The apogee minidac into my balanced m3 was very very nice. Not the best ever, but pretty darn good. I was never all that impressed by the headphone out on it. It was servicable in a pinch.
SS = starving student.
Best bet is to start with something easier than a balanced amp, then give it to a friend, then tackle the bigger projects. I can say I love the sound of my balanced m3
I think Run DMC resurrecting aerosmith's career is reason enough, not to mention the influence they've had on modern rock acts. But mostly, the R&R hall of fame is just a hard rock cafe w/o burgers.