Desktop Amp

[mike c]

my existing amp is some sort of t-amp, but the problem is, it's sub out is cannot be controlled by the main volume (so i need amps with either a sub-out or pre-out) i also have an extra Denon AVR 2307 (but it doesn't look as cool as these and is the biggest)

Option 1: Audioengine N22
small footprint
199usd (cheapest)
small power output 22w x 2 (if true)
looks nice but not silver
no tone controls

Option 2: Rotel RA-05 (NOT SE, my mistake on the poll)
with remote
more power/future proof 40w x 2
430usd (most expensive)
looks nice

Option 3: Rotel RA-03 (used)
NO remote (seller lost it)
even more power 70w x 2
349usd
used

 

[its phillip]

At those prices you could easily get a used receiver...but I assume you are looking at those because they are smaller. Out of the three I guess I'd choose the RA-03.

edit: i just read that you have an old spare denon. just use that!

 

[bikemig]

Aren't these apples and oranges? If I had the space on my desk, I'd opt for one of the Rotels or the used Denon. The N-22 takes up very little space, runs cool, and puts out a reasonable amount of clean power. There is little or no distortion when you drive it hard and it can drive my speakers to uncomfortable levels on my desktop. The headphone amp isn't bad either. I've been happy with it. That said, if I had the space, I would have opted for something more along the lines of the units you are looking at.

 

[mike c]

At those prices you could easily get a used receiver...but I assume you are looking at those because they are smaller. Out of the three I guess I'd choose the RA-03.

edit: i just read that you have an old spare denon. just use that!

yeah, based on size and looks. AV receivers don't seem to age gracefully (e.g. my 2307 looks ancient already) and is a lot heavier and taller i figure i could make a stand under the monitor to accomodate the rotels. though AVR's have built in bass management

RA-03 even without the remote? what do you think of those two vertical lines on the face plate (i'm not attracted to those)

here's the actual pic of the used ra-03

Aren't these apples and oranges? If I had the space on my desk, I'd opt for one of the Rotels or the used Denon. The N-22 takes up very little space, runs cool, and puts out a reasonable amount of clean power. There is little or no distortion when you drive it hard and it can drive my speakers to uncomfortable levels on my desktop. The headphone amp isn't bad either. I've been happy with it. That said, if I had the space, I would have opted for something more along the lines of the units you are looking at.

yeah they are, but putting in this much money, i figure it should be a bit more powerful for sealed speakers or low sensitivities

 

[bikemig]

The Rotels are obviously really solid performers. I've been thinking about the Onkyo A 5VL for a small room/desktop; it has digital inputs which is useful for computer based playback: http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=A-5VL&class=Amplifier&p=i. The specs look good and it runs around $350 on Amazon.

 

[jcl]

Why not a good old fashioned stereo receiver? They're not going obsolete as quickly as an AVR, but will give you more features than an integrated amp. Not as sleek I'll admit....

The H/K's have dual sub outs and 12v triggers-
The H/K 3490 is 120 w/ch - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harman-Kardon-HK-3490-Z-2-x-120W-per-channel-Stereo-Receiver-w-remote-control-/180732343433?pt=Receivers_Tuners&hash=item2a147cb489#ht_4427wt_1163

The 3390 is 80 w/ch. - http://www.harmanaudio.com/Search_Browse/product_detail.asp?urlMaterialNumber=HK 3390&status=

The marantz sr4023 has a sub out as well - http://us.marantz.com/us/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=HiFiComponents&SubCatId=0&ProductId=SR4023

 

[its phillip]

yeah, based on size and looks. AV receivers don't seem to age gracefully (e.g. my 2307 looks ancient already) and is a lot heavier and taller i figure i could make a stand under the monitor to accomodate the rotels. though AVR's have built in bass management

RA-03 even without the remote? what do you think of those two vertical lines on the face plate (i'm not attracted to those)

Bass management is definitely a huge plus in favor of using an avr. I think that RA-03 looks fine (the lines don't bother me that much). How important is the remote to you? If it's for a desktop system, I imagine the unit would be within arms reach so it shouldn't be that big a deal. I pretty much never use the remote for my desktop receiver.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARNR1501/Marantz-NR1501-Slimline-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html

 

[mike c]

i forgot what i didn't like about receivers
-the delay from when you turn it on (tk ... ... then tk)
-i've already once upon a time used an HK stereo receiver on this setup, and i'd like a new one

-i can't buy from the US because we're 220v here
-i prefer silver color (the audio engine only made it to the list because of it's coolness factor)

 

[jcl]

This would look great on your desk -
http://bryston.com/b60_m.html

 

[jcl]

The Rotels are obviously really solid performers. I've been thinking about the Onkyo A 5VL for a small room/desktop; it has digital inputs which is useful for computer based playback: http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=A-5VL&class=Amplifier&p=i. The specs look good and it runs around $350 on Amazon.

I don't think the Onkyo's have pre outs, only tape outs, which wouldn't allow for volume control of the sub.

 

[bikemig]

@jcl: you're right so it won't work for the OP. The specs do look good though.

 

[jcl]

It's not an integrated, but it's sleek, comes in 220v and silver and a lot cheaper than the Bryston....
http://www.sherwoodusa.com/site/sherwood/receiver/R904.php?mtype=1#

It would give you some bass management capabilities as well as the network streaming. I've thought it'd be fun to play with in an office system.

 

[bikemig]

A little pricey but both Denon and Marantz make interesting network capable cd/receivers that have a good form factor for a desktop:

http://us.marantz.com/us/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=HiFiComponents&ProductId=MCR603

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-RCD-N7-CD-Receiver-System/dp/B005FE734C/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1317651411&sr=1-1

I think they'd be fun to play around with as well either on a desktop or for a bedroom set up.

 

[krzywica]

This would look great on your desk -
http://bryston.com/b60_m.html

$1500+....wow...thats a nice looking unit though.

 

[jcl]

Nuforce Icon has that sleek modern design thing going, does 220v, and has a line out for a sub. Basically along the lines of the audioengine I believe. At 12W a channel it isn't a powerhouse.

http://www.nuforce.com/hp/products/icon/index.php

 

[mike c]

$1500+....wow...thats a nice looking unit though.

is it really 1500? ... pre-out - main in .... yuuummmmm.

 

[MidnightSensi2]

I've had great luck with Audioengine products, although I have not tried that amp specifically. It's your office, it's nearfield, 22watts is plenty for that type of use. Lets say it's less, it's STILL plenty hehe. What's the efficiency of your speakers? If their some really difficult load that might make it an issue, but most it will be plenty for nearfield listening.

 

[bikemig]

I agree with midnightsensi; 22 watts is a lot for a nearfield set up. I keep the volume turned pretty low on mine cuz it's easy to get a loud sound out of the speakers in a nearfield set up. If you want something in a small form factor, jolida makes some interesting looking amps, .:JoLida: manufacturers of quality audio equipment.

Edit: I have a question and probably should ask it on a separate thread. I know the OP wants a variable out for a sub and a quite a few of these small form amps don't have one. Is there a downside to using the hi level speaker inputs versus a iine level (assuming the amp doesn't have bass management and you rely on the sub to handle the crossovers). I've been wondering about that (and I know I should do some more reading on this,

 

[MidnightSensi2]

I agree with midnightsensi; 22 watts is a lot for a nearfield set up. I keep the volume turned pretty low on mine cuz it's easy to get a loud sound out of the speakers in a nearfield set up. If you want something in a small form factor, jolida makes some interesting looking amps, .:JoLida: manufacturers of quality audio equipment.

Edit: I have a question and probably should ask it on a separate thread. I know the OP wants a variable out for a sub and a quite a few of these small form amps don't have one. Is there a downside to using the hi level speaker inputs versus a iine level (assuming the amp doesn't have bass management and you rely on the sub to handle the crossovers). I've been wondering about that (and I know I should do some more reading on this,

Yeah, I have Bag End PM6's on my desk with 100watt amps in them and I have the levels set extremely low...I doubt I use 10watts hehe and it's super loud. ( Bag End's M6 Near Field Monitor Now Available in Self-Powered Version - Lighting&Sound America Online - News ) Imagine listening to your home theater sitting a meter from your speakers hehe, doesn't take much.

Edit: I have a question and probably should ask it on a separate thread. I know the OP wants a variable out for a sub and a quite a few of these small form amps don't have one. Is there a downside to using the hi level speaker inputs versus a iine level (assuming the amp doesn't have bass management and you rely on the sub to handle the crossovers). I've been wondering about that (and I know I should do some more reading on this,

Line level is ideal, it doesn't add any distortion that might be induced by an amplifier. There are some small form factor subwoofers that have line level crossovers, just can't control the slope and everything. But, I'm a realist, some situations it likely doesn't matter.

I got a pair of Beyerdynamic DT880's btw, good choice man!!! Love those.