Hi Lrdmax,
I have the A5's and the A2's and I will tell you that the A5'S are able to resolve the difference's between different DAC's. While using the high quality Bitrates (Apple Loseless), I have compared the digital output jacks from my MacPro Desktop, iPod, Logitech Duet, and Benchmark DAC1 and the Benchmark was the obvious winner. The Audioengine A5's are like good Studio Monitors and they are very resolving for nearfield listening, they can certainly resolve the differences between different DAC's, power cord's or interconnects especially when hooked up to a quality DAC. I have never listened to the Wadia i70, but it's reputation proceeds itself.
However, for walking around or background music you will not appreciate the difference, but if you sit in front of the A5's for critical listening enjoyment, then you will most certainly be rewarded with worthwhile sonic improvements.
I have the A5's and the A2's and I will tell you that the A5'S are able to resolve the difference's between different DAC's. While using the high quality Bitrates (Apple Loseless), I have compared the digital output jacks from my MacPro Desktop, iPod, Logitech Duet, and Benchmark DAC1 and the Benchmark was the obvious winner. The Audioengine A5's are like good Studio Monitors and they are very resolving for nearfield listening, they can certainly resolve the differences between different DAC's, power cord's or interconnects especially when hooked up to a quality DAC. I have never listened to the Wadia i70, but it's reputation proceeds itself.
However, for walking around or background music you will not appreciate the difference, but if you sit in front of the A5's for critical listening enjoyment, then you will most certainly be rewarded with worthwhile sonic improvements.