Thanks for the suggestions. I won't be able to put a TV monitor as my 2nd system is situated near the dining table/living room area and it would be an eyesore to have a small TV monitor there. I did take a look at the Blue Sound Node 2i. Is it possible to bypass its internal DAC? Another option is for me to sell my existing DAC and just get the Bluesound Node to minimize the outlay. It seems to be well-reviewed but I've seen some say that it sounds 'too digital' sounding.
The microrendu is $430 which is close to the price of the Bluesound, I prefer the aesthetics of the Bluesound better.
As for the Klipsch, I saw the Gate on Amazon and its similar to the discontinued Google chromecast audio but both have no digital outputs which is why I can't use either. The Klipsch powergate is out as well as I have a Marantz integrated amp in my secondary system which I like a lot.
I was hoping to keep the budget under $200 since I didn't need a DAC but it seems like I will have to stretch it as there's no workaround.
The microrendu is $430 which is close to the price of the Bluesound, I prefer the aesthetics of the Bluesound better.
As for the Klipsch, I saw the Gate on Amazon and its similar to the discontinued Google chromecast audio but both have no digital outputs which is why I can't use either. The Klipsch powergate is out as well as I have a Marantz integrated amp in my secondary system which I like a lot.
I was hoping to keep the budget under $200 since I didn't need a DAC but it seems like I will have to stretch it as there's no workaround.