Amp for 2.1 Computer Speaker Setup

[TheStu]

On my computer right now, I'm using AudioEngine A2s run through an AudioEngine D1 DAC, with a Gallo TR2 subwoofer (it was free!). But, I recently acquired 2 Acoustic Energy Aegis Evo 1s, and I want to put those in place of my A2s. I'll need an amp, so what's my best option?

Currently, it's DAC > Sub > Speakers, should it be:
DAC > Sub > Amp > Speakers? Should I cut out the DAC? Part of why I like the DAC is because it also has a headphone amp in it (not that any of my headphones really need it), so I can more easily hook them up to my computer and have the audio switch over. So if the DAC gets cut out, the amp needs to have a headphone out.

I've looked at Lepai, Topping, AudioEngine, AudioSource, NuForce, and others.

How many watts per channel is reasonable? I don't need to bring the house down, and they are computer speakers.

Edit: I failed to mention my budget. I'd rather not go any higher than $200, but if that's thoroughly unreasonable, let me know.

 

[DesiPower]

Just looked up "Acoustic Energy Aegis Evo" are they the big floor standing speakers? If so then those flimsy Lepai, Topping, AudioEngine, AudioSource, NuForce will not do them justice... I would suggest you look for real Class A/B amps from companies like Emotiva, Yamaha or Onkyo or something like that. Additionally a good solid vintage or old used Stereo receiver might do the trick too, they can be found for cheap!

 

[TheStu]

They aren't floor standers, they're a little over a foot tall.

 

[Anubis]

those speakers are 89db/m sensitive. not low but also not high. kind of middle of the road
you could power them with almost anything to moderate levels, Dayton makes a nice 40-60 WPC T-amp for ~100$
http://www.parts-express.com/dayton...source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pla

that would work fine assuming normal listening levels and nearfield ish (comp setup will almost always be this)

You could just get a cheap 100$ AVR that would handle the DAC and Amp part but they take up a lot more space

as for the order of the components should go Source -> DAC -> Amp -> Speaker

 

[TheStu]

those speakers are 89db/m sensitive. not low but also not high. kind of middle of the road
you could power them with almost anything to moderate levels, Dayton makes a nice 40-60 WPC T-amp for ~100$
http://www.parts-express.com/dayton...source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pla

that would work fine assuming normal listening levels and nearfield ish (comp setup will almost always be this)

You could just get a cheap 100$ AVR that would handle the DAC and Amp part but they take up a lot more space

as for the order of the components should go Source -> DAC -> Amp -> Speaker

Thanks, sounds good.

What about the sub? It doesn't need to be amped, does it?

 

[DesiPower]

Thanks, sounds good.

What about the sub? It doesn't need to be amped, does it?

Short answer is NO, as your's is an Active woofer