Mini Amplifier - Recommendations?

[bigalxyz]

Hello forum.

I'm upgrading the sound from my PC. I've found a cheap pair of Wharfedale Diamond 9.0 speakers on eBay and I now need an amp to go with. I notice that on places like Amazon there are lots of "mini amplifiers" which get pretty good reviews, don't cost much and don't take up much space (this last point is quite important). Are they any good? Does anyone have any recommendations?

(Have also recently bought a Behringer USB DAC for the PC in another room so I might buy another one of those too)

Thanks v much

Alan.

 

[CnoEvil]

I would stick with budget amps from Marantz, Nad, Denon, Yamaha, Pioneer and Rotel.

Try to dem with your speakers and pick the one you prefer.

 

[bigalxyz]

Thanks. Ordinarily I would agree with you but I'm struggling for space in the room concerned. Maybe.

 

[CnoEvil]

Thanks. Ordinarily I would agree with you but I'm struggling for space in the room concerned. Maybe.

What about this: http://www.analogueseduction.net/project/pro-ject-stereo-box-s.html

 

[CarlDW]

I would also suggest the Project Box S. Small and under £300.

 

[tino]

You don't say what your budget is or whether you want the amplifier just for music or for general purpose PC sound duties. If you want a good, small chip amp you could do worse than a Temple Audio Bantam Gold (£190). Or you could get an all-in-one streamer / amplifier such as the Marantz MCR 510 (£249) and use your PC as a music sever. Or you could flog your speakers and DAC and get a nice pair of desktop active speakers with Bluetooth and/or the appropriate digital input for your soundcard or computer's cable digital output. The active speakers Bluetooth route gives you the option to use a phone/tablet/MP3 player as source.

 

[Happy_Listner]

https://wyred4sound.com/products/integrated-amps/mint

http://www.belcantodesign.com/Belcanto_C5i_DAC_Integrated_Amplifier.html

http://www.naimaudio.com/product/unitiqute-2

 

[CnoEvil]

http://www.belcantodesign.com/Belcanto_C5i_DAC_Integrated_Amplifier.html

http://www.naimaudio.com/product/unitiqute-2

I think that these meet the "mini" requirement, but fall short on the "don't cost much" one.....think £150-£200!

 

[audiokid]

Musical Fidelity v90 integrated with built in DAC. They're amazing little units!

 

[chebby]

http://www.whathifi.com/comment/854060#comment-854060

 

[matt49]

The Temple Audio Bantam amps are worth a look. I've not heard them, but I have heard good reports from others.

They're a UK company selling online, and so you should be able to return within a month and get your money back under distance selling legislation (best to check first).

Temple Audio order information.

Matt

 

[Cypher]

What about the Micromega Myamp ? It got a very good review in the latest hi-fi choice.

 

[KidKomet]

Or you could flog your speakers and DAC and get a nice pair of desktop active speakers with Bluetooth and/or the appropriate digital input for your soundcard or computer's cable digital output. The active speakers Bluetooth route gives you the option to use a phone/tablet/MP3 player as source.

Following up from this idea, which I believe will net you the best audio quality for your budget. See if you can demo a pair of Ruark MR1's or Q Acoustics BT3's. I personally prefer the Ruark's.