Audio for kids


My kids have started using their tablets (in this case Kindle Fire) for everything, including music. Ordinarily I wouldn't get into their business (at least, this business), but since they've started to discover that Dad has some good tunes, I think they should be able to hear them on at least decent gear. Headphones I've got covered, but I'd like recommendations on headphone amps or amp/DAC combinations for pre-teens.
128x128macdonj
I was going to say that a 10 year old kid doesn't need a dac, but then again, I remember being enthralled by my uncle's JBL Paragon/Mac system when I was no older than that. If you have USB, I think the Audioengine is a really nice little piece. No menus, just a volume knob and an on/off switch. Sounds amazingly better than the computer jack.
The Audioengine D1 recommendation from Chayro is a good one. It has USB and optical inputs, the optical input made it attractive to me for connecting to an Airport Express for streaming to a small workshop system.

If you need a coax connection rather than optical the Nuforce Icon UDAC or UDAC2 have that plus USB in a small, inexpensive package.
vintage receiver, descent working player and boston bookshelf speakers put together for less than $100 will to the trick.
Chayro - Yes, you're right, if you're using the optical port you need to provide power through the USB port but that can be done with any 5V USB phone charger or other 5V source.
Take a look at Schiit

I have their Bifrost DAC and it is very well made and performs to a very high level when you use the right interconnects and power cables.

Their entry level is $99 for headphone amp and $99 for simple dac