Compact speaker amp?

[ElGofre]

Hi all,

So yeah, I'm after a small hifi amp to drive my Wharfedale 9.1s in my computer audio rig. I'm currently using an Arcam Alpha 8, but I have recently got a new job and will most likely be moving from home to a rented room closer to work, so space is going to be a lot more scarce. Being bi-wireable would be preferable.

Budget's not particularly high since I am first and formost a headphone listener, I'm willing to go up to £250 but I'd really like to keep it as low as possible. Good sound quality and a small footprint are the only real considerations.

Cheers!

 

[ID.]

I'm after a small headphone amp to drive my Wharfedale 9.1s

I don't think a headphone amp is going to be powerful enough. Did you really mean headphone amp? They aren't the most efficient speakers, so I'm not even sure whether you could come up with a compact solution using a T amp. How about something like a Denon CEOL Piccolo or other micro system?

 

[hoopsontoast]

I guess he is after a stereo amp with a headphone output as well.

 

[BigH]

Forget bi-wiring, waste of money.

You maybe better off with some small active speakers like these: Behringer B1030A

 

[ElGofre]

I'm after a small headphone amp to drive my Wharfedale 9.1s

I don't think a headphone amp is going to be powerful enough. Did you really mean headphone amp? They aren't the most efficient speakers, so I'm not even sure whether you could come up with a compact solution using a T amp. How about something like a Denon CEOL Piccolo or other micro system?

Correct, it was a mistake =P

I guess he is after a stereo amp with a headphone output as well.

A headphone output won't be necessary, I'll use headphones with other gear.

 

[Anonymous]

Try getting hold of a second hand Cyrus amp. Very compact, has a headphone socket and bi wireable depending on the model. You'll definately get one for that sort of money. Try to get a listen 1st. Some people don't like the sound of the older Cyrus gear.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Forget bi-wiring, waste of money.

Hmmm.... How about biamping?

 

[mcjwalters]

What size is the room you are using and what music do you mostly listen to ?

How do you feel about used, ex-demo equipment ?

 

[ID.]

Forget bi-wiring, waste of money.

Hmmm.... How about biamping?

Interesting. I've read reports online of people succesfully using T amps where they don't need high volumes, but never even heard a T amp myself, so have no idea what to expect. Now wasn't someone from the Magazine experimenting with a T amp setup at home that he was going to write about?

 

[Singslinger]

I believe Teac make a shoebox-sized amp, as do Cyrus. Might be just the ticket. Good luck!

 

[BigH]

Forget bi-wiring, waste of money.

Hmmm.... How about biamping?

Bi-amping is different and can be beneficial.