How to improve this setup?

Hi all,

Looking to treat myself to something this Christmas and I don't know what would be the most beneficial.

I've thought about a DAC or getting the desktop stands for the speakers to 'invert' them and have them pointing downwards where I'm sitting/listening at. One thing I'm worried about is the left speaker tipping forward, can anyone with the speakers/stands confirm that this won't happen?

As far as DAC's go, I don't have any experience with them so I'm wondering which ones I should research. Honestly I'm happy with the sound I'm getting now but if I can get noticeable results then I'm all for trying something out.

My budget is $200 max. Anyone have suggestions?

Macbook + Audioengine A5

I ended up getting a Fiio E10 and after looking through Google, I ended up using some leftover soft foam from a hard drive box to prop up and isolate the rear of the speaker and attached two of the stick on rubber feet that shipped with the E10 to isolate the front. Works well so far.

Now that I have the DAC setup does anyone have recommendations on how to properly set the volume. I have the Macbook set to 100%, Vox set to 100% and the speakers are only at 8-9o'clock position and are plenty loud. The speakers are zeroed out at around the 7o'clock position. What's the going theory on proper volume settings?

I also was recommended to move the speakers (rear ported) further away from the wall to improve sound. They currently have 4-5 inches of space from the wall now. What should I aim for?

Thanks