I am looking for an integrated amp to power a small 2.1 desktop system running audio off my iMac. Both my available speakers are fairly inefficient (83db/w and 87 db/w), and like to listen at medium volume in near-to-mid field (1-6 feet). (AV123 X-LS or ELT525Ms paired with X-Sub)
I like guitar rock (Muse, Kings of Leon, Bloc Party, Spoon) & classical (Vivaldi, Rostropovich, Bach). Using 192kbps to FLACs off iMac. I will utilize iMac's onboard DAC unless integrated has its own.
I am currently utilizing an Onkyo SR-603 (90w/channel @ 8ohms) and it's onboard DAC. Will I notice an enhancement of sound at low-to-medium levels if I go with:
Narrowing my choices:
- Emotiva UPA-2 ($299)
- HK 3390 ($239)
- Virtue One ($250)
- Audiosource Amp-One ($200 on A'gon)
- Trends Audio TA-10.2 ($150)
- Dayton APA-150 ($150)
- TCA Gizmo ($119)
Any amps I should look at that I am not? Any suggestions from this list that will power inefficient speakers well? Anyone A/B test any of the above? I really am a newbie at amp selection...
