I have a Digi+Pro setup on a RPi3 and Volumio. It works very well, but I'm getting "pops" between songs. Reading the forums, it would appear that it's my DAC/amp that's causing the problem. It's an old (but good) Sony system (STR-DE935). I have a pair of vintage Bose 10.2 180w speakers that I really like. I'd like to buy a new DAC/amp that will take the optical TOSLINK input from the Digi+Pro and cleanly amplify the sound for my 180w speakers.
Any recommendations?
Why do you want to use an external DAC/Amp at all? Why not just use the Amp2 instead?
Isn't the wattage of the Amp2 too low at 60W/channel for my 180W speakers? Also, I already have the Digi+Pro hat installed. I don't think you can run both of these.
No, the "wattage" of a speaker is not a useful value at all. The wattge only tell you how much power a speaker can accept before it gets damaged. If the sensitivity is correct with 86db/1m/W, the Amp2 will be able to run your speakers at almost 100dB which is VERY loud. Many users overestimate the required power. I would recommend to test the Amp2. We offer a money-back-guarantee if you're not happy with it:
https://www.hifiberry.com/shop/money-back-guarantee/
What about my Digi+Pro? I would simply replace it with this Amp2 hat? Sounds good.
Yes, the Amp2 would replace the Digi+ and your speakers would be connected directly to the Amp2.