Audioengine A2s or Audioengine N22 Amp+Audioending P4s

For a little bit more, this setup will do much better than the A2s: Energy RC-10 and Lepai 2020A t-amp. The t-amp is a great little starter amp for a bedroom until you can get something better. 

Here's a review of the Energy RC-10: http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/energy_rc10.htm. Search around the web, and you'll find a ton of positive testimonials for them. 

Other options:

Swan D1080MkIV - much larger than the A2's in both physical size and sound, but I assume it could be an option since the P4 is. Should be just over $200 including shipping. I have the older MkII 08 version. Fills my bedroom nicely when I'm sitting away from my desk. Actually, I don't see how I can't use this for a small party, especially with an HT-spec 8" active sub; with a lineout feed from the Ibasso D-Zero I rarely get to 10:00 on the dial and I can hear it downstairs at 12:00.

Topping TP30 and Dayton B652 - If the TP30 USB input works with your Mac, chances are you might also get better quality decoding.

I would suggest that once you step up to spending $100 on a t-amp like the Topping, it's worth looking at your local Craigslist for a used AV receiver instead. Typically there are lots of good deals.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cel4145 

I would suggest that once you step up to spending $100 on a t-amp like the Topping, it's worth looking at your local Craigslist for a used AV receiver instead. Typically there are lots of good deals.

Not if you only have your desk to rest it on, plus the speakers. Otherwise, yes, it's a good alternative.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProtegeManiac 

 

Not if you only have your desk to rest it on, plus the speakers. Otherwise, yes, it's a good alternative.

True. But -1 for stating the obvious. It's a fair assumption that everyone on head-fi has seen an AV receiver, and the OP already owns some home audio equipment so I'm sure he knew this. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by cel4145 

 

True. But -1 for stating the obvious. It's a fair assumption that everyone on head-fi has seen an AV receiver, and the OP already owns some home audio equipment so I'm sure he knew this. 

I'm not assuming he doesn't know this, I'm explaining why I would consider the TP30 as an option, which aside from my own assessments on the size I'm also assuming he might want a smaller form factor since he was looking into the N22.

I have the A2s (as well as the A5s). Since you are not focusing on nearfield, my guess is that you'd be happier with the P4s than the A2s. The A2s are nice for nearfield, but I don't think they'd cut it for the application you are describing.