[Archguy]

One of my Chromecast Audio zones needs a new amp. 
It's a relatively unimportant zone.  Right now it's running a Lepai
which is nifty and cost $29.00.  Here's the Lepai in situ:



Two Polk Audio bookshelf speakers, I forget which ones right now but they sound great for a brand that people around here disparage.  The speakers don't matter because I'm amassing a collection for a shootout. I think I have six or seven pairs with more on the way.  And yes, all of this CCA zone is actually in bookshelves, which has some implications.  For one thing, whatever I do has to stay within 12" of depth, which eliminates all my 'good' amps except some tube amps which I don't want to use in this out-of-the-way location.

Here's where I am, sort of.  Despite the zone being unimportant, it can take some serious sound for reasons not worth elaborating.  Anyway I'm considering a subwoofer if I can make it happen:


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-CRX-332-Black-Micro-Component-System/162508611472



https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/hifi_systems/crx-332/index.html?mode=model

Nice indeed but I don't need another CD player here and the price needs to come down. 
So this is obviously not a super-cheap option.  But wait there's more...

https://www.amazon.com/SMSL-Q5-Pro-Digital-Amplifier/dp/B017W12UCU/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

SMSL, which someone here mentioned yesterday, does so many neat things.  I'm captivated by their offerings.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SMSL-AD18-Hifi-Audio-USB-DSP-Class-D-Digital-Power-Amplifier-2-1-Bluetooth-80Wx2-/253076201698



$149 is more than I want to spend for this purpose but this is almost the coolest thing I've seen since last Tuesday.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SMSL-A2-40WPC-TDA7492-Class-D-HiFi-Stereo-Digital-Power-Amplifier-Subwoofer-EQ-/253001130968

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-New-Breeze-TPA5613-Hifi-Bluetooth-Subwoofer-Digital-Audio-Power-Amplifier-/253001040010

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lvpin-Mini-Hi-Fi-Amplifier-Booster-Radio-MP3-Stereo-for-Car-Motorcycle-Home-200W/391441862782
Is this the cheapest amp ever?  $13.50 includes shipping...

https://www.amazon.com/Pyle-PFA540BT-Bluetooth-Amplifier-Receiver/dp/B01M9I1DO1/

Pyle, ye will always ha' with ye, the Good Lord said.  I actually have a good Pyle amp, but this isn't it.

https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Digital-GDI-BTAR513-Integrated-Amplifier/dp/B00PLCMZ8W/

https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Channel-Integrated-Amplifier-Bluetooth/dp/B0196HF0OI/


It looks like a tiny microwave oven and costs $69!

https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Channel-Integrated-Amplifier-Bluetooth/dp/B0196HF0OI/ref=cm_rdp_product

https://www.ebay.com/p/smsl-a2-tda7492-2-x-40w-stereo-amplifier-with-sub-out/1283880512



^^ what is the sub out on this one??  I mean, what kind of jack is that?

https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-NS-SW210BL-Advanced-Subwoofer-Black/dp/B002JCSG4Y/ref=pd_sim_23_45

Yamaha YST-SW215PN 8" Powered Subwoofer (Piano Black) -- Interesting form factor for a sub.

Now who wants to buy the $16 amplifier?? 

[fredgarvin]

I like the little microwave, I wonder if you could find speakers that look like tiny blenders or toasters?

[srb]

I like the little microwave, I wonder if you could find speakers that look like tiny blenders or toasters?

These Dancing Water Speakers kind of look like little modern blenders.

 

[ohenry]

I like the $69 "microwave" amp's ability to drive a small passive sub with a mono signal.  Just add speakers/sub and a little zip cord.  It amazes me that they pack so many features in a small box... and it's so cheap.   

If you win the quality control lottery, this could be cool.

[ohenry]

...^^ what is the sub out on this one??  I mean, what kind of jack is that?...

I think it could be a 3.5mm mono mini jack for providing a line level to a powered sub. 

[LittleWoodenBoy]

I've tried several cheap amps, none as pricey as any of the ones you've listed, and I've not found any that were as good as that Lepai you've already got.  It's not happy pushing bass, but if I let the HPF on the sub pull out the low end before the Lepai, it does a pretty nice job.  All the other super affordables I've tried lack its sound quality, power, or both.

Mike

[fredgarvin]

These Dancing Water Speakers kind of look like little modern blenders.

 

That's perfect!  One kitchen system coming up.

[srb]

That's perfect!  One kitchen system coming up.

Unfortunately they're super el-cheapo powered USB speakers and I don't think you could actually use them with the "microwave" amplifier.

But if you want real authenticity and were willing to do some DIY, you could get some blenders with square-side plastic jars (or even just the jars) and cut holes for ~ 3" full-range drivers! 

 

[timind]

I used one of these little Sure TDA7492 chip amps to test my Magnepan 1.6s after reinstalling the crossovers. Wasn't going to risk the real amps.

[ohenry]

SMSL AD18 amp pictured above is currently on Massdrop for $109.99 with free shipping.  A good chance to save $35 over epay. 

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/smsl-ad18-bluetooth-stereo-and-usb-power-amplifier

edit: Two days left in drop!!!

[navi]

I bought the SMSL Q5 with built in DAC and crappy remote for a family member  who uses it for Youtube and Spotify.

Great for TV and background music but a bit dull sounding when compared to a decent 2 channel system. Amazing value.