[meemorize]

Hi everyone,
 
So I have a pair or NHT Absolute Zero speakers (small bookshelf size) connected to my computers (1x Mac + 1x PC) via an NuForce Icon DAC/Amp.
 
This all worked great but about a week ago I noticed the sound cutting in and out with loud pops that are the same type of pop sound when you turn the NuForce on/off with speakers connected. Then 2 days ago my NuForce just stopped working entirely.
 
As sad as I may be about this, it's also an opportunity to get a new DAC/Amp desktop combo unit that can drive my little speakers.
 
After a bit of research I couldn't really find something that suited my needs so maybe you guys know something and can suggest a unit.
 
I'm after a relatively compact unit that costs less that $500 (if possible) and the following features are a must:
 
- Inputs: At least 2 inputs. Digital for at least one of them, better if both are either USB or USB+Optical/Toslink, but if it's 1 digital input + 1 analog one that would be okay too.
- Output should be enough to drive my little speakers (the NuForce Icon v1 drives them fine)
- Design: Would be nice if it was a DAC + Amp combo unit but if the DAC + separate amp units combined don't have a massive footprint on my desk that might work too.
- Easy input source switching (like the icon amp) or concurrent audio passthrough on all inputs so no switching is required (like the Audioengine N22). The latter would be preferred.
- Cost: less than $500 but all options considered
- Size: smaller is better in this case but all options considered
 
So far I've only come around to other NuForce (now Optoma NuForce) products like the NuForce Dia, NuForce DDA-120, NuForce HDP and the Audioengine N22 which unfortunately doesn't have a DAC built in.
 
Would love some help in finding a great DAC+Amp solution for this computer setup
 
Thanks for reading!

 

[coli]

Active monitors are the way to go, much much better bang for the buck.

 

[meemorize]

Active monitors are the way to go, much much better bang for the buck.

That is certainly an option but even then I need the ability to manage 2 separate inputs (PC and Mac) with either a DAC or other kind of switch.

Any suggestions on what setup I should be looking at?

 

[labrat]

Del

 

[meemorize]

  Small passive PC-speakers never did impress me with their sound, maybe because they are all old in their design?
I have the Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 active speakers, bought in a sale 2 years ago, these were the best I could find at that time, sound quality and size referenced.
Now I was just dropping in a HiFi shop, and some new, small active speakers were set up, the Argon Octave 3A.
I was able to listen to them, and by chance, they also had the B & W MM-1 there.
If you want new, small, computer speakers, I do recommend the Argons!
Check them out, I would have bought them, but I already have the B & W, and have spent too much lately.

 
The NHT's are not really "PC speakers" but rather standard bookshelf speakers that I'm using with a PC as the source. Semantics aside, I think the MM-1 look nice!
 
I read that the MM-1s have a USB connection as well as a 3.5mm analogue input source, if both are connected can you choose which sound input is output via the speakers? Or are both sound sources played back at the same time?

 

[labrat]

Del

 

[coli]

That is certainly an option but even then I need the ability to manage 2 separate inputs (PC and Mac) with either a DAC or other kind of switch.

Any suggestions on what setup I should be looking at?

Lots and lots
 
http://www.sweetwater.com/shop/computer-audio/audio_interfaces/
 
http://www.sweetwater.com/c405--Active_Monitors

 

[musicinmymind]

Stereo 50, it has good headphone out as well.
 
http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/retro-stereo-50/