which amp? (~$200)

[Aedion]

(continuing from my thread in computer audio)

ive been driving my Alessandro MS-1 with my computer sound card, the Bgears B-enspirer, and found it to be lacking. i want to get a decent desktop amp but i dont know which! i want to keep the price at around $200 USD with $250 being my max.

 

[compuryan]

check out the Eddie Current Lunchbox

 

[Aedion]

Quote:

Originally Posted by compuryan /img/forum/go_quote.gif check out the Eddie Current Lunchbox

i can't seem to find a full length review of the Lunchbox, only impressions from other head-fi'ers. I've also been looking at the Corda Arietta and the Little Dot MKII.

I'm interested in experimenting with tube amps but I'm overwhelmed by the idea of tube rolling (which to buy?!)

 

[scootermafia]

Everyone seems to like the Arietta, and it looks like Jan is letting them go for $225 including international shipping. Hopefully he'll be getting back from vacation soon, I might pull the trigger. I could go for the Shanling PH100 but it just isn't very portable.

 

[Tridacnid]

The Little Dot MKIII is a pretty good amp.

 

[curiousmuffin]

how about $40 more for head direct EF-1? thats how much im selling mine for

 

[compuryan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tridacnid /img/forum/go_quote.gif The Little Dot MKIII is a pretty good amp.

Yes it is. Its the cheapest Little Dot I'd recommend. I'm not sure how it sounds compared to the Lunchbox. Though If you're into tube rolling, the MKIII might be a better option because there are more impressions here about what tubes improve the sound vs. impressions for tubes in the Lunchbox.

 

[Currawong]

You may find that you're just amplifying whatever dissatisfaction your sound card gives you if you just buy an amp. After some issues with the Zero DAC/amp, we've persuaded a small but good Chinese company to make the Compass which you can read about here. It'll be $250 shipped initially.

 

[Aedion]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Currawong /img/forum/go_quote.gif You may find that you're just amplifying whatever dissatisfaction your sound card gives you if you just buy an amp. After some issues with the Zero DAC/amp, we've persuaded a small but good Chinese company to make the Compass which you can read about here. It'll be $250 shipped initially.

oO i like that, i was skimming through that thread a few weeks ago but i didnt know it was finished. it seems like a winner to me. you say its $250 shipped, but on the site it has it at $250 + $50 for shipping to the US, which is correct?

i was wondering if a DAC/amp was the better choice to go with, thanks everyone.

 

[Tridacnid]

Ooh, I can't wait to here the reviews for that DAC/amp combo. I've been wondering if it would ever become a reality. Cool.