Stereo receiver for desktop

[tdogzthmn]

I have been looking at stereo receivers trying to find one that I can use for with my iMac to drive both my speakers and my headphones. The main problem is the stereo receivers are HUGE and I want it to sit on my desk so im looking for something with a smallish footprint. Currently I use a corda2 move but I want something to power speakers with as well. I appreciate to help!

 

[Uncle Erik]

How about a NAD C715?

NAD Electronics :: C715 Compact Music Systems

It doesn't have a headphone out, unfortunately. However, you could stack a compact solid state headphone amp on top of it.

 

[tdogzthmn]

I like the size, but its lacking optical input, and I do see a headphone a headphone jack on the front

 

[Uncle Erik]

How about this?

Denon USA | DRA-CX3

But no tuner and I'm not sure if there's a digital input. There might be since there's a pot for various docks.

 

[Gu Sensei]

I have tried that Denon receiver in an audio shop in Japan. It is very nice and worked well with the Denon headphones as well as a bunch of others that I tried (AT, Grado). Elegant looking too.

Those are great speakers as well on the site. It is too bad that Denon doesn't sell its full line of home theater speakers out of Japan. I am using these.

 

[Spareribs]

Try Headroom's desktop headphone speaker system. Although I have not heard it, it does look fabulous.
I don't think you have to buy the entire system. You can just get the headphone preamp and stereo amp and you should be set.

The Basic Audiophile Desktop Package @ HeadRoom - Right Between Your Ears

 

[Puppysmith]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdogzthmn /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have been looking at stereo receivers trying to find one that I can use for with my iMac to drive both my speakers and my headphones. The main problem is the stereo receivers are HUGE and I want it to sit on my desk so im looking for something with a smallish footprint. Currently I use a corda2 move but I want something to power speakers with as well. I appreciate to help!

No one says you have to buy new. I bought the amp and tuner of this set last year off ebay for $100. Best $100 I ever spent.


Vintage Sony

 

[tdogzthmn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puppysmith /img/forum/go_quote.gif No one says you have to buy new. I bought the amp and tuner of this set last year off ebay for $100. Best $100 I ever spent. Vintage Sony

I love the vintage, headroom does make a good product but its out of my price range as I'd like to spend under $400.

 

[Sherwood]

You sound like a good candidate for a Nuforce Icon.

You plug the iMac in over USB, and have a spare RCA and 1/8" input. 1/8" phones input is on the front.

Do you have a digital source other than the iMac you need to connect? That might complicate things.

 

[tdogzthmn]

My iMac is my main source, good find though I will definitely look into this.

 

[Drag0n]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif How about a NAD C715? NAD Electronics :: C715 Compact Music Systems It doesn't have a headphone out, unfortunately. However, you could stack a compact solid state headphone amp on top of it.

X2 As soon as i read his needs, i was going to suggest the NAD, but then i read lower and ya beat me to it.

 

[Drag0n]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gu Sensei /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have tried that Denon receiver in an audio shop in Japan. It is very nice and worked well with the Denon headphones as well as a bunch of others that I tried (AT, Grado). Elegant looking too. Those are great speakers as well on the site. It is too bad that Denon doesn't sell its full line of home theater speakers out of Japan. I am using these.

Those Denon speakers have good specs. 200 khz? I dont think anyone can hear that high!
I wonder how they sound? They have a 90db sensitivity though, so theyre sensitive enough for a smallish amp.
Maybe the small speakers would be good on a pc setup?

■SC-T77XG
形式／3ウェイ・4スピーカー、バスレフ型、防磁設計（EIAJ）
ユニット／16.5cmコーン型グラスファイバーウーハー×2、2.5cmソフトドーム型ツイ ーター×1 、リーフ型スーパーツイーター×1
入力インピーダンス／6Ω
最大許容入力／200W（PEAK）、120W（EIAJ）
周波数帯域／27Hz～200kHz
クロスオーバー周波数／3kHz, 13kHz
平均出力音圧レベル／90dB
寸法／W270×H1,130×D325mm（台座含む）
質量／24.8kg（1台）
付属品／接続コード（3m）、滑り止めコルク×6、スパイク×6、受け皿×6、拭き布×1

 

[Drag0n]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sherwood /img/forum/go_quote.gif You sound like a good candidate for a Nuforce Icon. You plug the iMac in over USB, and have a spare RCA and 1/8" input. 1/8" phones input is on the front. Do you have a digital source other than the iMac you need to connect? That might complicate things.

NuForce makes nice stuff, and Firestone audio too Firestone Audio Products, Cute Headphone Amps, Fubar II USB DAC, Spitfire 24 BIt DAC, Big Joe Power Amp, Tube Head Preamp,

 

[Nebby]

I have heard those SC-T77XG speakers in person and they sounded really good in the demo room I listened to them in.

I really like these bookshelf speakers from Denon. Unfortunately they're far outside my price range right now, and in the long run I'd rather build a reference level bookshelf for that price in parts.

I also wouldn't mind a set of these speaker stands to perch them on; just wish they weren't $250 each! I will probably pick up a set before I leave though, they're just THAT great looking.

 

[royewest]

If you're interested in just the tuner as a component, I've been very happy with the Parasound TDQ 150 in my desktop system:

Discontinued Products > TDQ-150 Stereo Tuner

It's tiny, the remote works well, and it gets great reception (I live in a city but I've had reception troubles with other tuners).

The only downside is that if you unplug it it loses its presets -- though that may just be mine.

I forget what I paid for mine used -- they're discontinued -- but they do show up from time to time. There's someone selling some on ebay now...