So I have a specific setup I'm using which works for me but which I'll need to replace, and would like your opinion.
My current setup is a Macbook Pro via optical cable (toslink) to Onkyo ds494, which has an optical in, to Bose acoustimass 5 II. I'm listening to streams for pop and "classical" music (BBC player) and flacs. I am aware of the Bose's limitations, which I'll eventually replace.
I need to replace the receiver which I'm giving to my parents, here's what I'm thinking:
Macbook pro to external DAC like Meridian Explorer (version 1) via USB; from there to cheap receiver or amplifier, to speakers. The advantage is the explorer would let me (I think) keep a decent and portable source for headphones and speakers (better than the macbook's sound card). I'm pretty much set on the explorer, I'm just not sure of a decent cheap amp, $100- to $200 tops.
My doubts are:
1. On the passage from the meridian to the amp via RCA, would that degrade sound quality? Enough to make it not worthwhile?
2. Since my local prices are two to three times those in the US, but I can legally import at reasonable prices if I keep the weight down, I could get something like a used onkyo receiver (R-805x), 20 watts vs my current 55 watts, don't need volume but sound quality / clarity. I've also been looking at cheap amps for instance from Dayton Audio, Amphony and the likes, but I'm not sure of the sound quality and reliability.
Thanks!
