Small, cheap, decent one-box solution for PC audio?

[Hopstretch]

I got my friend a pair of OK2s for his birthday to use with his iPod and he's all so I was thinking of throwing in something basic for his PC. I know this is one of those questions, but I guess I'm looking for a cheap and cheerful USB DAC/amp that will leave some room to grow with harder-to-drive headphones. Thinking Total Bithead budget -- is there a better way to go (including used and DIY) for that kind of scratch? All suggestions welcome. Except "buy him a Pico." We're not that kind of friends.

[n_maher]

I got my friend a pair of OK2s for his birthday to use with his iPod and he's all so I was thinking of throwing in something basic for his PC. I know this is one of those questions, but I guess I'm looking for a cheap and cheerful USB DAC/amp that will leave some room to grow with harder-to-drive headphones. Thinking Total Bithead budget -- is there a better way to go (including used and DIY) for that kind of scratch? All suggestions welcome. Except "buy him a Pico." We're not that kind of friends.

1. The Bithead is a good value, especially if you can find one used.

2. The Go-Vibe Petite + DAC, I use the DAC only version of this at work and it's a passable soundcard.

3. The IBasso D2 Boa - no direct experience with this so YMMV

There are no good DIY options that come to mind, or better put ones that you're likely to be able to find in a reasonable time frame.

[jinp6301]

The discontinued HPDac

Seems like a real good value if you can find one

[wrecked_porsche]

A used iBasso D1 might be a good choice to consider too. Plenty of input options on the D1. And if he wants to get into some DIY, he can start by swapping the opamps...

[MrSlacker]

Predator