Desktop Speaker Question (headphone amp / dac)

Soldato
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21 Mar 2005
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12,970
Hi.

My setup is the TEAC UD-H01 that feeds a Little Dot MK2 for my HD650's.

I am really happy with the sound.


I want to get some desktop speakers and noticed the output ports on the Little Dot 2.

I am now wondering if I could connect some say, Diamond 9.0's to this output?

Cheers :)
 
Not directly. If you want to use passive speakers, such as the 9.0's, then you'll need an amplifier for speakers as well. Lepy tripath amp will do the job for cheap as poss, or SMSL SA36 for something better quality. If you don't want an additional amplifier, then you'll need some active/powered speakers to connect to the line out on the headphone amp.
 
Not directly. If you want to use passive speakers, such as the 9.0's, then you'll need an amplifier for speakers as well. Lepy tripath amp will do the job for cheap as poss, or SMSL SA36 for something better quality. If you don't want an additional amplifier, then you'll need some active/powered speakers to connect to the line out on the headphone amp.
Okay thanks for that.
 
Okay probably sound a little daft but I wanted to make sure before I buy!

I can buy an RCA to Aux cable and Creative T20 powered speakers. Is this suitable here?

I don't mind spending a bit more on the 9.0's and that SMSL SA36 amp. I will lose desk space which I am short of (thinking maybe get speaker stands..) but if this sound will be significantly better than the T20 powered speakers than I will go down this route :)

Cheers.
 
You could buy an RCA to aux cable and the T20's, as they're still a decent choice for the price, especially for someone with limited space as they have a small footprint. They sound pretty decent and are inexpensive, but they're not as quite a good as buy as they once were, unless small as possible is required. For around £30-40 more, the aforementioned Wharfedale 9.0's + small amp offers better sound quality.

I suppose it depends on what you want the speakers for though. If you want a decent speaker for music when you don't want to use headphones, then the 9.0's are certainly worth spending the extra on over the T20's. If you do all your music listening with headphones though and just want some general purpose speakers, the T20's are a decent choice. Cheaper overall and easier to place if space is limited.

Depending on what you want to use the speakers for, there are some alternatives; such as Edifier R1280T. Same size and similar price to the 9.0's + SA36 amp, but active/powered speakers; so you'd connect to mains and the DAC. Personally, I'd take the 9.0's + amp, but the Edifier's are a good alternative for those who want speakers without having to have a separate amp.

If fitting in speakers the size of the 9.0's is going to be a stretch, M Audio AV32 is a smaller alternative, although not by that much really. Smaller 3" woofer, compared to the 4" in the 9.0's. Bass will likely go a bit lower with the 9.0's though, because the larger size.
 
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You could buy an RCA to aux cable and the T20's, as they're still a decent choice for the price, especially for someone with limited space as they have a small footprint. They sound pretty decent and are inexpensive, but they're not as quite a good as buy as they once were, unless small as possible is required. For around £30-40 more, the aforementioned Wharfedale 9.0's + small amp offers better sound quality.

I suppose it depends on what you want the speakers for though. If you want a decent speaker for music when you don't want to use headphones, then the 9.0's are certainly worth spending the extra on over the T20's. If you do all your music listening with headphones though and just want some general purpose speakers, the T20's are a decent choice. Cheaper overall and easier to place if space is limited.

Depending on what you want to use the speakers for, there are some alternatives; such as Edifier R1280T. Same size and similar price to the 9.0's + SA36 amp, but active/powered speakers; so you'd connect to mains and the DAC. Personally, I'd take the 9.0's + amp, but the Edifier's are a good alternative for those who want speakers without having to have a separate amp.

If fitting in speakers the size of the 9.0's is going to be a stretch, M Audio AV32 is a smaller alternative, although not by that much really. Smaller 3" woofer, compared to the 4" in the 9.0's. Bass will likely go a bit lower with the 9.0's though, because the larger size.
Thanks that's fantastic information.

I need to give some more thought about the layout. I have a larger, less cluttered desk in the shed... Decisions!

Cheers for the advice.
 
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