I use a class D T-Amp -- cheap and great performer.
Amp for desktop setup, low volume listening
(posted also on AudioKarma.org)
Hi all,
I’m looking to build a system for low volume listening in a desktop setting.
I will mostly be listening in the evenings when the wife and baby are asleep...I know, I know.. Headphones, right ?That’s not currently an option for me..
The amp/dac will be bought probably used, and speakers new unless I can find what I’m looking for.
I auditioned a Creek 4330SE next to an Arcam A65+ next to a Roksan Caspian. (they were connected to KEF LS50)
I liked the Caspian the most, it was the most engaging for me, BUT I see how the highs can be tiring on some types of music. That said, I didn’t have an issue with either of the other 2... They all sounded high quality to me, and I’m not going to be doing any critical listening. (Although out of the remaining 2 I liked the Creek a bit better)
The only issue is that I didn’t listen to them in low volume during the audition, so not sure how they would perform in that setting. I hear the Yamaha A-S500/700 have a loudness control that can cater this specific issue, although I’m having trouble finding them on the used market.I know the 501/701 are available, but I feel like I’d be better off getting an external DAC, as those can change more often then the actual amp. (I’m looking at the DacMagic 100 and Modi 2 Uber)
The speakers I’m looking at and yet to audition (speaker size is the biggest constraint) are Totem Kin Mini, Totem Dreamcatcher and Epos K5. (I will want to listen to them after I buy the amp/dac)
My current shortlist of amps is:
1) Simaudio Moon I-1 - 2008, 50w/ch, MSRP $1500
2) Creek 5350SE - 2001, 90w/ch, MRSP $1500
3) Yamaha A-S700 - 2009, 90w/ch, MSRP $1000 (?)
I haven’t heard the Simaudio but I was impressed that it is "only" 50w/ch and weighs more than the Creek..
So, anybody here have experience with these amps under these circumstances?
Appreciate your feedback.
Itsik
Hi all,
I’m looking to build a system for low volume listening in a desktop setting.
I will mostly be listening in the evenings when the wife and baby are asleep...I know, I know.. Headphones, right ?That’s not currently an option for me..
The amp/dac will be bought probably used, and speakers new unless I can find what I’m looking for.
I auditioned a Creek 4330SE next to an Arcam A65+ next to a Roksan Caspian. (they were connected to KEF LS50)
I liked the Caspian the most, it was the most engaging for me, BUT I see how the highs can be tiring on some types of music. That said, I didn’t have an issue with either of the other 2... They all sounded high quality to me, and I’m not going to be doing any critical listening. (Although out of the remaining 2 I liked the Creek a bit better)
The only issue is that I didn’t listen to them in low volume during the audition, so not sure how they would perform in that setting. I hear the Yamaha A-S500/700 have a loudness control that can cater this specific issue, although I’m having trouble finding them on the used market.I know the 501/701 are available, but I feel like I’d be better off getting an external DAC, as those can change more often then the actual amp. (I’m looking at the DacMagic 100 and Modi 2 Uber)
The speakers I’m looking at and yet to audition (speaker size is the biggest constraint) are Totem Kin Mini, Totem Dreamcatcher and Epos K5. (I will want to listen to them after I buy the amp/dac)
My current shortlist of amps is:
1) Simaudio Moon I-1 - 2008, 50w/ch, MSRP $1500
2) Creek 5350SE - 2001, 90w/ch, MRSP $1500
3) Yamaha A-S700 - 2009, 90w/ch, MSRP $1000 (?)
I haven’t heard the Simaudio but I was impressed that it is "only" 50w/ch and weighs more than the Creek..
So, anybody here have experience with these amps under these circumstances?
Appreciate your feedback.
Itsik