Yoyodajello what's a good 2-channel amp

[OneOfTheseDays]

Hey buddy, I know your the resident sound guru on these boards. Was wondering what your recommendations were for a nice 2-channel amplifier (amp only). I currently have a Chaintech AV710 soundcard outputting via SPDIF to my MicroDAC (which performs high quality A/D conversion). I want to take the output from the MicroDAC into a nice, small, compact amplifier that can effectively drive the Onyx X-LS bookshelf speakers.

So to sum up:
1.) Want 2-channel amp to drive X-LS bookshelves
2.) Don't need full receiver/pre-pro. I already have the DAC, just need the amplification.
3.) Must be under $150 and compact, low-noise and heat.

Thanks bud

 

[EvilYoda]

lol, < $150? t-amp or something used.

 

[Howard]

don't even need to read my post to know what my suggestion is

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

How loud are you going to want to play them?

My little T-amp works fine for office volumes with my X-LS
https://mywebspace.wisc.edu/spmclaughli...Work%20System/X-LS%20grilles%20off.JPG

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

I've heard good and bad things about the T-amp. I've heard it sounds nasally and compressed. What are your opinions?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Sounds good for the volumes I use it.

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

Found some better advice over on the Head-fi forums and decided to get the Trends TA.10 amplifier. It was just what I was looking for.......nice and compact with good SQ at low to moderate levels. I also ditched the Onyx X-LS and opted for the NHT Absolute Zero Monitors. I'll let you all know how it sounds/looks. Total price was around $300 for everything, including speaker stands.