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
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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.

mike_in_nc
1,153 posts
 

A smallish pre/DAC might be the Matrix mini-i Pro 3. It has an excellent sounding DAC. You can check the specs to see if it has all the features you need.

If you're interested in streaming, it does Roon but not plain DLNA/UPnP.

tjag
131 posts
 

@yyzsantabarbara I have read and heard a lot about how neutral, transparent, detailed, and clean the Benchmark AHB2 is. However, these features are also its Achilles heal because its sound could be perceived unmusical and emotionless.

Therefore, reviewers emphasized on the importance of paring it with a good preamp such as the Coda 07X which you own and is said to be one of the best preamps out there.

My question is can the Coda 07X + Benchmark AHB2($6500+$3000) combination be on par with the likes of Luxman 590AXII($8900) or the Pass labs 30.8($6800)? Especially that the Coda 07X + Benchmark combination is the most expensive here.

 

 

jb505's avatar
jb505 OP
60 posts
 

Thanks. I’ve looked at all the options suggested, a lot of good ones. I’ve read reviews on all of them. One reviewer says all the good things and then Audio Science Review guy says it measures horribly. I know it’s not in the measurements it’s in the sound!

I still haven’t decided on the direction to go.  But leaning towards the Bel Canto or if I could find a used Wyred for 4 Sound mINT amp/dac I may spring for that. I also looked at a Wadia 151 amp/dac combo that looked interesting. 
sometimes I feel like forgetting the whole thing and selling the Harbeths, already sold the Naim, and getting either a Best Buy Klipsch 2.1 system with a Dragonfly or going the active speaker route.

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