[k2snowboards88]

I'm looking for an amp with a spdif input for use with my macbook being used as a desktop. What are some good options? I don't want to go over $150 and less is better. It doesn't need to be amazing, just significantly better than the built in audio. Also, are there any options with dolby headphone? I might be willing to pay more for an amp with that. 
 
edit: I'm in the us. I see a couple of options available in the UK, but nothing in the US.

 

[billybob_jcv]

Fiio E17 would work - but it doesn't have Dolby Headphone. Can't you just have your music player on your Mac supply the Dolby Headphone processing?

 

[billybob_jcv]

Is the Mac's SPDIF optical TOSLINK or coax?

 

[k2snowboards88]

TOSLINK.
 
As for dolby headphones, I'm not away of any video players that support it. If they support something like it that's good, then I'd love to hear about it. 

 

[billybob_jcv]

Really? That's surprising. I think the paid (not free) versions of PowerDVD for the PC have Dolby Headphone, and I just assumed the Mac would always have better A/V capability than the PC.

 

[k2snowboards88]

Well, I guess I haven't looked that hard. Lack of Dolby Headphone isn't a deal breaker though. I'm not finding much though. the e17 could be ok, but I can't help that I would be paying for a lot of features that I"m not using in a desktop situation. 
 
perhaps http://www.amazon.com/TC-7510-Converter-Headphone-Amplifier-Audiophile/dp/B006AA217E is a good choice. 
 
edit: Actually it has some pretty bad reviews. The baresford model has good reviews, but yet again is only available in Europe...

 

[billybob_jcv]

You could just use USB and forget the SPDIF. That opens up more options.

Or, maybe something like the Soundblaster Omni or the Soundblaster X-Fi HD?

 

[k2snowboards88]

I ended up getting an open box Fostex HP-A3. It was more than I wanted to spend, but oh well. It seemed like a good deal. http://www.headphone.com/collections/dacs/products/fostex-hp-a3-b-stock
 
One reason I didn't want usb is because I've experienced noise from usb connected audio devices with some pcs. The other reason is that I've had another device go unsupported and it's now a paperweight. That's unlikely to happen with these more standard devices, but you never know. The Fostex is powered by usb, but can accept audio in from usb or toslink. If usb is too noisy, I can hook it up to a powered, disconnected usb hub and use toslink. Maybe I won't have to. 
 
Now I have to wait.