Amp for Computer Setup?

[fengler]

excuse the newbness, but why couldnt you just use a headphone amp(like pa2v2 or ldm+)?

 

[Uncle Erik]

Are you handy with a soldering iron? Or are you willing to learn? Because this is exactly what you're looking for:

http://www.bottlehead.com/et/adobespc/S.E.X./SEX.htm

Bottlehead's S.E.X. handles both headphones and speakers. At $369, it's a pretty good deal, too.

If you haven't done DIY before, this should be an easy introduction. You don't have to hunt down any parts and it comes with a thorough instruction manual.

One slight drawback is that you'd have to go with a fairly efficient speaker if you wanted decent volume. The ones you mentioned are good speakers, but take a look at some of the highly efficient single drivers. Those share a lot of the benefits of headphones (great coherence, no crossover, etc.). If you want to learn more, take a look here:

http://fullrangedriver.com/

If you're on a budget, use Fostex drivers. They're quite good and very affordable. If you could handle a smallish floorstander, I'd highly recommend the Moth Cicada. You can learn more and buy them here:

http://www.eddiecurrent.com/cicadaspeakers.htm

At $119 per driver, I think they're a superb deal.

 

[electricmonk500]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fengler excuse the newbness, but why couldnt you just use a headphone amp(like pa2v2 or ldm+)?

I'd like to use it to drive some speakers too, and I think two seprate devices would be too expensive and even more clutter.

 

[electricmonk500]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik Are you handy with a soldering iron? Or are you willing to learn? Because this is exactly what you're looking for: http://www.bottlehead.com/et/adobespc/S.E.X./SEX.htm Bottlehead's S.E.X. handles both headphones and speakers. At $369, it's a pretty good deal, too. If you haven't done DIY before, this should be an easy introduction. You don't have to hunt down any parts and it comes with a thorough instruction manual. One slight drawback is that you'd have to go with a fairly efficient speaker if you wanted decent volume. The ones you mentioned are good speakers, but take a look at some of the highly efficient single drivers. Those share a lot of the benefits of headphones (great coherence, no crossover, etc.). If you want to learn more, take a look here: http://fullrangedriver.com/ If you're on a budget, use Fostex drivers. They're quite good and very affordable. If you could handle a smallish floorstander, I'd highly recommend the Moth Cicada. You can learn more and buy them here: http://www.eddiecurrent.com/cicadaspeakers.htm At $119 per driver, I think they're a superb deal.

As far as DIY goes, I've never tried anything and I don't trust myself to do a good job. The connections on this one may also not be enough. I'm also not sure about tubes, are there any other assembled tube amplifiers with outputs for speakers and headphones that anyone knows of?

I'd also need to audition one because I've only ever heard a tube amp briefly.
Thanks for the input, I'm looking into those links.

Still liking the pioneer A-35R, anybody have suggestions for the DAC over the SilverStone Ensemble EB01?

 

[ilovesocks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fitz Except for the minor detail that it isn't a speaker amp.

Ooooooookay, so nobody mentioned that minor detail! Buh, now I feel dumb.