[doublea71]

It's pretty much all in the title. I'm not sure if I need a desktop amp/dac or if a portable will do. I'm also not sure if I need powered or passive speakers. Recommendations are greatly appreciated.

 

[tzjin]

My suggestion. Buy the Lepai TA2020 and the Cambridge S30. In the future, you can upgrade with a DAC if you feel the need.

This setup should keep you quite happy for quite some time. 

 

[trog]

If in the USA
 
Polk RTi6 $139.99 free ship
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290252
 
Topping TP-22 T-amp $89
http://www.houseofdap.com/topping-tp22-t-amp-tk2050-tc2000-tp2050-digital-amplifier.html
 
If u want a portable DAC have a look at the Fiio E17 perhaps?

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Topping TP-30 has a basic (but I assume the smooth midrange 16-bit Burr Brown) USB DAC and TA2024 Tripath-based amp in the same chassis. Pair that with speakers over 87db sensitivity - like KEF Q. These are also coaxials and have less of the time-alignment issues of traditional multi-driver speakers while having a lot more treble detail than full-range drivers. Maybe more bass than most FR speakers too.

 

[doublea71]

Maybe it was SG that I was thinking of...I did just pick up an E17 for the amp/dac, so it'll have to be powered/active speakers. The Fostex model I saw would be fine I think. I didn't see much in the few shops I checked out today, just ultra high-end stuff.
 

 

[trog]

Quote:

I'm thinking about the E17, but I don't think I'd be able to hook speakers up to that unless they were powered. I may be wrong about that.

I have a PC audio set up with an E7 DAC feeding a T-Amp and Polk speakers so nope amp + passives would also work

 

[doublea71]

I was told the E17 wouldn't be able to power passive speakers effectively, but I don't know if that's true.
 

 

[trog]

The E17 is not to power any speaker it is a DAC and an amp for headphones not speakers ^^

 

[doublea71]

I was told it has a line out that can run a wire split into two with RCAs for powered speakers...
 

 

[doublea71]

and the expression on my avatar is fairly accurate hehe

 

[ProtegeManiac]

If the speakers are active - meaning they have their own amp - yes you can use a 3.5mm to 3.5mm/RCA/dual mono 6.3mm phono cable, whichever works. Best if you get the lineout adapter for the E17 instead of straight into the earphone out. If the speakers only have XLR though it can't output a balanced signal.

 

[doublea71]

That's a relief...I thought about a desktop amp, but it's nice to have something that can handle both in some capacity.