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
soix
9,549 posts
 

The Bel Canto C5i may well tick all your boxes and save you $$$ buying used, and there’s a nice one now on USAM for only $825 (retail $1895). It puts out 60Wpc into 8 Ohms and doubles into 4 Ohms that should be more than ample power for a desktop setup, and as BC makes some of the better DACs on the market it may well beat your DAC in which case you could sell your DAC to offset even more of the BC’s cost. There are several reviews you can read for more insights/info. Just another option FWIW, and best of luck.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649840775-bel-canto-c5i-dacintegrated/

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jb505's avatar
jb505 OP
60 posts
 

All good suggestions, and thank you for them.

They are all about the same size as the Naim is and thus my issue of crowding me out of my work space.

I’m thinking I can buy some longer speaker cables and possibly move the amp to a corner still within reach to adjust volume and mute during phone calls.

Still thinking about active speakers or maybe just going to headphones. I’ve never been into headphones although I do have a pair hidden in the depths of my closet some where.

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yyzsantabarbara
4,874 posts
 

@jb505 I got an email from PeachTree Audio today informing me of their GAN amp with built-in DAC. It seems a streaming only system. Peachtree gear is usually not too big. I had the NOVA 150 on my desk at one time to KEF LS50s.

BTW - you will be 100% better sound if your speakers are behind you and not near your desk. Look at my Virtual Office System on A'gon.

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