Knife in Hand

P Thanks for the tip. Now available for a ridiculous $1500 on Amazon, but for its list price of $399 (plus international shipping) from Rakutan, the Japanese Amazon homolog. I've ordered an Astell-Kern AK100, an ALO International, (DAC/Amp) as well as the Sony PHA-1. ALO is on back-order, but hope to report back how each of the different combinations using a variety of cans.

I'm a newbie (first post!), so pardon me if this has been asked or if I break blogtiquette... Looking for a travel DAC/Amp for IPhone 5 and either headphones du jour (I have HD800, Polks, etymotics, and Ultimate Ears[and Stax, though I sure I won't travel with that behemoth). I prefer a transparent, analytical, precise sound, though something with plenty of low end oomph and high end openness and subtlety. Was considering Fostex, but then saw the new ALO International portable DAC/Amp with digital out for iPhone/iPod. Any experience with either of these would be appreciated, particularly comparison experience. Any other truly portable, battery-powered units that will input true digital from an iPhone? Much appreciated!