Amp source advice

Rexton · 29 Mar 2011 at 23:18

Received a pair of MA BR1's for literally nothing off of a friend a few days back, and decided I'd pair them up to my desktop system. I've had the Denon DM38 in mind for a good while now, mainly due to the fact I'm not looking at forking out a large amount on something that won't be my main system, and it also has a digital iPod input.

Would just like a few thoughts on the source/amp. It will be used for gaming audio/music (from iPod)/music development.

Thanks,

commited · 29 Mar 2011 at 23:49

If it was me, I'd be looking at the Dayton Audio DTA-100a, available for £74 delivered from everyones favourite auction site.

TNT Audio Link

It even comes with all of the accessories you'd need to get up and running for about half the price of the DM-38. Couple this with a MiniDAC (TDA1543 with DIR9001 Non Oversampling design) for £30 delivered powered from your PC's soundcard and it'll be £104 well spent.

An alternative DAC that is getting rave reviews is the Behringer UCA-202, also available for £30 delivered.

It's a suggestion from left field but do a bit of research and it might suit you!.

Rexton · 30 Mar 2011 at 14:04

Looks very nice and attractive and I am tempted, but I was quite focused on using my iPod as a source. Also only has one input which puts me off, I'd like the option of two or three.

Any other alternatives/suggestions?

lay-z-boy · 30 Mar 2011 at 16:21

If you are looking for alternatives to your micro all-in-one then there is the Teac CRH258i, Yamaha CRX550 and Onkyo CR545 for a start. Make sure to check out reviews of all of them as there could be hidden problems or indeed one could be a hidden gem. Also, don't make the mistake of going purely on numbers. Even with RMS, there is a huge amount of variables when they measure power.

Rexton · 30 Mar 2011 at 16:58

Thanks lay-z-boy. I've looked at most popular micro systems and the denon seems favoured out of the bunch. I'll probably use iPod playback for music and a mini dac between that and my soundcard. I also demo'd it a while back with the speaker I'll be using and felt comfortable with the sound it produced.

lay-z-boy · 30 Mar 2011 at 18:33

Then the denon it is, you seem pretty much set on it.

Martynt74 · 31 Mar 2011 at 10:49

I've got one in the kitchen/back room and its pretty good, sound is fairly decent aswell from it.

Very much seems to be the pick of the bunch at this budget range