[tas236]

I'm looking for a solid-state combo speaker and full-size headphone amplifier. It needs to be solid state since I'll be in college soon and I don't want to worry about tubes, etc. getting messed up. Price max is $400. Source will be Nuforce uDAC-2 but if the amp as a better integrated DAC then I can replace and add that to the cost. The plan right now is to drive the Audioengine P4 speakers with the amp (as well as my vintage AKG K141s and *maybe* a new pair of phones later). I was looking at the Audioengine N22. Any thoughts?
 
In summary:
 
-up to $400
-Headphone and power amplifier
-Solid-state
-needs to drive Audioengine P4
-DAC optional
 
Any help will be much appreciated!

 

[n3rdling]

amb m3

 

[Ikarios]

I don't believe the NuForce Icon HDP comes with a power amp, but has pre-amp functionality as well as DAC and headphone amp functionality (and is very good at what it does). Save the money you would've spent on a source and put it into a nice T-amp or something and you have a separate dedicated power amp for speakers.

 

[Armaegis]

If you like the sound of the uDac2, how about the Nuforce Icon2? That's their all-in-one device.