I'm currently using some Klipsch RP-400Ms with my computer at the moment, and while I like the sound I'm getting, I'm a bit stuck between a rock and a hard place trying to get a DAC/AMP setup I like for this.
Right now I'm bouncing back and forth between a Topping D10 I've had hooked up to a Marantz M-CR612 (what I have been using to power these speakers to date), and a Topping MX3. The MX3 is, fine, but it's not as clean as I'd like. Mostly that it's not quite as clear in the midrange/treble as I'd like (cymbals for example). Maybe I'm just used to the Marantz. But the Marantz eats up a lot of desk space, and really all I care about is USB -> Speakers, so there's space being eaten up by all the built-in goodies.
I'm curious what options really exist here that are more transparent than the MX3. Headphone support is low priority, and budget is <1000$. Size and audio quality are the biggest priority. I could probably get away with a bigger setup if it means I can hide components under the desk with the UPS, although more hifi-shaped components.
I've looked around and it seems like the Topping, PS Audio, Peachtree and NAD offerings for these sort of Integrated Amps that are on the smaller side all wind up with somewhat similar audio quality based on the measurements I've seen here on the forums. So I'm feeling a little stuck.
I suppose I could do something like the DX3 Pro and a Power Amp of some kind, and let the DX3 Pro be the DAC/Pre-Amp on my desk. Something like the Schiit Vidar would keep me in budget, can sit on the floor, and is the right general shape for that sort of thing, but I suspect there's probably something better suited for my needs (I've been fine with these small ~30-40W amps, and so 100W RMS might be overkill here) floating around that I'm just not finding in the sea of eBay/Amazon headphone amps that come up when I search for power amplifiers?
Edit: Maybe something like the SMSL DA-8s hooked up to the D10? *shrug*
Right now I'm bouncing back and forth between a Topping D10 I've had hooked up to a Marantz M-CR612 (what I have been using to power these speakers to date), and a Topping MX3. The MX3 is, fine, but it's not as clean as I'd like. Mostly that it's not quite as clear in the midrange/treble as I'd like (cymbals for example). Maybe I'm just used to the Marantz. But the Marantz eats up a lot of desk space, and really all I care about is USB -> Speakers, so there's space being eaten up by all the built-in goodies.
I'm curious what options really exist here that are more transparent than the MX3. Headphone support is low priority, and budget is <1000$. Size and audio quality are the biggest priority. I could probably get away with a bigger setup if it means I can hide components under the desk with the UPS, although more hifi-shaped components.
I've looked around and it seems like the Topping, PS Audio, Peachtree and NAD offerings for these sort of Integrated Amps that are on the smaller side all wind up with somewhat similar audio quality based on the measurements I've seen here on the forums. So I'm feeling a little stuck.
I suppose I could do something like the DX3 Pro and a Power Amp of some kind, and let the DX3 Pro be the DAC/Pre-Amp on my desk. Something like the Schiit Vidar would keep me in budget, can sit on the floor, and is the right general shape for that sort of thing, but I suspect there's probably something better suited for my needs (I've been fine with these small ~30-40W amps, and so 100W RMS might be overkill here) floating around that I'm just not finding in the sea of eBay/Amazon headphone amps that come up when I search for power amplifiers?
Edit: Maybe something like the SMSL DA-8s hooked up to the D10? *shrug*
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