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Suggestions for a small stereo amp?
#382147 08/26/12 07:49 PM
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I need to replace a small stereo amplifier to power two M3's on the desk in my small home office (10' x 11' with an open doorway to the hall).

My trusty, quirky little Creek finally died, sadly. I have an extra full size HK AV receiver, but it's way too big for the space.

Since the power needs are quite modest, and space is at a premium, I'm wondering if one of the mini amps (e.g., Pyle, Lepai) would suffice. I don't know anything about their sound quality.

Anyone with ideas or experience?

Thanks.

Bill

Re: Suggestions for a small stereo amp?
wschwartz #382148 08/26/12 07:54 PM
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Have you looked at the Dayton APA150? My former boss had one for a short period that I think he liked it well enough (he was a serial amp buyer).


I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
Re: Suggestions for a small stereo amp?
wschwartz #382154 08/26/12 11:29 PM
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People seem to like the Topping amps from PE. I got a Lepai for my wife's computer system and it has been fine. I think Emotiva has a new, modest, little amp.


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Re: Suggestions for a small stereo amp?
tomtuttle #382157 08/27/12 02:04 AM
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If you have an extra receiver, then why not try that. You may like what you hear and why spend more money on what you don't need.

In my books, there is no receiver....too big!

Re: Suggestions for a small stereo amp?
tomtuttle #382161 08/27/12 02:43 AM
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Is this the one, Tom?

http://www.amazon.com/LP-2020A-Lepai-Tripath-Class-T-Amplifier/dp/B0049P6OTI/

I'm in the market for a cheap amp for my basement system. (OMG I have a basement!). It will be used to amplify my 6-CD changer's singnal and feed my Axiom M22 on-walls. I might want to step up to a Topping, though:

http://www.amazon.com/Topping-TP20-MK2-TA2020-Digital-Amplifier/dp/B005F5U86G/

Re: Suggestions for a small stereo amp?
wschwartz #382162 08/27/12 04:16 AM
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I was mistaken. I ended up with something like the Muse TA2020 you can find on eBay. I don't push it, but it has worked flawlessly for quite a while.


bibere usque ad hilaritatem
Re: Suggestions for a small stereo amp?
pmbuko #382186 08/27/12 03:33 PM
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Originally Posted By: pmbuko

(OMG I have a basement!).

Did you move again???

I use a small H/K 380i receiver in my office. Powers the speakers just fine.
Rated for 30W /ch, but i wouldn't say it is super small, about the size of a small briefcase.


"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
Re: Suggestions for a small stereo amp?
chesseroo #382200 08/27/12 05:39 PM
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I'll probably look at craigslist for something used and decent. Before buying new. Gotta keep those working circuits out of the junkyard. smile

EDIT: I'm still in VA, just a bit further west where I've got room to breathe -- 13 mostly wooded acres. I can mow the clear around the house in about an hour.

Re: Suggestions for a small stereo amp?
wschwartz #382216 08/27/12 11:08 PM
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i currently use this amp in my office from Emotiva it's their mini-X and it's got some nice juice. i am currently driving a pair of paradigm performance series 3SE speakers with this amp and the 3SE's have 8" woofers and this little amp can power the hell out of them! it's sort of an intergrated amp as it's got a volume control built into it. also it's got a 12v trigger in & out as well as RCA source input and RCA source output (nice to go to a sub). i currently have a USB DAC connected to a RCA selector switch from my PC for my hi-rez FLAC and from there to the amp. i also have an RCA/3/8mm cable connected to the other side of that selector switch so i can connect my iPhone4, iPad2 or a visitors MP3 player. it really works out nice too. great price. here is a picture of the setup in my office.




above is a picture of the selector switch left is the DAC input, center is output to the amp and right is the RCA to 3/8mm cable

if i can power those old vintage paradigm's with serious power (those woofers are cranking when no one is on my floor and i can turn it up) they will drive those incredibly efficent M3's something wonderful.

best of luck with whatever you decide to go with. please keep us posted.


SonySXRD55"
Marantz AV7702MKII pre-amp
Emotiva XPA-5,UPA-2amps,
14 Speakers, All Axiom
Oppo 105D&93
Re: Suggestions for a small stereo amp?
wschwartz #382221 08/28/12 01:48 AM
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http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/amplifiers/products/a100
I heard good thing about this little guy; it may still be too big for your purpose.


M80 v3, 2 x Emotiva UPA-1 Monoblocks, XPA-5, UMC-1 PrePro
Pro-Ject RPM Genie, Carver C2 Phono Preamp
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