Ruark RM1 vs Class D amp + Q 3010

[Spookeh]

I currently play music from normal pc, onboard soundcard. a mix of mp3 and flac. I'm looking to upgrade this desktop system.

Restrictions:
-£300ish budget
-don't really want a big amp on the desk
-speakers must be fairly small
-wood finish preferable

2 options:

Ruark MR1 - desktop powered speakers, £300

or

Topping VX1 - Class D amp with integrated DAC, £76
Q Acoustics 3010 - small speakers, £140
also need some speaker cable etc, say £30

Which would be better?
The MR1 won whathifi's 2014 desktop speaker of the year, which is pretty impressive
They don't include a DAC though, and I don't have one, would DAC make enough difference?

Many thanks

 

[Spookeh]

bump...

 

[davedotco]

Given the budget, I would suggest a Behringer UCA202 Dac and a pair of Yamaha HS5 active speakers.

Total cost, about £250 plus cables.