Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice. I'm new to audio so excuse me if I don't make sense
I want to build my first stereo system for a desk setup, with a total budget of around 800 EUR (~950 USD). I’ve already chosen the speakers, but I’m unsure about the DAC / preamp / amp side.
Being able to control volume directly from my MacBook using the normal OS volume controls / slider is very important to me.
I've been getting kinda confused due to contradicting information and I would appreciate your advice.
Here are a couple of options I've considered:
1. Option:
I would use the E50 II in preamp mode. From what I've read macOS system volume will send commands to the TOPPING which will cause it to send the volume.
Total Cost: 660 EUR (~770 USD). If I want to add a streamer later, the WiiM Mini (99 EUR) seems like a reasonable option here.
2. Option:
Since I would be using the SMSL PO100, I'm afraid volume control would only be possible via the WiiM app. Or maybe it would only be digital volume control at the Mac level? Which I heard is not ideal. I don't even know how I can predict whether the SMSL PO100 will completely cause MacOS to disable volume control altogether (I heard some USB audio devices do that) or will still allow digital volume. The main advantages are less devices / space and WiiM app features like room correction, which seem beginner-friendly (or maybe are just a gimmick?).
Which option would you recommend, and why? Any thoughts or things that stand out? I would appreciate some input to get some clarity. Thanks
I want to build my first stereo system for a desk setup, with a total budget of around 800 EUR (~950 USD). I’ve already chosen the speakers, but I’m unsure about the DAC / preamp / amp side.
Being able to control volume directly from my MacBook using the normal OS volume controls / slider is very important to me.
I've been getting kinda confused due to contradicting information and I would appreciate your advice.
Here are a couple of options I've considered:
1. Option:
- MacBook (Apple Music 24-bit / 192 kHz) -> USB-C -> TOPPING E50 II -> TOPPING MINI300 -> Speakers (Dali Oberon 1)
I would use the E50 II in preamp mode. From what I've read macOS system volume will send commands to the TOPPING which will cause it to send the volume.
Total Cost: 660 EUR (~770 USD). If I want to add a streamer later, the WiiM Mini (99 EUR) seems like a reasonable option here.
2. Option:
- MacBook (Apple Music 24-bit / 192 kHz) -> USB-C -> SMSL PO100 -> Toslink S/PDIF -> WiiM Amp Pro -> Speakers (Dali Oberon 1)
Since I would be using the SMSL PO100, I'm afraid volume control would only be possible via the WiiM app. Or maybe it would only be digital volume control at the Mac level? Which I heard is not ideal. I don't even know how I can predict whether the SMSL PO100 will completely cause MacOS to disable volume control altogether (I heard some USB audio devices do that) or will still allow digital volume. The main advantages are less devices / space and WiiM app features like room correction, which seem beginner-friendly (or maybe are just a gimmick?).
Which option would you recommend, and why? Any thoughts or things that stand out? I would appreciate some input to get some clarity. Thanks
