[MandolinRob]

Hi all,

This community is incredible, a huge thanks for any insight offered on this.

I am seeking a portable DAC/AMP and closed back headphones. I have JH Roxanne Custom IEM's but want to move away from IEM's except for travel.

I am a photographer and work from my laptop in cafes and hot desk spaces a lot. Hence the need for closed back headphones. I don't need the DAC/AMP to be small enough to pair with a phone, if it sits on the table next to the laptop that is absolutely fine.

Ideal budget £1200 UK could push to £1500 for huge gains, but weary of Diminishing returns.

Listening to a lot of Folk and Blues influenced music - Sarah Jarosz, Gary Clark Jnr, Justin Townes Earle, Dylan, Rhiannon Giddens. In to annything with Hammond Organ Slide Guitar and depressing lyrics basically.

Classic Rock

Some electronic such as Billie Eilish, Sleeping At Last, Phosphorescent

Early considerations?

Chord Mojo
Fiio M11
Oppo HA-2 (SE)

Headphones

Audeze LCD-2 Closed Back (Bit heavy perhaps for extended time at desk?)
Focal Elegia
Denon AH-D7200
Audio Technica ATH-W1000Z

So much choice! So hard to find somewhere to try it all out! Please help,

Thanks,

Rob

 

[serman005]

Of those you list, I do like the Mojo and I would add another headphone to your list--the ZMF Blackwood. You might read about it and see what you think--it could potentially work.