I am coming to the collective knowledge base here for some suggestions.
Does anyone have any input on a desktop headphone system? Something that could be left on my desk in a cube farm without too much worry.
The headphones could be easily put in a drawer when I leave, but the amp would more than likely stay out.
So what I am thinking about is something using my iPod and Wadia 170 as a music server. The company frowns on storing anything on their systems( OK frowns is a misnomer, fires would be the correct term).
In thinking this through, my needs would be a DAC, an amp, and headphones.
As the office tube guy, a tube amp would be a cool touch, something that would impress the boys.
Since the only time I am alone in the cube is from 5:30 till 6:30 AM, and most of the rest of the day there would be background noise, I'm willing to give up ultimate sound for ease of use.
Does anyone think that this could be done for $750?
So summing up, DAC, amp, headphones, $750, tubes would be cool.

Donnie,
I will recommend 3 setups.
#1 The first one would be the Zenhead. I ran this one for a year or so and loved the sound. I had this paired up with my Modified Fostex TR50 headphones. If you want some tubes in the chain, I added a Zbox and it improved the sound. Simple, small, easy to hide inside a drawer.

#2 Emotiva DC-1. This is a DAC that also has two headphone outputs. Small footprint, remote and its a nice DAC.

#3 Something from Shiit. They have nice lineup of headphone stuff. I have not heard their headphone amps but have heard their DACs. Nice stuff.

John

That looks pretty SWEET. These guys liked it:

http://www.hifiwigwam.com/jolida-glass-fx-tube-dac-iii/