Amp for desktop setup, low volume listening

[itsikhefez]

Hi all,

I'm looking to build a system for low volume listening in a desktop setting.
I will mostly be listening in the evenings when the wife and baby are asleep...I know, I know.. Headphones, right ?
That's not currently an option for me..

The amp/dac will be bought probably used, and speakers new unless I can find what I'm looking for.
I auditioned a Creek 4330SE next to an Arcam A65+ next to a Roksan Caspian. (they were connected to KEF LS50)
I liked the Caspian the most, it was the most engaging for me, BUT I see how the highs can be tiring on some types of music. That said, I didn't have an issue with either of the other 2... They all sounded high quality to me, and I'm not going to be doing any critical listening. (Although out of the remaining 2 I liked the Creek a bit better)

The only issue is that I didn't listen to them in low volume during the audition, so not sure how they would perform in that setting. I hear the Yamaha A-S500/700 have a loudness control that can cater this specific issue, although I'm having trouble finding them on the used market.
I know the 501/701 are available, but I feel like I'd be better off getting an external DAC, as those can change more often then the actual amp. (I'm looking at the DacMagic 100 and Modi 2 Uber)

The speakers I'm looking at and yet to audition (speaker size is the biggest constraint) are Totem Kin Mini, Totem Dreamcatcher and Epos K5.

My current shortlist of amps is:
1) Simaudio Moon I-1 - 2008, 50w/ch, MSRP $1500
2) Creek 5350SE - 2001, 90w/ch, MRSP $1500
3) Yamaha A-S700 - 2009, 90w/ch, MSRP $1000 (?)

I haven't heard the Simaudio but I was impressed that it is "only" 50w/ch and weighs more than the Creek..
So, anybody here have experience with these amps under these circumstances?
Appreciate your feedback.

Itsik

 

[JURB]

Sorry. I screwed that up missing one point. I was asking about speakers but it has been answered before asked. either I am smoking something or they are putting something in the water.

 

[itsikhefez]

First of all, it is obvious you are not on a budget. Have you considered tubes ?

And more important I should say is the speakers. It seems to me that you want to be able to hear outside happenings, thus no headphone option. Understandable, I don't really like them either. I will use them, but I prefer Earth shakers.

Some of those little tube amps can sound really good, but that also depends on your speakers. Do you want big speakers, or small speakers like near your desk or whatever ? Remember, even 50 WPC is pretty damn loud. Hell, many people listen at one watt and consider it loud.

Anyway, even though I lack familiarity with the amps you mentioned, I can say this. The most important thing when you come here asking about amp advice is what kind of speakers are you going to feed it to ? Will it be some nice efficient Klipsch ? Or perhaps some not so efficient Cantons across the room ? Which is another thing. I got speakers placed so they sound pretty much right when I am at the PC. I might even do better with a subsat for the PC. But when I back up and get more between the speakers they sound much better.

What do you want ? Big speakers, small speakers ? I think you should choose them first because amps are alot easier to perfect than speakers. Amps from fifty bucks are flat to one dB, speakers at fifty grand can barely do that.

So, not to answer a question with a question (but that is what has happened) - just what do you intend to drive with this amp ?

Thanks for your response. My budget is around $1200 for amp/dac/speakers.

I wrote this in my original message:
"The speakers I'm looking at and yet to audition (speaker size is the biggest constraint) are Totem Kin Mini, Totem Dreamcatcher and Epos K5."

So yea, I'm looking for small standmount speakers that will be placed on my desk, about 35inches apart.. (I have to write-off alot of good options because of the space.)
I don't necessarily want the higher rating amps because of their output, but rather because I perceive them as higher quality products overall (if justified or not).
Hope this clarifies my situation.

 

[4-2-7]

Please go take a look at the Audioengine site as they have some sweet products. Powered speakers and WiFi and Bluetooth DAC... http://audioengineusa.com/

 

[Bratwurst7s]

I've been using a vintage Yamaha A-520 on my desktop for about a year now. I like it so much that I bought another for my wife to use. Before that I was using a Yamaha A-S201. It was OK, but the older A-520 beats it in sound quality by a clear margin. Inside the case the A-520 is quite simple and was easy to recap and deoxit. Other than the 2 bigger filter caps I believe that it only has 21 elcos.

Originally I'd been using a pair of '80s vintage Grundig HiFi Box 650b 3-way speakers (and like them) but currently have a pair of much smaller Canton GL-260 2-ways hooked up. They have fantastic imaging and are very clear & neutral, fantastic little speakers for near field use.

Cheers,
James