[Abouna]

I'm looking to get my father a small footprint desktop amp. I need some help:

- needs to be $150 or less
- smallish, doesn't need to be tiny though
- Solid State, no tubes
- MUST be able to drive K501s, he listens loud

 

[episiarch]

I have a little Mini3 desktop that would fill the bill for you very nicely. I bought it used but I'm told member MisterX built it. Sounds very, very good, and should be within your budget. MisterX can build in whatever volume gain you wish - tell him it's for a K501 when you contact him.

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abouna /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm looking to get my father a small footprint desktop amp. I need some help: - needs to be $150 or less - smallish, doesn't need to be tiny though - Solid State, no tubes - MUST be able to drive K501s, he listens loud

Would the source be digital (optical or coaxial)?

 

[jilgiljongiljing]

Quote:

Would the source be digital (optical or coaxial)?

I dont understand this question. The OP is asking for an AMP, not a DAC or a DAC/amp combo. Means the input will be analog since he/she already has a DAC.

As for recommendations, in the 150$ range, I can come up with only portable amps, and while some of them can indeed drive the 501, I doubt they would sound stellar.

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jilgiljongiljing /img/forum/go_quote.gif I dont understand this question. The OP is asking for an AMP, not a DAC or a DAC/amp combo. Means the input will be analog since he/she already has a DAC. As for recommendations, in the 150$ range, I can come up with only portable amps, and while some of them can indeed drive the 501, I doubt they would sound stellar.

No, he's getting it for his father. We don't know what Dad has!
Once we know, then the recommendations might change.

 

[Abouna]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jilgiljongiljing /img/forum/go_quote.gif I dont understand this question. The OP is asking for an AMP, not a DAC or a DAC/amp combo. Means the input will be analog since he/she already has a DAC.

Right you are. Need the amp only.

 

[ph0rk]

I think other than used, you'll need to go portable to stay under $150.

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abouna /img/forum/go_quote.gif Right you are. Need the amp only.

All assumptions aside, you should always paint a clear picture for others to make a recommendation on. Now knowing it is an analog source (still very grey) I seem to remember iBasso having a really nice portable in that price range. It isn't a desktop, but would look good sitting on a desktop. Their stuff looks very nice indeed!

 

[Abouna]

OK I'll be more specific:

- coming out of his laptop DAC directly to the amp
- can go a bit over $150 (maybe the Cute?)
- would prefer A/C powered

 

[Pangaea]

Meier Corda Arietta is a fantastic amp- but will be over 200. But worth mentioning if nothing else pans out in the 150 price range.

 

[ph0rk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abouna /img/forum/go_quote.gif OK I'll be more specific: - coming out of his laptop DAC directly to the amp - can go a bit over $150 (maybe the Cute?) - would prefer A/C powered

portables like the mini3 will run on ac power, and the one sold by rockhopper audio, at least, comes with one.

Any portable with an adapter would probably do the trick. The next step is probably the $250-400 range. creek, meier, headamp, heed.

 

[Mulo]

Cute Beyond or Encore

 

[jh4db536]

as mentioned:
i dont think there are many choices in your price range for decent solid state desktop/home amps...


AudiophileProducts.com - Firestone Audio- Headphone Amplifier - USB DAC
Cute Encore or Beyond is under $200
The Dedicated power supply is probably a good idea, but will add a lot more to the price.

Meier-Audio
The Arietta is $255 shipped
has crossfeed filter feature

HeadAmp - Audio Electronics (Gilmore Lite Headphone Amp)
Gilmore Lite w/ ELPAC
discrete design
price went up to $350 yesterday...i saw these things going used for $200-300.

- - - H E E D A U D I O - - -
Heed CanAmp >> Heed CanAmp 2 Headphone Amplifier
Heed Canamp
from what ive been reading, this amp is supposedly the $#1%'
expensive though.

ECSS
ECSS ~$430 range
Another highly regarded SS amp

Graham Slee Solo
Sugden Bijou Headmaster