Inexpensive integrated amps w/ USB Dac

Christof · « **on:** 7 Mar 2010, 09:02 pm »

I'm in the market for a cheap integrated amp with USB dac. There seem to be a handful of sub $1k units available. Lets take things one step further and look at sub $500 integrated amps...

Can you add to this list and give comments if applicable:

Firestone Audio Big Joe III
Nuforce Icon
Peachtree audio Decco (refurb is under $500)

Mod...maybe this goes in cheap & cheerful circle?

Mariusz · « **Reply #1 on:** 7 Mar 2010, 10:13 pm »

Glow Audio Amp One.
Original version will save you some but word out there is that DAC is a bit better in the latest model. (did not have opportunity to compare - so I can not say).
Get it cheap and send it to Bob Backert http://www.rhbsounddezign.com/.
Worthy mods given that your speakers are HE.
If not ??????...... How about D-amp kit with ready-DAC board from eBay.
(upsamling, nos .....whatever you need/like)

cheers

Mariusz

knut_the_viking · « **Reply #2 on:** 8 Mar 2010, 10:23 pm »

Quote from: Mariusz on 7 Mar 2010, 10:13 pm

Glow Audio Amp One.
Original version will save you some but word out there is that DAC is a bit better in the latest model. (did not have opportunity to compare - so I can not say).
Get it cheap and send it to Bob Backert http://www.rhbsounddezign.com/.
Worthy mods given that your speakers are HE.
If not ??????...... How about D-amp kit with ready-DAC board from eBay.
(upsamling, nos .....whatever you need/like)

cheers

Mariusz

If you're looking at low-power integrated tube amps, I just have to counter Mariusz' suggestion by mentioning the Tec-on model 55

http://www.teconaudio.com/model_55.html

I have one, I use it with a pair of Tekton model 4.5 high-efficiency speakers. Really does sound nice.
New $400. (And my own is NOT for sale

droht · « **Reply #3 on:** 9 Mar 2010, 10:17 pm »

Christof, not sure if you need a "one box" solution for some reason, but in case you do not I will recommend the Maverick Audio TubeMagic D1 USB DAC (and tube pre; w/headphone output) + a Virtue One t-amp. The Maverick DAC is maybe $225 new. You'd have to pick up a used Virtue amp, but as they are starting to deliver second gen products now I would expect to see some originals on the market soon. Certainly should be attainable for $250 max.

This is the C&C set up I am running, so I am obviously biased.

The Decco refurb, in comparison, is much larger that these two pieces combined, and imo not in the same league sonically. I A/B'd the Decco vs the Maverick/Virtue combo.

Lots of other amp options out there as well.

Good luck.

Pchelac · « **Reply #4 on:** 14 Mar 2010, 11:16 am »

Sweet Peach tube amps, http://www.xshn.com/en/display.asp?id=20, 250$ +shipping , some diyaudio.com members found it sounds good.I'll put my hand on it soon, I hope.

mlgill · « **Reply #5 on:** 25 Mar 2010, 03:55 am »

I am happy to relay that Dayen Audio's Ampino integrated ampifier is represented here in the US and Canada now by Arte Forma Audio . It will have its debut at this years AK Fest in Detroit.

lextek · « **Reply #6 on:** 27 Mar 2010, 07:06 pm »

Quote from: Mariusz on 7 Mar 2010, 10:13 pm

If not ??????...... How about D-amp kit with ready-DAC board from eBay.

cheers

Mariusz

Have a link or info on this kit? I've been playing with a Audio Magnus Tweak kit T-amp and am impressed by it.

Mariusz · « **Reply #7 on:** 27 Mar 2010, 07:54 pm »

Actually, these are two different kits.
Both have their own threads in the Lab Circle.
One is build by Blair of Nightshade Audio.
The other shows 3 or so exemples of DIY DAC kits.

Mariusz