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Wadia 170i/DAC combo with AudioEngine speakers

I use AudioEngine A2 and A5 speakers with an Ipod as a portable stereo system that sounds pretty good on vacation. Very decent sound for a lake cabin or out on a pontoon boat with a power pack (using the A2s, not the A5s). In my opinion, the Ipod/A5 combo fills a lake cabin living room with very adequate sound.

I've never heard an Ipod through a 170i/DAC combination. The references I've read tend to focus on a primary home system. My question is this: Is an 170i/DAC combination overkill if you're using the AudioEngine A5 speakers? The Ipod/A5 combo sounds pretty good and is affordable. Is it worth adding the 170i/DAC combo to this "system"?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
lrdmax

Showing 1 response by artmaltman

artmaltman
769 posts
 
I own and love the A5 but returned the A2. Prefer M-Audio model 40 (might be called AV40) over the A2. Amazon sells them around $150 shipped last I checked. The A2 sounds strained to me compared to A5 or the M-Audio. A5 is warmer and more robust than the M-Audio model.

I use computer as source for A5's and M-Audio. Switched to Devilsound DAC (Latest model, USB to RCA) from using the computer sound card, and it is a VERY audible improvement.

Art
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