Need advice: small desk-size 2-channel amp and active subwoofer?

[Vageetasjn]

I'm thinking about changing my computer audio setup to a pair of bookshelfs, active sub, and an amp (preferably digital) that doesn't look out of place on a desk. What's the best way to do this?

-What's a good amp for this setup?
-How do you set it up so there are no unnecessary DAC conversions that will reduce audio quality?

 

[SithSolo1]

Your budget will be the number one determining factor in the answers you get.

 

[Vageetasjn]

Well now I'm curious how expensive a 2-channel amp can get! But I'm thinking less than $200 USD for the amp, 200-300 for the speakers, and $200-300 for the sub.

 

[SithSolo1]

You could cut out the amp and just go with powered speakers and a sub.

For example(There are other options):
Audioengine A5+ - http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Audioengine-5-Plus#overview
Audioengine AS8 - http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Audioengine-S8#overview

Two Channel Amps(These are just 2, there are many others out there):
Maverick Audio Tubemagic A1 - http://www.mav-audio.com/base/product/tube_magic_a1
AudioSource AMP100 - http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=302-601

 

[Vageetasjn]

Very interesting, thanks. Although I think I'd want something that takes an optical source so I can use the motherboard onboard audio. That's what people do, isn't it?

 

[kornphlake]

You'll have to buy an amp with an optical input, 2ch amps with optical inputs are fairly rare and often very expensive. A lot of people use a USB DAC instead of the onboard audio and an amp with analog inputs where sound quality is a concern, a preamp with optical inputs would accomplish the same thing but typically cost much more than a USB DAC.

 

[SithSolo1]

Very interesting, thanks. Although I think I'd want something that takes an optical source so I can use the motherboard onboard audio. That's what people do, isn't it?

Like kornphlake said if you want to use optical input and your current sound source you will need a DAC or Pre-Amp that accepts optical input in addition to the amp, or an A/V receiver. You could also go the USB Dac plus Amp route. The most common solution is the a/v receiver but its hard to find them small and the smaller ones are usually more expensive by hundreds of dollars than those of standard size and similar power.

On the other hand, the powered speaker/sub setup doesn't normally require all that additional hardware and plugs right into your computer.

 

[scootermaster]

Amp: Any newer Sherwood or Pioneer receiver = $150ish (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ion-_-cables-_-na-_-na&Item=N82E16882117398)?
Speakers: Arx A1's = $285ish
Sub: Elemental Designs A3S-250 = $350

Apples to apples, that will be just about the best music setup you can get for $750.

 

[SithSolo1]

Amp: Any newer Sherwood or Pioneer receiver = $150ish (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ion-_-cables-_-na-_-na&Item=N82E16882117398)?
Speakers: Arx A1's = $285ish
Sub: Elemental Designs A3S-250 = $350

Apples to apples, that will be just about the best music setup you can get for $750.

Thats a great setup but given the OP was looking "small-desk size" equipment he may have space constraints that prevent the use of a receiver and "regular" size bookshelf speakers.

Also the Arx A1s are sold out and being replaced by the upgraded A1bs for $50 more.

 

[vi edit]

For audio purposes I think you'll be impressed at the bass ouptut of some of the active monitors that are out here. Maudio, Mackie, and Rokkit 4" and 5" woofers can really pound out some bass in a nearfield sitting.

Unless you listen to a lot of deep bass stuff like rap, techno and need big booms for video games you may be able to get buy with just the monitors.

 

[sdifox]

forget the sub and just get 2 decent active monitors that puts out enough bass.

something like this

http://www.amazon.com/Rokit-Powered...RSBM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1329261368&sr=8-2

I guess I am saying the same thing as vi edit, except I am going with 6"

 

[NAC]

I have a <$50 USB DAC t-amp from ebay, and I'm very happy with it. A cheaper amp like that would let you put more money into the speakers, where I think you'll get better sound for your $.

I compared a non USB t-amp to the $600 NAD amp I used to have, and the t-amp held its own.