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Laptop Setup with bookshelf speakers and amplifier

post #1 of 5
9/17/11 at 3:25am
Thread Starter 

I want to set up polk audio monitor 30's or 40's on my desk which will be connected to my laptop.

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Monitor-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B0002ZSFTG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316254837&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Monitor-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B0002ZSFTQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316254806&sr=8-1

I was looking into amplifiers and http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-DTA-100a-Class-T-Digital-Amplifier/dp/B004JK8BDK/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316253484&sr=1-2 seems like my best choice. I was wondering if the amplifier would be adequate to power the speakers. They only post 30 watts per channel with 0.01% distortion, but the speakers recommend a 20-125 watt channel. I was also wondering if you guys would recommend any sort of pre-amp or portable sound card because I don't know if my laptop is a good enough source. Thanks in advance!

 

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post #2 of 5
9/17/11 at 7:31am

The amp will be ok just make sure the speakers are 6-8 Ohm , that amp can't drive 4ohm speakers.

You need something like the hrt music streamer for a dac.

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post #3 of 5
9/17/11 at 9:11am

I agree with JRG1990 on the HRT recommendation; it's tough to beat at $150.  The Dayton amp isn't bad but it really does only 30 watts (check out the specs and you'll see what I'm saying) and who knows what sort of a load it can handle.  Get a stereo receiver like this for $160, http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-8255B-TX-8255-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B001AMSPQI/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316275852&sr=1-1.  It works with a wider range of speakers and it's a pretty nice receiver for the price.

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post #4 of 5
9/20/11 at 5:20pm

Nice looking options for speakers and an amp.  I have experience with tripath amps having owned 4 of them from low cost to several thousands and can tell you even the low cost ones will sound better than any Onkyo or other low cost receiver.  Unless you are sitting way back from the desk and blasting out, your speakers only need 1 watt to give you 89db.  Have you heard 89db?  Pretty loud.  So If I were in your shoes I would be looking at the t- amp you list as well as perhaps the Trends amp the 10.2.  http://www.trendsaudio.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=101&Itemid=28&lang=en

 

 Good luck and let us know what you decide.


Edited by bixby - 9/20/11 at 5:21pm
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post #5 of 5
9/20/11 at 6:10pm

+1 - thanks to some low cost T-amps one need not settle for crappy PC/boxed speakers anymore even if $$ were an issue  beerchug.gif

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