I'm interested in getting a (relatively) inexpensive USB computer rig at the moment, so I'm looking for advice on what to pick. At the moment, I have three choices in mind, of which I'm considering two:

1) DAC/amp combo at http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=185569

Which seems to be a NOS TDA1543 DAC, maybe similar to the Monica II (?), plus a PINT, in one PCB & enclosure.

2) Alien DAC + Go-Vibe 5

With the Alien DAC being a simple USB PCM2702 DAC, and then the Go-Vibe 5 apparently being a simple LM6172 deal with a DC jack.

3) Total Bithead

At the moment I think the others will be a better value. Since while I don't have any electronics skill, I will force a person on #headphone-hifi to go and make the DIY part for parts cost, since I have certain pictures of him. However, this person is also known for 0.00000001 star customer service.

Headphone will be Sennheiser HD580.

I don't have a portable amp either, and if I pick option 2) that will cover this, but on the other hand I don't know if I'd want to bother with a portable amp (note that in the situations where I'm likely to use my PDAP, I will be stationary and paying attention to the music) since the benefit to amping UM2s or whatever is unlikely to be _that_ extraordinary.

Any advice or possible other choices?

I can't find the edit button (assuming it even exists).

There's also cetoole's supposed DAC/amp combo but it will come out around when the Mini^3 comes out (which is never) so that's out.

Haha, it looks like I'm in the same position as you. I also need a simple DAC + Amp combo.

I was almost ready to put down my money on a GCHA but realized I won't have any money whatsoever for my first semester of college if I bought it.

Bah, I need to figure it out within a week.