[randytsuch]

My teenage daughter wants a "stereo" for here room.

I have some old Atlantic Tech or B*se(they came with the house  ) speakers to use.
 
Source will be an Ipod.
Planning to use an Apple Universal dock, which comes with a remote
]http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004G5ZA5K/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER[url][/url]

So, all I need is an amp. 

Looking not to spend over $100.
Was considering the Audiosource AMP100, but it is kind of wide, think it will take up too much space.  Would rather have something more cube shaped, taller but skinnier.

Any suggestions?

Randy

[mcgsxr]

How much power do you think you need?

Perhaps the main portion of one of the 'executive' units from any of the major brands would do?

Kijiji or Craigslist are swimming with $30-$50 portable audio units, many with detachable (read replaceable!) speakers.

I used a JVC EX-A1 unit for a couple of years very happily with my OB speakers in the past.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Get her a Dayton Audio DTA-100a digital amp.  It is an awesome little amp.
I have one Driving a pair of 6 ohm Monitor Audio S1's 89dB and it plays loud and clear with very good transparency, deep controlled bass and nice treble.  It sounds even better paired with a good dac or DAC/Preamp like the Maverick TubeMagic DAC-1.  $89 here-

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-383

[fredgarvin]

Get her a Dayton Audio DTA-100a digital amp.  It is an awesome little amp.
I have one Driving a pair of 6 ohm Monitor Audio S1's 89dB and it plays loud and clear with very good transparency, deep controlled bass and nice treble.  It sounds even better paired with a good dac or DAC/Preamp like the Maverick TubeMagic DAC-1.  $89 here-

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-383

Agreed, I'm using one in my computer system with Axiom 22's. It also does a nice job of driving my VMPS 626R's.

[JLM]

Look at NuForce (don't want her turning it up too much).

[planet10]

Parts Express also carries Lepai & Topping T-amps. The $22 Lepai is quite decent, the Toppings are a level higher in build quality.

dave

[wilbert-vanbakel]

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

[I.Greyhound Fan]

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

The Dayton DTA 100a is supposed to sound much better than the above mentioned amp as well as the very cheaply made Lepai amps

[randytsuch]

Thanks for all of the replys guys.

I had looked at the DTA-100a, but it says speakers must be 8 ohm min.  My atlantic tech's are 8 ohms, the B*se are 4.  I'll see if she's OK with the atlantic tech speakers.

Randy

[fredgarvin]

Thanks for all of the replys guys.

I had looked at the DTA-100a, but it says speakers must be 8 ohm min.  My atlantic tech's are 8 ohms, the B*se are 4.  I'll see if she's OK with the atlantic tech speakers.

Randy

They may have worded the info. poorly, 6 ohm speakers are fine as well, they don't recommend 4 ohm though.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Yep, I am using 6 ohm Monitor Audio's and the amp does just fine with no heat issues.

[planet10]

For almost all digital amps there is anoptimum impedance. The reason is that the final part of the circuit is a 2nd order LC low-pass filter (to eliminate the switching midulation). Since the load it sees is the loudspeaker, it is most effective with a specific impedance load. Most T-amps are optimized for 4 ohms. Typical minimal T-amp tweaks are better imput caps and better parts in the output filter -- no reason why it cannot be optimized for a different impedance.

This is also the reason why T-amps typically work best with a speaker that has a relatively flat impedance curve.

dave

[srb]

That particular T-amp is disqualified for its really crappy spring-loaded speaker terminals and its wanky look.

Steve

[randytsuch]

It seems like I can get some decent active monitors for around $200.  There are the little Audioengine A2's, supposed to sound good but I'm not sure about the little woofer in those.

Considering the swan D1080, they look reasonable for the price.  Will end up spending a little more, but I'm pretty sure they would sound better too.

Don't know if she'll appreciate the difference, but I'll know 

Randy

[planet10]

That particular T-amp is disqualified for its really crappy spring-loaded speaker terminals and its wanky look.

It should be noted that it is essentially the original Sonic Impact amp (in a black case) that started the T-amp craze (including a reboxed version that was Red Wine's 1st product). It can be run off 8 AAA cells and -- in its Sonic Impact form -- saved m from insanity during an 18 day power failure (with a pair of Austin A126 and an iPod (ALAC))

dave

[Letitroll98]

Yeah I think you're correct, that would be the optimum use for that amp Dave, a portable amp for the porch, the boat, emergencies, etc.  I should get some of these little guys to hear what the buzz is.

[randytsuch]

Update.

I ended up hooking up my old Sonic Impact t amp and the Atlantic Tech speakers in her room, and she's happy 

I should have mentioned this is on her dime.  Its funny how what they are willing to accept when they are paying for it.

So, she just connected the t amp to her ipod through the 3.5mm jack, she doesn't want (to pay for) the fancy ipod dock with remote.  And she is happy with my old t amp, since it's free.  One of the speaker jacks is messed up.  It makes a connection if you're carefull, but the t amp doesn't like to be moved now.  I will probably take it apart, and just solder a wire there instead.

Only other thing is I was the t amp to drive some in wall speakers we have in the living room, the 2nd system from my HT receiver.  Now, I need to replace it for that system.

Randy

[Don_S]

Shall we ignore that thanks to your "generosity" you now have the opportunity to upgrade?   

[randytsuch]

Shall we ignore that thanks to your "generosity" you now have the opportunity to upgrade?   

But, this "upgrade" comes out of my fixed stereo budget, so either I don't buy something, or wait a little longer to buy it.  Since I don't use the living room system very often, it will wait a while until I replace the t amp.

Randy