I have have this dac\/amp for ~ 6 month now and I have to say that it be worth every penny . to anyone that be on the fence due to the extremely sharp , ear pierce high , do not worry ! the amp have a break-in period . after this time the sound even out perfectly . this time vary I be sure but my time be no more than a couple of day listen . I go about shorten this by leave music play through my headphone all day , even though I be not present . on to sound . I be not a audiophile by any means -lrb- though I do possess a obsession with the idea -rrb- . the sound quality through my headphone , beyerdynamic dt 990 headphone , be spectacular . I believe it be the best I have ever hear my music sound . the sound be extremely punchy , and the high be absolutely sublime after the break-in . the low be there but not overstate , as can be the case with some amp . overall I think this amp\/dac have a great balance that I do not get with my other setup . obviously you choice of headphone will greatly impact you experience with any dac . Mine be great for I , but other may find they too bright , or not strong enough in certain area . what I can say , be that after make the jump to a good set of headphone and a dac I will never go back . it be like have the band cram inside you head . you can hear every instrument at any give time . you do not realize how much be lose in normal sound card , or cheap speakers\/headphones until you listen to a good set on a decent dac for a day or two . it leave you with a feeling you can not shake . if you purchase this unit and use it with a decent set of headphone I can guarantee you will not be disappoint with it .