suggestion for desktop amp

luv2liv

Diamond Member
Dec 27, 2001
3,491
92
91
currently i have the line out from motherboard to the stereo amplifier. 2 bookshelf speakers are then connected to the stereo amp. it is a good setup for watching movies too, no surround sound nor subwoofer but im fine with that.

the stereo amp takes up a lot of space. is this a good option from monoprice for $100?
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?p_id=11567
 

Sheninat0r

Senior member
Jun 8, 2007
516
1
81
currently i have the line out from motherboard to the stereo amplifier. 2 bookshelf speakers are then connected to the stereo amp. it is a good setup for watching movies too, no surround sound nor subwoofer but im fine with that.

the stereo amp takes up a lot of space. is this a good option from monoprice for $100?
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?p_id=11567

You can't run speakers out of a headphone amplifier. In addition, the line out from your motherboard is probably incredibly noisy due to the crappy onboard sound chip. I'd recommend getting a DAC (with S/PDIF or USB depending on what you prefer) as well as a new amplifier. FiiO makes a bunch of nice cheap DACs.

As for amps, there are a number of good options available on PartsExpress, like http://www.parts-express.com/lepai-...dio-mini-amplifier-with-power-supply--310-300 or http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-dta-120-class-t-mini-amplifier-60-wpc--300-3800. I've used the Lepai in multiple systems for myself and friends with no major complaints.
 

sakete

Member
Apr 22, 2015
107
1
76
Are your speakers active or passive speakers? (Active means that you'll have to connect a power chord to them). If Active, any headphone amp with pre-amp output (such as the Schiit Magni 2 Uber) will suffice. If passive you'll need to get a different kind of amplifier, like one such as Sheninat0r suggested.
 

luv2liv

Diamond Member
Dec 27, 2001
3,491
92
91
update! i got the lepai as you suggested. it is so small and pump out enough to fill my large kitchen. im no audiophile, but it sounds very good and for $30 too! here's hoping it will work for the next 10 years.