2. amps-preamps
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Amp for desktop system?

I'm in process of building a new desktop system for my home office and need to choose a standalone amp (not integrated) for whatever speakers I purchase. Any input would be much appreciated - I'm getting lost digging through the forum archives!

Details: Nearfield listening while at the computer (3 ft), small room, up against a wall/window, lower volume levels so the "first watt" principle matters a lot.

System will be PC Apple lossless iTunes -> External DAC/Pre combo(Beresford 7520) -> Amp(TBD) -> Speakers (TBD - Likely Totem Dreamcatchers/Mites, Epos M5, or Usher S-520). Music is all over the board, alternative, jazz, female vocalists, eclectic misc stuff.

Sonic preferences - I really value a spacious, airy sound with fluid vocals. Soundstaging is a priority (contrary to my layout, I know) and an open detailed sound is more important than pure dynamics, probably won't get played loud much. Tight accurate bass is more important than a deep low end or slam, esp with my small speaker choices.

Budget is $250-450, used gear here on audiogon is the likely source.

Any suggestions on what brands/models to consider? I get totally lost looking through the classififeds.

Am I on the right track with the rest of the components? Still trying to decide on the speakers but am leaning toward the Totem Dreamcatchers (4 ohm speakers) after demoing them yesterday.

Any help is much appreciated. Thanks!
sheldonn
Post removed 
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
You might call Magnepan and see when they're going to release their new mini-maggies and passive woofer. I heard these at a mfr's open house at my local high end store a couple months ago and they're everything the Soundstage write-up says. It was some of the most realistic reproduction (especially of drums) that I've ever heard. Source was an iPod Nano docked to a Wadia iTransport, feeding a Peachtree DAC/integrated amp. They used the Peachtree as a DAC/pre and some pretty powerful Bryston amps to do the heavy lifting. The maggies aren't too efficient, but they're very small and unobtrusive, and are one of the few speakers that would sound right simply sitting on a desktop.

Magnepan needs to productize these mini-maggies and get them out ASAP. If manufactured in sufficient quantities and priced affordably, they could set a new paradigm in loudspeakers.
johnss
570 posts
 
I'd look at one of the EL34 chinese tube ingtegrated amps, they sound quite nice.
bongofury
1,160 posts
 
You should bypass getting seperates and get active monitors. Try Audioengine 2.0 "active" speakers for $199 or Blue Sky Audio EXO for $250 from Guitar Center.
sheldonn OP
6 posts
 
Thanks for the advice everyone!

I was able to pick up a Virtue Audio One amp from Michael Mardis locally with the 30v/90W power supply. I spent an hour talking with him over coffee all about the amp and it's design. He's a really nice guy who knows his stuff!

I also found a used pair of Usher S-520 speakers for a good price and they should be arriving next week. I have some speaker cables and interconnects on order from Blue Jeans Cables that should arrive in time to hook everything together.

The only remaining things are rearranging my office and building a couple DIY acoustic absorbtion panels this weekend. I already have all the parts from Home Depot!

I'll post an update once I get everything set up and broken in, really excited to hear how it all sounds.

Thanks again!
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