Dorm Room Amp/Preamp

Yeah thanks a lot for your responses guys. I've been leaning towards Peachtree Audio Decco looks gorgeous and has all the features I need but I haven't really heard much about them. But I've also heard a lot about Music Hall's offerings. Anybody have firsthand experience with them?

Excuse me. They are no longer called 'dorm rooms'. The preferred term now is 'residence hall room.'

I recently purchased a Nuforce Icon system for one of my daughters dorm... er, residence hall rooms. The sound was fine - just not enough of it. With the volume knob cranked all the way up it was still not loud enough. Sadly, it got returned.

I am also looking at a Peachtree Decco. Hard to locate used, but if the newer Nova is any indication it should be a killer integrated amp/DAC combo.

If that doen't pan out i will probably look at a used Rega Brio. The girl spins vinyl, so the excellent phono stage is a plus. I just need to pair up a good, inexpensive USB DAC and we are off to the races.

Vinyl? Obi Wan, you have taught her well.....

For my money, in my rooms with my speakers, I didn't like the NAD. I thought the sound was too sterile and clinical, but had great dynamics and drive. It might depend on the music she likes. I haven't tried the Cambridge but have read that their flavor is more like tubes. I can't vouch for that though. I like my Decco and it is almost future=proof. Plenty of drive and dynamics. I thought the high end was a little soft, but maybe it is my speakers. So versatile and very pretty. It is impressive to look at, the remote is a plus, plenty of inputs but you would have to add a phono. Have some fun with it!