[smokecrack]

Hi all,
 
So I had a pair of Klipsch Pro Media 2.1s that I loved but the second set failed on me and now I'm looking to upgrade to a solid 2.0 set... and a DAC/amp so I can designate my Grado 325i's to my computer area.
 
Here's what I'm thinking:
 
 
Apple Macbook ---> USB Connector ---> AudioEngine D1 DAC ---> 2-RCA Stereo RCA Cables ---> AudioEngine A2 2.0 Speakers
 
 
So some questions:
 

• What do you think about the above setup in general? Anything you would replace?
• I've read really good reviews about the Audioengine D1 and I love that it's a amp/DAC combo but would you recommend an alternative DAC in the same price range?
• I'm using the best reviewed RCA cables I can find on Amazon. But they're obviously cheap. I've never heard an A/B comparison of really expensive RCA cables but don't think my ears are sensitive enough to hear a difference. Are the cables I selected good enough or would you recommend something else? If yes, please link to it on Amazon as I need to order from there (lots of gift cards).

 
Here's a picture of what this would look like exactly (minus the grados):
http://audioengineusa.com/D1_A2rear.jpg

 

[PurpleAngel]

Getting the Audioengine D1 makes sense to me.

 

[cel4145]

I agree. The D1 could be a great choice for a combo headphone amp and DAC that has line out for speakers.

See this CNET review of the Lepai t-amp and Dayton speakers which Steve Guttenberg perferred over the A2s: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-57439115-47/build-your-own-desktop-stereo-for-under-$70/ For the price of the A2s, you could even step up from that. Get the Indeed TA2021, which is better build quality, better SQ, and a little more power than the Lepai. Pair it with the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (watch for specials and you might find them under $100). Here's a review: http://www.stereophile.com/content/pioneer-sp-bs22-lr-loudspeaker Or find a good pair of used passive speakers.

 

[smokecrack]

Quote:

I agree. The D1 could be a great choice for a combo headphone amp and DAC that has line out for speakers.

See this CNET review of the Lepai t-amp and Dayton speakers which Steve Guttenberg perferred over the A2s: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-57439115-47/build-your-own-desktop-stereo-for-under-$70/ For the price of the A2s, you could even step up from that. Get the Indeed TA2021, which is better build quality, better SQ, and a little more power than the Lepai. Pair it with the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (watch for specials and you might find them under $100). Here's a review: http://www.stereophile.com/content/pioneer-sp-bs22-lr-loudspeaker Or find a good pair of used passive speakers.

 
Awesome! Thanks for the suggestions. I considered the various speakers in your post, but they are quite large compared to the A2's and I don't have that much desktop space
 
What do you think about the cables I selected? Good enough or anything else on Amazon that you'd recommend?

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Awesome! Thanks for the suggestions. I considered the various speakers in your post, but they are quite large compared to the A2's and I don't have that much desktop space
What do you think about the cables I selected? Good enough or anything else on Amazon that you'd recommend?

I think you should save cash and keep using the current cables.

 

[cel4145]

What do you think about the cables I selected? Good enough or anything else on Amazon that you'd recommend?

I'm sure those would be fine

 

[smokecrack]

Thanks all! Proceeding to order all this stuff.