2. amps-preamps
  3. 177579-11307

Need some suggestions for a desktop amp.

I'm in need of some ideas/suggestions for a desktop amp. built in DAC would be a plus but not necessary. I used to have a Naim Untitqute driving my Harbeth P3ESR's which are very nearfield. My issue with the Naim is the large form factor which takes up a lot of space on my desk. Although the sound and functionality was great with the built in DAC and all.

The issue is, most amps with a smaller form factor made for desks are Headphone amps and not speaker amps. 

I tried a little Chinese amp but the ChiFi amp I ordered wouldn't work hooked up via USB to my iMac like it was adverstied to. So back it went.

I considered buying some Active Speakers but have never had any experience with them so not sure what direction to go. I love my little Harbeths so would like to keep them but I'm open to making a change if need be.

I'm close to pulling the trigger on a Nuprime IDA-8. However, I wanted to get others opinions first.

Thank you for your thoughts.

 

128x128jb505
yyzsantabarbara
4,808 posts
 

The Benchmark AHB2 and the DAC3B HGC stacked on top (not an sonic issue) will give you a small form factor and also sound great with those warm Harbeths. 

I have a similar setup with KEF LS50s. I will be upgrading those speakers one day to something simitar to the Harbeths. One reason to do this is because I want to keep the Benchmark gear (with 2 AHB2's).

 

mike_in_nc
1,147 posts
 

You didn’t mention budget. I’m sure the Benchmark stack would be better than the IDA-8. I had the latter, and while it offers a lot good for the price, you would notice the difference on your Harbeths. I have a pair of P3ESR, and to me, the IDA-8 used with them sounded fine, but not as good as more expensive gear. (I'm using a Classe preamp and Marsh amplifier.) The IDA-8 digitizes everything, so you will get its signature even if you use your own DAC.

I wish I could suggest a compact integrated up to the standard of your Harbeths, but I am not familiar with that market. If you buy the IDA-8 new, I’d make sure you can return it if you don’t like it.

Active or powered speakers would help solve the space dilemma, but IMO Harbeths are hard to replace for natural and non-fatiguing sound. So be careful . . . there are worse things than a crowded desk. If you like the Naim otherwise, make space for it if you can!

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,658 posts
 

This should fit the bill. You can return it if you don't like it!

 

jb505's avatar
jb505 OP
60 posts
 

My budget is < $2K give or take.

yyz - I’m sure the Benchmark is a great amplifier. It’s a little over my budget. Also it’s a balanced only amp so I would have to buy their dac and I’m up to almost $4k.

Mike - thank you so much for the heads up on the Nuprime. I was really close to pulling the trigger. I’ll wait and shop around to see what other options are available. It’s amazing to me how many headphone amps there are for desktop while not many regular amps. 

yogiboy - I’ve seen the Audiolab in my research but I’ll take another look. Thx.

ghd - you got me thinking about moving it all off to the side and many making space for something a little larger. That would open it up to a lot more options. I do have to think about the wife factor as well. But it may just put me in the same situation as before just with the mess in a different place.

loomisjohnson
1,941 posts
 

i believe the harbeths are hard to drive, so i'd look at the peachtree nova 150, which is small and powerful

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