[Kel Ghu]

Hey guys,

After my Pico and my Predator, I'd like to step into the desktop amp world. I'd like to buy a SS amp and a tube amp. I don't really have a budget (no cost limit), but I do have a limit on size. I want to put them on my desktop to use them with my computer, so a small footprint would be nice. Though SQ is the most important, so if it is a bit bigger, that may be OK if it really worth it. Atm, I am looking toward a Headamp GS-1 for SS and a RSA Raptor for tube.. But I am not really sure at all... Suggestions are welcome!
Thank you!

--Kel Ghu

 

[aaron313]

If you want small footprint, do some research on Headroom's amps. Would you consider going balanced? Then it makes the Headroom products more inviting.

 

[saint.panda]

Some tube amps to consider: Earmax Pro Anniversary / Earmax Silver Edition for tube. Ear HP4 (not tiny but not huge either for a tube amp).

 

[hellopanda]

The Earmax Silver Edition would be something small and sounds pretty impressive. In fact, I normally bring it along when I need to travel. It may not be a portable amp, but it is really light and small. Don't want to miss out good music even when I'm on the move.

 

[Kees]

Earmax Pro + HD650 =

 

[sacd lover]

The Ear Max Pro is a good suggestion. But, my suggestion would be the Mapletree ear+ or the Woo 6. Both have a small footprint without having to place two boxes, sound equally good and cost about 50% as much

Welcome to Mapletree Audio Design

WooAudio6 - Single-Ended Class A Tube Headphone Amplifier with Output Transformer

 

[Shad3925]

Little-Dot MK III
Dimensions: 270mm deep x 175mm wide x 123mm high
Good reviews
See Viewing a thread - A New Member of The MK Family: LD MK III

 

[Kel Ghu]

Sorry, I misexpressed myself. Actually, a medium size amp would be alright. It's just that a GSX or Apache are just way to large for my desktop. Does a medium size amp sound that much better? The woo4 looks great!

 

[wfranklin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kel Ghu /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey guys, After my Pico and my Predator, I'd like to step into the desktop amp world. I'd like to buy a SS amp and a tube amp. I don't really have a budget (no cost limit), but I do have a limit on size. I want to put them on my desktop to use them with my computer, so a small footprint would be nice. Though SQ is the most important, so if it is a bit bigger, that may be OK if it really worth it. Atm, I am looking toward a Headamp GS-1 for SS and a RSA Raptor for tube.. But I am not really sure at all... Suggestions are welcome! Thank you! --Kel Ghu

I can recommend the Woo WA6 for a good size for desktop/office. Small footprint (relatively speaking), and plenty of upgrade options available, depending on what you wnat to pay.

 

[PFKMan23]

From the dimensions provided, the Apache and the Woo 2 are actually fairly similar with the Woo being slightly bigger in width and depth (13" by 9" for the Woo vs. 12" by 8" for the Apache.

 

[MrLA]

don't forget about ASL tube amps, which tube amps suppose to sound like - tubey!

 

[Headphony]

Unless you plan to use the Pico as the source, you may want a decent source also. Or maybe an amp with a DAC combined. Meier Opera, Benchmark DAC1 USB, etc.

 

[Kel Ghu]

Thank you for all your replies! I am looking at all the suggestion right now!
Though, I managed to have my gf agree taking all her stuff away from MY desktop, so I guess I have place for a medium sized rig now

 

[kodreaming]

I never heard of these two. But I thought they are pretty decent amps as well. And they are small...

Lehmann Black Cube : $10xx
Graham Slee: $10xx

 

[kwlinder]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kel Ghu /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey guys, After my Pico and my Predator, I'd like to step into the desktop amp world. I'd like to buy a SS amp and a tube amp. I don't really have a budget (no cost limit), but I do have a limit on size. I want to put them on my desktop to use them with my computer, so a small footprint would be nice. Though SQ is the most important, so if it is a bit bigger, that may be OK if it really worth it. Atm, I am looking toward a Headamp GS-1 for SS and a RSA Raptor for tube.. But I am not really sure at all... Suggestions are welcome! Thank you! --Kel Ghu

I can't comment on a tube amp, but for SS I highly recommend the Meier Corda Opera. It has a DAC for your computer and the sound (at least with my Beyer DT880-250) is excellent.