and now looking to get a desktop dac/amp.  After browsing a bit I am looking at several options.
 
1.  The Cheap Option:
 
NuForce Icon Desktop Dac and Amp - £149 
 
http://www.sightandsounduk.com/Nuforce-Icon-Desktop-DAC-and-Amp.html
 
Now the thing is that I dunno anything, absolutely ZERO, about amps and dacs so it might be something I can start off with and it seems to have all everything with it.  Would it improve the sound of my headphones and pc speakers?  I mainly play music through my computer with a crappy Realtek soundcard.
 
2.  Spend more Option
 
Matrix mini-i 24/192 Balanced DAC & Headphone Amp - £200
 
Or
 
Lovely Cube Premium Amp - £140
 
http://www.alicemagicbox.com/lasercollection/lovelycubepremium.html
 
plus Muse Mini Dac TDA1543 x4 NOS - £45 
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/512389/mini-dac-tda1543-x-4-nos
 
or Valab NOS USB DAC - £150
 
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I am mainly looking to spend more on a DAC than an amp since my ultrasone dj1 don't really need an amp and I can upgrade to a better amp in the future when I upgrade my heaphone.
 
Would it be better for me to start off the cheaper or the more expensive option?  And would there be a noticeable difference in sound between the two?  I am really looking at the best bang for bucks amp/dac option and don't mind spending more if it means I get a much better increase in quality in sound..  Any other amp/dacs I should be looking at?

 

[coldy]

I'm in the same situation except I bought a K701. I don't really want a combo DAC/Amp for evolution purpose ..

 

[tyoung8]

Heard the K701 is hard to amp and you'll probably need to be more careful on what amp to buy.

 

[coldy]

Heard that too. I read that the Little Dot I+ is pretty good for low impedance headphones, it can provides 200mW+ at 62Ohms.
Back to you, I think the Matrix mini is a very good DAC for its price but also read that the headphone out was a bit more low end (actually it was (is ?) one of my choice).
The Lovely Cube (M-Stage & Black Cube Linear clone) is also part of my list even if a bit expensive (need a DAC).