Anyone Know of a Good/Inexpensive Mini-Amp?

[Chris Gohlke]

<p>Right now I've got a fairly low end set of speakers hooked up to my desktop. &nbsp;I was thinking about an upgrade, but then started thinking that I have a perfectly good set of bookshelf speakers that I'm not using. &nbsp;Seems like a good solution, but I don't happened to have an extra amplifier lying around and a full amp would be somewhat overkill. &nbsp;So anyone know of a mini amp that has just enough power for a set of bookshelf speakers?</p>

[Hooch Tan]

Have you considered Boostaroo?

http://www.boostaroo.com/

I've used their original product years ago and it worked well in boosting the audio signal with minimal distortion or addition of hiss. Looks like they've improved and now offer an AC powered version. Their originals were 2xAAA powered which would last a couple of months for me.

Unfrotunately, these are designed for headphones and 3.5mm jacks. It may not be what you're looking for.

[Chris Gohlke]

Yeah, I'm looking for something that will take the headphone/line out from my computer and amplify it and output it via standard standard speaker 2-wire.

[ptyork]

I'm not sure there are any low-end "just-amps" out there that would provide enough power to run a set of bookshelf speakers. Realistically, you have three options. First, look on Craigslist (or otherwise) for a decent used integrated amp/receiver to run these. Second, bite the bullet and watch Slickdeals.net (or otherwise) for a good deal on some decent computer speakers (they usually come around every other week or so for < $100). Third, find a true external amp that can run clean, good power to the bookshelf speakers (used you can probably find something < $300). Of course if you go with the third option, then you might just find the internal sound card suffering from a great deal of suckdom and need to upgrade to an external DAC/Preamp. This can get expensive quite quickly. :)

[k_kirk]

Here's another interesting option if you don't mind spending some money

http://www.impamp.com/

http://www.impamp.com/impamp_files/iMP%20Amp.pdf

Good luck.

[lynnroth]

If you are looking for something a bit cheaper, Parts Express carries a few small amps that would probably work:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=248-460 (15W - $37)

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=248-462&ctab=13 (40W - $65)

I haven't used them, but I have considered getting one for a set of small speakers for my computer...

I've bought from Parts Express before, quick shipping, good customer support when I've dealt with them.

Lynn

[wentworth3]

This is a perfect job for a T-Amp, which uses a tripath chip and sounds really good. Just google Sonic Impact T-Amp for some reviews.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-380
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-958

I also recommend parts express as I have had very good experiences with them over the last 5 or 6 years.

[ptyork]

Hmm, I hadn't actually thought about those. The Class-T amps are supposed to be pretty darned good. Not audiophile, but better than the standard Class-D stuff that you usually find in low powered amps. I think the company that made the chips for these amps went under, but they are still supposed to be impressive for the price and power.

[Chris Gohlke]

These Class T Amps look like exactly what I had in mind. I post a quick look review once I pick one out and give it a try. Thanks!

[firedog]

under $100:

http://www.tracertek.com/index.php?app=ccp0&ns=catshow&ref=amps&sid=85t0c7451rk46tr0n933g4p15039gh7z

$100-$300:
http://www.audio-magus.com/category_s/36.htm

[Alvester]

Here's another solid option in NuForce's Icon amp - http://www.nuforce-icon.com/Product-Icon.htm

I have a pair of their Ref 9 V2 SE monoblock amps and they sound wonderful. (I reviewed them for Stereo Times.com)

$249 for the Icon

Some glowing reviews -

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/nuforce7/icon.html

http://www.xtremeplace.com/yabbse/index.php?PHPSESSID=2c9c2f8e61b81c35b059f100dc103b91&topic=50938.60

http://magazine.playbackmag.net/playback/200805partners/?folio=214

There are quite a few other very positive reviews of the Icon that can be found online too.