2. amps-preamps
  3. 160943-130565

In Search Of... Desktop All-In-One

I am looking to finish-off my office with some quality audio. This would be a nearfield/computer audio type of situation. I already have the (passive) speakers and (active) sub.
It seems compact/mini/desktop components are hard to come by. So far I've found the below:
https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-dta-pro-100w-class-d-bluetooth-amplifier-with-usb-dac-ir-...

This just about suits my needs, though I was hoping someone might have an idea of where to find a more "refined" product, as reviews of this are a tad dodgy. This is definitely a <$1000USD purchase. I was aiming for more around $500, but will go where the product is.

This Marantz looks enticing, with the addition of Streaming, FM and CD. But is has no inboard USB DAC. I know, I know, but I'm seeing if this can all be done in one component. 
https://www.us.marantz.com/en-US/shop/wirelessmusicsystems/mcr612 

Must Haves:
  • Desktop/Compact design
  • Single Component
  • Two Channel Amp
  • Sub/Pre Out
  • Headphone Out
  • USB DAC In
  • Line In
  • BT In
Would Like to Haves:
  • CD
  • FM/Terrestrial
  • Streaming Support
  • Knob(s)
Thanks in advance for any/all advice. I've been looking high and low, and perhaps my cyberspace sleuthing isn't quite what it used to be.

Cheers! 
brian_stabinger
brian_stabinger OP
19 posts
 
First-off, a big Thank You to all that replied to this thread. This has been a fun journey (so far)!

Understandably multiple boxes would allow for more flexibility, and perhaps that is where we'll arrive. The one-box option is still my hope.

So far the Sprout (thanks for the tip, @fuzztone !!!) , NAD and TEAC. But an FM tuner would be really nice. Any idea where to source TEAC, in the USA? 
towertone's avatar
towertone
82 posts
 
"But an FM tuner would be really nice. Any idea where to source TEAC, in the USA?"

The Teac is at both Crutchfield and Amazon.  

The Denon mentioned above has a tuner but you'll need a Toslink cable to connect to your computer as its USB input is for mass storage only. 

Good luck!
rumblestrip's avatar
rumblestrip
48 posts
 
Current Sprout100 does have Bluetooth.  I own one, it's fine, but for my tastes, it's really lean.  Now that could be my speakers, a set of Dynaco A25's.  I have some Triangles on order, if they don't improve the sound I will be selling the Sprout.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,984 posts
 
@rumblestrip -- interesting about the Sprout being "lean" in sound. I do wonder whether any other compact, integrated, solid state option could really vary that much from the Sprout in tonal character. It would seem that one would have to introduce another box (DAC, e.g.) to really affect that. But that violates the OP's one-box rule. 
raak
1 posts
 
I am using Sprout 100 + KEF Q150 for my office area. I used to use my old Sony Portable CD Player with mini digital out as a CD source, but since then upgraded to Pro-Ject CD box S2 which is one of the smallest CD player/transport I can find.
More to discover