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Power amp for computer speakers

post #1 of 5
9/24/11 at 7:44am
Thread Starter 

I want to use the headphone jack output of my iMac to feed directly into a discrete power amp to drive my JBL Control One monitors. I will then use the iMac's volume and EQ to control the feed into the power amp. Is this doable?

 

I'm considering a vintage power amp, possibly a Dynaco ST-80 because it has memories of my younger days, and I love its industrial look and smaller footprint.

 

***For personal reasons I do not want to use a T-amp, digital amp, or external usb DAC.*** 

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post #2 of 5
9/25/11 at 8:09am

Possible, but a headphone jack is not designed to provide the correct signal for a speaker amp , a speaker amp really needs 2vrms a headphone jack might be able to provide that or get close but with high disortion and noise.

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post #3 of 5
9/25/11 at 8:46am
Thread Starter 

I figured the distortion may be higher but if the amp is powerful enough I thought it may work. I'm not looking for audiophile sound just more volume and body compared to the iMac's built in speakers. What do you think?

(BTW, I have an AES tube power amp for sale that produces full volume w/ 1 volt input, and had a Pass Labs Aleph 30 that would over drived at 5 volts, so every amp has different requirements.)


Edited by mjcmt - 9/25/11 at 9:03am
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post #4 of 5
9/25/11 at 9:13am

2vrms is the standard, you will get a cleaner signal from a proper pre-out which you would need a usb dac for.

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post #5 of 5
9/28/11 at 5:40pm

2vrms is the redbook standard, it is not at all what most amps adhere to. Power amps typically have input sensitivity ranging from 400-1600mv, the good ones have a pot or switch to adjust gain.

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