As long as you don't pay full price for the TA-ZH1ES, I think it is a great deal. Build quality is top notch and is second to none and it comes with a remote control. You can use it as a DAC as well as a pre-amp (though don't expect top flight performance here). Sound wise in balanced, it is lush, warm, and bassy with excellent soundstage both width and depth. The downside is it can be a tad soft around the edge and not able to produce the same attack and dynamics punch compared to better dynamic amp such as the GS-X MKII. If you already have a great great DAC, you may want to wait and get Justin's new GS-1 MKII or contact Doug and buy the ECP T4. Still, I love the TA-ZH1ES with the HD800 and I reckon that you will like it a lot with the Clear as well. The tuning may prove too warm for the HD650 though. I personally like it better than the Senn HDVD-800 and the Questyle DAC/amp units that I have tried. Don't forget that this is an ES unit, so 5-year warranty comes standard. I heard Doug T4 prototype and it was on par with the GS-X MKII for $1000 less.