SMALL amp/receiver

[nm2285]

I put together some speakers for my computer recently and now I need an amp or receiver to power them. I wouldn't mind if it was only a power amp since I could use my computer for preamp functions. My big requirement is that it be small so it doesn't take up much desk space. Another requirement I have is that it be quite inexpensive (I don't mind used or whatever).

One from a shelf system that had adequate power would be great (such as: http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=64934&WT.mc_n=4&WT.mc_t=U&cm_ven=COMPARISON SHOPPING&cm_cat=GOOGLE&cm_pla=DATAFEED->PRODUCTS&cm_ite=1 PRODUCT&cm_keycode=4 ), but they're hard to find separate.

Any recommendations? Thanks

 

[jaxvon]

What exactly is inexpensive? You can get an Onix Integrated amp (B-Stock) from AV123 for $299. It's small, simple, sounds great, and looks pretty too.

Clicky!

 

[Audiosouse]

Sonic T from Target! Lots of buzz about it on forums, though I'm not entirely sure why. I've even heard of mods being done to it!

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/sonicimpact/t.html

http://www.audio-ideas.com/reviews/power-amps/t-amp.html

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Sonic T from Target! Lots of buzz about it on forums, though I'm not entirely sure why. I've even heard of mods being done to it!

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/sonicimpact/t.html

http://www.audio-ideas.com/reviews/power-amps/t-amp.html

I've seen this amp. It's honeslty a piece of garbage. It's a switching T amp capaple of maybe 5-6 watts, and runs off 8 AA batteries. There's a big quality issue here. The unit takes anywhere from 1 to 10 minutes to warm up in order to deliver adequate power, and even then you may occasionally hear white noise. I honestly think that all this "buzz" in the audiophile community is really about the "buzz", that distortion you get from tube amps - the audiophiles amp. The distortion on this unit quickly reaches 10%, and if you're into that, go get your $30 piece of distortion. If you want a decent desktop amp, spend some money and get the Teac. You'll still need 97+dB speakers to sound halfway decent.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/sim-explorer/explore-items/-/B00007MFQY/0/101/1/none/session/ref=pd_sxp_r0/104-8060217-9334351

 

[Dan]

The smallest amp I know is the Parasound Z amp which is half rack width 8.5" and about 2.0" high. 45 WPC into 8 Ohms 20 to 20K. Its a two channel job and isn't cheap but you can get one for about $400. It has proper amp specs. I have one for a zone b and it does a mighty credible job.

 

[ChrisARN]

For computer speakers I would recomend the Creative decoder- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16883103401

 

[BMXTRIX]

You are getting all these great responses... How about some questions first.

1. What type of speakers are you using?
2. How many speakers do you have?
3. Are you looking for stereo, or surround?
4. Is there a subwoofer? How is that powered?
5. Do you know the impedence of the speakers you are using?
6. Are you planning on using the analog connections between the computer and the amplifier?
7. What size are the speakers you have connected?
8. Can you post digital pictures?

That should help get you more accurate answers for your needs.

 

[nm2285]

Hey guys, thanks for the responses. I ordered a radio shack amp off ebay (20W) and hopefully that'll work out well. That sonic t-amp looks half interesting, half a waste of money. I guess if you had the right speakers to hook up to it (and a 12V adapter), it'd be a worthwhile purchase considering its size and almost negligible price.

amp:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5789512105&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWN:IT&rd=1


btw, my speakers are some DIYs that I made recently. the plans are in the DIY section and pics are forthcoming.

 

[nm2285]

Well i tried it, certainly WAY underpowered. I can't get nearly the volume I want (guess it's good i didnt try the 1.8W model). Please keep suggestions coming. I'm hoping to find something used under $50, so if you know of small models, let me know.