The dates in this thread are old but you may be here for the info so I'll post my pinion. You can see reviews for these components on http://iHi-Fi.com/ and several relevant blog posts including one about tube buffering digital-sourced music.
Disclosure: I'm an Audioengine Authorized Dealer, passionate audiophile, and blogger. My orientation is having fun squeezing out the most performance I can per dollar. I build systems and listen to everything I sell. I will allow you a 30 day audition if you buy Audioengine stuff from my web site. Then you can judge for yourself.
For this spec, I highly recommend a set of Audioengine A5+ powered studio monitor speakers. A monolithic amp is built in so that eliminates the need for an external amp. These speakers are neutral and transparent assuming good input. Also very powerful for the size and with excellent bass response. These speakers are supreme best buys and should cost 3X the asking price or more -- $399 to $469 depending on the finish. If your budget allows, add an Audioengine S8 Sub for greater bass extension and power ($349.)
Audioengine D2 Wireless DAC -- It has the wonderful Burr-Brown PCM1792A 24 bit DAC chip. D2 takes optical or USB input. The wireless ability is phenomenal. Works without dropouts or noise and does not burden your home network, it sets up its own. My D2 transmits through 4 walls, 2 of which are solid, steel reinforced concrete. The wireless and optical aspects provide good isolation. Cost $599 and you can add more receivers to set up a total of 3 audio zones within 100 ft. radius.
With a wireless DAC you are not confined to having your computer (or digital source) close to the speakers. It can be 100 ft. away.
This setup will make all your music reach it's highest potential whether you play lowly Mp3's or 24/192 digital files.
If your budget is tight, back off to the Audioengine D1 DAC at $169. This makes your system a tabletop or rack setup but the cost is only $169 and you still get a nice DAC chip -- the Asahi Kasei AKM4396, a sweet sounding 24 bit item.
The Decco is a waste of money though it sounds good. Instead, get a Bravo Audio Ocean Tube headphone amp ($125) and use it in the signal path as a tube buffer (preamp.) Upgrade to a premium 12AU7 tube and you'll never hear the source as digital. The tube creates great smoothness and mellow sweetness without adding the usual faults of tube amplification. Totally non-fatiguing music results.
One more thing: this is not nearfield only. The nearfield aspect is available for sure. But these A5+ Speakers can power a good-sized room of 350 sq ft or more.
Non fatiguing? You bet, listen all day to this like I do every day. Questions? Other concerns? Check out http://iHi-Fi.com/ to get answers and discover the best of computer audio.
Enjoy the music.
Disclosure: I'm an Audioengine Authorized Dealer, passionate audiophile, and blogger. My orientation is having fun squeezing out the most performance I can per dollar. I build systems and listen to everything I sell. I will allow you a 30 day audition if you buy Audioengine stuff from my web site. Then you can judge for yourself.
For this spec, I highly recommend a set of Audioengine A5+ powered studio monitor speakers. A monolithic amp is built in so that eliminates the need for an external amp. These speakers are neutral and transparent assuming good input. Also very powerful for the size and with excellent bass response. These speakers are supreme best buys and should cost 3X the asking price or more -- $399 to $469 depending on the finish. If your budget allows, add an Audioengine S8 Sub for greater bass extension and power ($349.)
Audioengine D2 Wireless DAC -- It has the wonderful Burr-Brown PCM1792A 24 bit DAC chip. D2 takes optical or USB input. The wireless ability is phenomenal. Works without dropouts or noise and does not burden your home network, it sets up its own. My D2 transmits through 4 walls, 2 of which are solid, steel reinforced concrete. The wireless and optical aspects provide good isolation. Cost $599 and you can add more receivers to set up a total of 3 audio zones within 100 ft. radius.
With a wireless DAC you are not confined to having your computer (or digital source) close to the speakers. It can be 100 ft. away.
This setup will make all your music reach it's highest potential whether you play lowly Mp3's or 24/192 digital files.
If your budget is tight, back off to the Audioengine D1 DAC at $169. This makes your system a tabletop or rack setup but the cost is only $169 and you still get a nice DAC chip -- the Asahi Kasei AKM4396, a sweet sounding 24 bit item.
The Decco is a waste of money though it sounds good. Instead, get a Bravo Audio Ocean Tube headphone amp ($125) and use it in the signal path as a tube buffer (preamp.) Upgrade to a premium 12AU7 tube and you'll never hear the source as digital. The tube creates great smoothness and mellow sweetness without adding the usual faults of tube amplification. Totally non-fatiguing music results.
One more thing: this is not nearfield only. The nearfield aspect is available for sure. But these A5+ Speakers can power a good-sized room of 350 sq ft or more.
Non fatiguing? You bet, listen all day to this like I do every day. Questions? Other concerns? Check out http://iHi-Fi.com/ to get answers and discover the best of computer audio.
Enjoy the music.