Suggestions for amp/DAC? Keep the Creek?

[Olemang]

Hey everyone,
I’ve been reading the forums off and on for a few years, and have recently decided to give in and upgrade my setup. This forum has been a great resource, but find that I can’t quite decide exactly what would be the optimal setup.

I right now have a HD580 and a Creek OBH-11 (with NO power supply(lost in move)). I would really like to get a USB DAC, as I use my computer to listen to classical music mostly (and on the go with 5.5g iPod with Shure E3c, and QC2 only for planes/trains).

I would like to keep the HD580s for now, and definitely get a USB DAC or if necessary a DAC/amp. The question is whether to buy:

1. Creek power supply (OBH-2= $129) for the OBH-11 + and get a standalone USB DAC
2. Buy a DAC (MoodLab Dice?)(SuperPro 707 USB) + amp (Little Dot Mk III?)
3. Get a USB DAC/AMP combo (Pico?)…

Is it worth it at this point to spend the $129 on the Creek?
My pricerange is max $500, forthe DAC+AMP (either combined or separate).

How would the amp in the OBH-11 compare with the Pico?

Thanks for any help!.

 

[Audiophool]

Hey Olemang,
I use a Macbook Pro with a Trends UD-10.1 USB Converter (with an optional $10.00 rechargable Battery supply,) that I just bought today. I listen through Sennheiser HD-650s, and this rig leaves NOTHING to be desired! I either plug the cans directly into the UD-10.1, with a (longish) USB cable between the Macbook and the Trends unit, OR for even better everything, take the output from the UD-10.1 via Digital RCA cable into an ancient Monarchy Audio 22a outboard DAC. Then take the RCA L/R output into a 1/8" mini plug into a headphone adapter to match the Senn's 1/4" plug. I know this sounds complicated, but the whole investment USB/DAC, Battery P/S is under $175.00! I cannot believe the transparency and microdynamics from this Trends USB thingie...do some homework. EVERYBODY thats reviewed this thing is awed by it. You can even try it for 30 days... give Koby a shout at "hifilogic.com;" US distributors for Trends, great guy AND an audio eng. to boot.
ENJOY... Oh, and yeah; "&%#!" the wallet!