[acmis]

As the title states, what is the best solid state amp for less than $150 (or £100, I'm from the UK)?
 
I want something that's as neutral as possible. Thanks in advance!

 

[billybob_jcv]

Desktop or portable? Amp only or DAC/Amp? What headphones will be used with it?

 

[JoeDoe]

Schiit Magni

 

[CJG888]

Easy:

Epiphany O2!

 

[jodgey4]

O2 without a doubt, though the new Schiit Magni 2 could maybe be a competitor... too soon to call!

 

[diamondears]

Yes, +1 on O2. Especially if with custom RCA input, 1/4 output and 1x gain if you're not using power hungry phones.

 

[CJG888]

And the Epiphany O2 is even made in the UK...

 

[acmis]

Thanks for the replies guys. I did assume the O2 would be the winner although I am very interested in the new Magni. Any idea on its specs?

Desktop or portable? Amp only or DAC/Amp? What headphones will be used with it?

Desktop.
Amp only, already have a DAC.
beyerdynamic DT880 600 ohm

 

[diamondears]

Thanks for the replies guys. I did assume the O2 would be the winner although I am very interested in the new Magni. Any idea on its specs?
Desktop.
Amp only, already have a DAC.
beyerdynamic DT880 600 ohm

I'm interested on the iFi iCAN too...US$200 though.

 

[superjawes]

Thanks for the replies guys. I did assume the O2 would be the winner although I am very interested in the new Magni. Any idea on its specs?

Pulled from Schiit's website:

Magni 2
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, -0.1db, 2Hz-200KHz, -3dB

Maximum Power, 16 ohms: 1.8W RMS per channel
Maximum Power, 32 ohms: 1.2W RMS per channel

Maximum Power, 50 ohms: 1.0W RMS per channel

Maximum Power, 300 ohms: 260mW RMS per channel

Maximum Power, 600 ohms: 130mW RMS per channel

THD: Less than 0.003%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 1V RMS

IMD: Less than 0.004%, CCIF

SNR: Greater than 102db, unweighted, referenced to 1V RMS

Crosstalk: -70dB, 20 Hz-20KHz

Output Impedance: Less than 0.2 ohms

Gain: 1.5 (3db) or 6 (14db), selectable via rear switch
Topology: Fully discrete FET/bipolar, constant feedback through audio band, Class AB, DC coupled throughout

Protection: Standard failsafe DC power input and muting relay

Power Supply: “Wall wart” style 8VA 16VAC transformer, regulated +/- 15V rails
with over 4,000uF filter capacitance
Power Consumption: 4W

Size: 5 x 3.5 x 1.25”

Weight: 1 lb

Magni 2 Uber
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, -0.1db, 2Hz-250KHz, -3dB

Maximum Power, 16 ohms: 2.1W RMS per channel
Maximum Power, 32 ohms: 1.5W RMS per channel

Maximum Power, 50 ohms: 1.2W RMS per channel

Maximum Power, 300 ohms: 320mW RMS per channel

Maximum Power, 600 ohms: 160mW RMS per channel

THD: Less than 0.002%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 1V RMS

IMD: Less than 0.003%, CCIF

SNR: Greater than 104db, unweighted, referenced to 1V RMS

Crosstalk: -70dB, 20 Hz-20KHz

Output Impedance: Less than 0.2 ohms

Gain: 1.5 (3db) or 6 (14db), selectable via rear switch
Preamp Output: Yes, controlled by volume pot and switched via headphone jack
Topology: Fully discrete FET/bipolar, constant feedback through audio band, complementary VAS drive, Class AB, DC coupled throughout

Protection: Standard failsafe DC power input and muting relay

Power Supply: “Wall wart” style 24VA 14VAC transformer, regulated +/- 16V rails, with over 6,000uf filter capacitance
Power Consumption: 5W

Size: 5 x 3.5 x 1.25”

Weight: 1 lb

 

[acmis]

Anyone have their hands on the Magni 2 yet? Very keen to know which sounds better between that and the O2 as the O2 has been king for such a long time.