Hi Guys. I need to travel for business sometimes.  I love the sound of tubes (early buyer of Decware and is entire system at home).  I would like to center my travel system around a laptop, dac, preamp & amp or suitable integrated.

Obviously size is a big issue, in this case smaller is better.  Also could use a recommendation on small speakers that would sound real good.  If you can compare any component mentioned to the sound of a comparable Decware product, that would help me also.  Thanks for your help.

Hi Riverranch, Thank you for your response.  I currently have a Select, which is the same size and I would judge that to be a some big for putting in a suitcase when I still have to add all the other components and keep the airlines happy as well.  Of course that would be great sound but size and weight is a issue I think.

Hi Riverranch, I will look up your comments about traveling with them.  Believe me, using the Zen equipment would make me happy, I just thought it would take up too much space and weigh alot too.  Thanks again.

This may be too much compromise for your stated goals, but have you considered one of the smaller Dayton chip based amps?  Light weight, and quite decent sounding.    

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-383

I'm afraid that if you really want the Decware sound, you're going to have to lug around the Decware iron.  Or something similar.  (And we know from experience that that is typically more expensive!)  

Have tried the miniwatt( the older one) I was not impressed, besides it gave a load of problems.

shreekant

deucekazoo, thanks for the idea.  I would like to be able to play it out-loud in a hotel room so that if I had guests, everyone could hear good music.  I do tend to agree with you, I am still researching small components with great sound.