DAC Portability/Durability

@sandstone 

Funny you should mention a Ayre QB-9… I have one in my headphone system, upgraded to the 2020… “Twenty” version. 

Most of the electronics I've had over the years has been very durable. But the one weak spot can be cables/connectors between equipment. For example, I've had the charger plug for laptop break multiple times, necessitating replacement of the charger.  Only one time did the connector in the laptop itself go bad, but it can happen.  Or, think of your cell phone charger cable -- I've also had several of those go bad over the years, but cell phones tend to be plugged in daily.

The DAC not only has the power connection, but also has signal in/audio out connections, so that gives you a couple of other points where you want to be careful.  Finally, for many audiophiles, they upgrade things like DACs on a regular basis. You may have moved on to new gear before you've had a chance to wear anything out.

Lg, Jim Smith of "Get Better Sound" traveled around with an Ayre Acoustics QB-9 as he toured to perform his custom room calibrations.  Good sound and essentially bulletproof.

It is probably more a question of your personality. I use a high end DAC in my headphone system. I am sure the DAC can stand the wear and tear of being moved. My main system is 30’ from my headphone system (see my systems under my UserID) but I have two high end DACs, one for each. But, that is me. I am really lazy.

I’m pretty sure the equipment will be fine… and using the highest quality components will definitely enhance your experience in each system.