Looking for Desktop Amplifier

sorry I can't help, but I'm in a similar position, I'm getting some DT880s 600ohm but don't have an adequate amp, for a budget ($150) people have recommended me the O2 by JDS Labs

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrathzombie 

Guys, I have a Topping TP20 which drives my Cambridge audio S30 bookshelf spearkers. Its getting input through my HRT streamer.

 

I was wondering if I could replace it with a desktop AMP since the Topping TP20 doesn't have a headphone out.

 

I would like to get an amplifier which is not very expensive but at the same time should be able to drive my speakers and also provide a decent headphone output.

 

My current set of headphones don't really need a amplifier but I am thinking of getting a HD 650 or DT 880 soon.

 

Please advice.

My vintage NAD 3020 has a great headphone out and drives my Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 really well. It was cheap too!

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrathzombie 

Not sure If I can get a NAD here. Will check?

One thing to consider about amps like that NAD is the size and weight. Even if you won't have any issue with fitting it on your desk, buying it online means the size and weight might make shipping too expensive. I suggest checking local/nearby used units you can drive to for under $15 worth of gasoline. If you're in the US/Canada there's always Craigslist, for other countries try and wait for someone in the local forums to drop a NAD (doesn't sound right does it?).

Quote:

Anything up to the 310 save for some really special ones tend to be cheap yet most (if not all) are very good with both speakers and most headphones (usually 120ohm to 300ohm). Don't worry too much about speaker specs, high current NAD designs are extremely good especially compared to other amps that have "high current" actually printed on them. I've used my 304 to drive multi-driver B&W floorstanders and even 4ohm Dyn standmounts and it had a more musical, more dynamic presentation over a bunch of other amps and HT receivers with higher published specs. I only let it go because it sounds a heck of a lot better in dealer rooms than my own house thanks to my room's acoustics and it was too large for my computer desk.

Check out the new Schiit Magni! I think I'll get it.

http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=13

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrathzombie 

 

I PM'ed Jason yesterday and it wont drive the speaker and headphone both. He confirmed.

oh true, I forgot you also want it to drive speakers, my bad. well I ordered the audioengine D1, is a usb dac with headphone amp and RCA out, and I consider getting the Magni to drive my Beyers (now on mail). another one that looks quite nice and has an amp that can drive 600 ohm Beyers (was told by Noble Hi-Fi) and has RCA outs is the Yulong U100, it's around $225 on ebay. do you have any specific budget?

check out Noble Hi-Fi's review of the U100

http://noblehifi.blogspot.com/2012/08/yulong-u100-review.html

Cheers!

Diego

You could also look at the Maverick A1, a hybrid speaker/headphone amp. 

http://www.mav-audio.com/base/product/tube_magic_a1

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrathzombie 

So let us say I get a dedicated headphone amp like Magni. Would it be possible for me to feed it from my laptop through the HRT streamer which would also be feeding my speakers?

You can get a signal splitter so you can switch between the Magni and the TP20. Or you can just replace the HRT with something like the AudioGD NFB12 to drive headphones, then use its DAC output for the TP20. If you get a dedicated power amp you can also use the preamp output on the NFB12.

Here is what I've found in my research for a usb dac, amp with RCA out for speakers and a good headphone out.  Priced low to high

Audioengine D1 $169

http://audioengineusa.com/Store/audioengine-d1-gallery#.UNSG-2ihClI

Nuforce Icon 2 $349 (other Nuforce choices as well at different price points)

http://www.nuforce.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=8:icon-2&Itemid=373

Teac A-H01 $381

http://audio.teac.com/product/a-h01/

Assus Xonar Essence One $599

http://www.asus.com/Multimedia/Audio_Cards/Xonar_Essence_One/

Centrance DACmini $999

http://centrance.com/products/dacmini/px/

These are all products I've been looking at for a desktop solution like the one you described.  I ended up finding the best one for me being a refurbished discontinued Peachtree Audio MusicBox which retailed for $699 but I recently bought with speakers for $450

http://www.peachtreeaudio.com/musicbox-amplifier-with-dac.html.  

You might be able to find one used but any of the devices listed above would probably make you happy within your budget.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/513165/peachtree-musicbox-is-the-solution-ive-been-waiting-for