[moonsetflies]

I currently own a denon D700 component system and even though it is comparatively small, it is just too big for my little studio, so I am looking for a small mini/micro component system to take its place and still sound darn good. I was considering the tivoli audio model two but my girlfriend thinks it is hideous and it really would not suit the decor in the studio anyways (but let me know if you do think that is a worthy option anyways).
 
I have heard good things about the NAD L 40 and the Denon DM30 but they seem very difficult to find, especially considering they are discontinued. If you have any suggestions, your input will be greatly appreciated. At the very least, the system would need an aux input for my computer. It would be convenient if it had a cd player and a headphone jack that would handle my AD-900's and DT770's (80ohm) ok without extra amplification, though this is not the determining factor, so please consider audio quality and auxiliary-in to be the most important.
 
As far as budget goes, I am fine with buying well used equipment to avoid paying any premiums. I would like to keep it under $300 used, but don't fail to mention a system and/or speakers even if it may exceed that because I am pretty darn good at finding a deal. Thank you kindly.

 

[JRG1990]

What about a small t-amp and some bookshelfs?, http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=t-amp&x=0&y=0 plenty of t-amps there, I don't know what sort of speakers you want but there are plenty to choose from. cd players and tuners can be brought seperatly and connected to the t-amp aswell.

 

[scootermafia]

I like my Jawbone Jambox, works with wireless bluetooth audio through my ipad and iphone.

 

[trog]

+1 T-amp + decent bookshelves and perhaps
 
 
Infinity Primus P162
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_108P162BG/Infinity-Primus-P162-Black-grille.html?tp=34
 
Reviews
http://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/1007inf/
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/infinity-primus-p162
 
TK2050 based amp with Headphone Amp
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-383

 

[HiGHFLYiN9]

Agreed on the T Amp + small bookshelves, check out the Topping TP30, it has a USB input, headphone and speaker output and goes for ~$100. The sound is quite good for the price. 
 
Combine it with a small pair of used Tekton 4.1s or NHT Absolute Zeros for a nice little combo. 

 

[129207]

why not run a pair of active monitors only? no amp, no fuss and quite some decent offerings from KRK, Audioengine, M-Audio, Behringer, Boston etc...

 

[kostalex]

Are there any inexpensive units like Toppling TP30, but with a better DAC (PCM2704 is poor)?

 

[JRG1990]

whats poor about the pcm 2704?.

 

[kostalex]

SQ, esp. resolution. Boring, "onboard" class sound.

 

[JRG1990]

It looks ok from the datasheet, distortion is low, dymanic range is 98db more than 16bit audio needs , channel seperation is 70db which is good.

 

[kostalex]

I heard it in my Meier Move.

 

[moonsetflies]

Thank you to everyone for your input. Trog I really feel good about your suggestion of the DTA-100a and infinity primus speakers.  Right in my budget, super small, and great reviews. Thanks so much! Any suggestions for speaker wire?

 

[JRG1990]

This , http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-AV23002-25-25-Foot-18-Gauge-Speaker/dp/B0001XGQQS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1323207662&sr=8-2 , will be fine unless your planning on having huge runs.

 

[trog]

Yep u are welcomed and enjoy your tunes

 

[moonsetflies]

 
Hello all, and thanks again for your input.
 
Right off the bat, the P162's are absolutely amazing for the price, but paired with the dta-100a it makes them sound a little dry/boring. It is just not very musical... at least not yet. It has enough tightness, speed, and imaging at normal listening volumes to please me for now, but so far it really lacks the richness, fullness, and depth I am craving that my old Denon D700 had, and it does fall apart a little at higher volumes, unlike my old Denon.
 
So my question is: will this amp+speaker combo change a whole lot with burn in, or should I be looking at a warmer more musical amp? I suppose it could also be my source which is a 2011 mac mini server, in that case I would need a nice warm external DAC. What do you think? Thanks in advance, your help is invaluable.
 
Here are some other options in my price range that I am aware of so far:
 
T-Amps, etc:
 
Dayton Audio DTA-100a Class-T Digital Mini Amplifier 50 WPC (what I originally ordered)
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-383&scqty=1
 
Topping TP20-MK2 TA2020 Class T Digital Mini Amplifier 25WPC
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=310-320&scqty=1
 
Topping TP41 TA2021 T-AMP + Headphone Mini Amplifier 25WPC
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=310-324&scqty=1
 
FiiO A1 Mini 2x14W Class-D Digital Audio Amplifier
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004FSXON8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&m=AM2O1JUKI6X8W
 
Receivers, if I have to go there to get what I want, i will:
 
Onkyo TX-8255 50WPC Stereo Receiver
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_580TX8255/Onkyo-TX-8255.html?search=Onkyo+VENDORID580&tp=47041#overview-tab
 
Sherwood RX-4105 100WPC Stereo Receiver
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002EPWC0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=A3LJ5WMKNRFKQS