[Evansoft]

So I read in another thread
 
Quote:

For a $175, you could get an Audio Engine D1, an external DAC with headphone amplifier. You would plug it into the Zx's S/PDIF optical port, so you could still use the Zx's Headphone Surround Sound features.

 
I have a Creative Sound Blaster Z and am wondering if the Audio Engine D1 would be a noticeable upgrade from them, using HD598s.
Can the two be used together? What are the benefits of that over using USB, besides the Surround Sound features? How is the bass with the AudioEngine D1?
 
Also, if not a substantial gain in quality could be seen, I'd like an AMP/DAC for around $300 but would like to purchase from within the country as I really can't be bothered to deal with international shipping.

EDIT: I'm also looking at http://www.jdslabs.com/products/48/o2-odac-combo/
How reliable and trustworthy is this company? I'm willing to ship internationally only for products that are golden, and I've read this is an extremely good amp/dac combo.
 
EDIT2: And IF I could get the Jdslabs amp/dac, should I get the combo or purchase them separately?

 

[Evansoft]

Bump.
This is a serious question