[jung]

Which under $500 receiver or int amp has USB audio input? Thanks.

 

[Zorander]

NM...I missed the integrated amp part.

 

[sejarzo]

All I found via Google were some JVC receivers that might have been discontinued.....and the Pioneer A-A9 integrated amp (in the EU, aka the SX-A9-J in Canada.) It's part of a line that, in Pioneer's infinite wisdom (read that as "ignorance of the fact that not all in the US want only a/v receivers") isn't worth selling here, AFAIK.

Looks really cool, though!

Dual toroidals, decent sized caps in the power supply, and stout heatsinking (though it doesn't come close to doubling output into 4 ohms versus 8.)

Any Canadians seen this available? Google doesn't turn up any links with a price.

 

[Petyot]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jung /img/forum/go_quote.gif Which under $500 receiver or int amp has USB audio input? Thanks.

Maybe the Kingrex T20U (the U stands for USB)... Can be found here :

http://www.obadimports.com/catalog/i...02/4902090.htm

 

[ruZZ.il]

assuming you mean for headphones, then:
take a look at Meier-Audio for instance. known to be great amps here! alternatively, you could build one

I'm busy building a millet hybrid max, which will probably be used with an Alien DAC all for waay under 500$, and it'd beat any 'reciever's headphone out any day

 

[sejarzo]

By "int amp", he means an "integrated amp" that can drive loudspeakers, not just headphones ("integrated amp" in American audiophile-ese means a preamp and power amp in one box.)

 

[ruZZ.il]

oh. well.. you could always pair an alien DAC rather succesfuly with any 'int amp' then.. or find other decent/better external DACs. specially since the amp isnt portable anyway. this way you got a much wider selection, and you go for amp SQ, not just features. you can find built alien dacs on the forum.. it probably beats any int-amps built in dac too btw..

 

[Zorander]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruZZ.il /img/forum/go_quote.gif oh. well.. you could always pair an alien DAC rather succesfuly with any 'int amp' then.. or find other decent/better external DACs. specially since the amp isnt portable anyway. this way you got a much wider selection, and you go for amp SQ, not just features. you can find built alien dacs on the forum.. it probably beats any int-amps built in dac too btw..

I think what you're referring to is a 'Receiver'. I personally view integrated amp as simply pre-amp+power-amp combo (mainly to power speakers, with no other functions added) and a class or two higher in SQ than receivers.

 

[ken36]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jung /img/forum/go_quote.gif Which under $500 receiver or int amp has USB audio input? Thanks.

Equipment forums>amplification forum>search: usb amps

TRY TO START USING OUR OWN SEARCH ENGINES. THEY HELP.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showth...light=usb+amps

 

[sejarzo]

Ken.....the OP is looking for an integrated amp or a receiver to drive loudspeakers, not a headphone amp with a USB input.

 

[sejarzo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zorander /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think what you're referring to is a 'Receiver'. I personally view integrated amp as simply pre-amp+power-amp combo (mainly to power speakers, with no other functions added) and a class or two higher in SQ than receivers.

It's not really a personal thing--those terms have always meant specific items in the realm of audio gear.

Integrated amp means, as you describe, a preamp/power amp combination, normally with input switching capabilities, and probably tape monitor loop(s). Normally just to drive a 2.0 speaker configuration, too. I think Music Hall was the first maker to try a DAC/integrated amp combination, the Mambo, a few years ago.....is that correct, anyone?

"Receivers" always include a tuner, otherwise they wouldn't "receive" anything. "Stereo receiver" has always meant an integrated amp with a tuner in the same case......and these days, it might or might not include some digital input/DAC capability.

"Home theater receivers" and/or "a/v receivers" include the ability to decode multi-channel surround formats and drive more than a 2.0 speaker configuration.

 

[Petyot]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken36 /img/forum/go_quote.gif TRY TO START USING OUR OWN SEARCH ENGINES. THEY HELP.

Try to start reading the message, that helps too...

The guy is looking for an integrated amp!

 

[ruZZ.il]

although this is head(phone)-fi, I think

still, some knowledgeable ppl but more likely to find much more info in the right forum..

 

[sejarzo]

ruZZ.il, you might be surprised to find how many Head-Fier's are just as avid speaker rig listeners, too.

 

[tru blu]

If you're willing to splash just a tad more cash ($649), the Outlaw Audio RR 2150 receiver is a really excellent option. It has a USB input, phono stage, bass management and quite a bit more. I was looking for something much cheaper a year ago, but went ahead and bought one (albeit at the introductory $599 price); haven't regretted it one iota.

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/rr2150.html