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
sheldonn OP
6 posts
 
Looks like I'm going to be getting a Virtue Audio One desktop amp tomorrow, and I'm currently leaning towards a set of Usher S-520's as the speakers.

I'll post an update once I get to hear it all put together!
Post removed 
johnnyb53
3,490 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
291 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.
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