Spec me a bedroom amp!

nero120 · 11 Mar 2011 at 13:07

Can anyone recommend an amp for use in my bedroom? I've moved my floorstanders in there after installing a surround system in the lounge. Obviously it doesn't need to be really powerful as it's not going to be run loudly, and the more compact the better really.

Open to any budget.

Thanks!

Somnambulist · 11 Mar 2011 at 13:22

What floorstanders have you got? Little point getting something cheap for amazing speakers, or something expensive for decent, but not high-end speakers.

You'd want a stereo amp since they're the best bang for buck given you only need two channels.

Stuff from NAD, Pioneer, Rotel e.t.c. ranges from good to great, then you have people like Cyrus, Arcam, Naim if you're getting into hi-fi territory and have cash to splash.

nero120 · 11 Mar 2011 at 15:45

Monitor Audio BX5s. I'm not massively bothered about having the best quality, a nice balance of quality and cost would be ideal. To be honest, I'd prefer a more compact amp if poss due to space available in the bedroom, though I'm not aware of any compact proper hifi amps...

lucid · 11 Mar 2011 at 17:14

If you want small then go for one of the micro systems such as a Denon DM38DAB or Onkyo equivalent. The £450 BX5s deserve something better though. Arcam Solo-mini (£760) perhaps.

Secondhand then have a look at Mission Cyrus amps. They have a small footprint.

9designs2 · 11 Mar 2011 at 20:09

Basically would suggest any of the quality British brands as a safe place to start, Arcam, Cyrus, Linn, Naim, Rega.......
More important is what source are you going to use ? ....

a1ex2001 · 11 Mar 2011 at 21:16

if you want cheap, reasonable quality and compact get a TA2020 solid state amp off the bay.

Krisali · 12 Mar 2011 at 13:16

Go to ebay and buy an Arcam Alpha 7/8 for 50-100 quid, you can possibly get an Alpha 9 for not much more. Then take your gf/wife/bfriend for a weekend away. You will get a quality amp for a decent price and spend some time in the good books!

On a serious note for such a low price these amps represent tremendous value

nero120 · 13 Mar 2011 at 10:33

To be honest I really like the look of the Denon DM38DAB, compact and fully featured. Think I'll pop in to RS today and have a look. Cheers guys.

iamtheoneneo · 13 Mar 2011 at 10:48

doesnt the denon have distortion issues?

9designs2 · 13 Mar 2011 at 14:46

It's cheap stop complaining

Krisali · 13 Mar 2011 at 15:15

At the end of the day amplifier design has changed little over the past 20 years or so. Something second hand off ebay will get you best bang/buck. Arcam, Cyrus, Rega etc.

nero120 · 13 Mar 2011 at 21:53

Bought the Denon, fantastic little unit - exactly what I wanted! The fact that its got DAB and a CD player is a bonus. It drives the MAs really well, sound feels nice and big even at low volumes. Not heard any distortion issues. Listening to good tunes in my bedroom as I type this for the first time in years!

Krisali · 13 Mar 2011 at 22:09

Enjoy :]

Somnambulist · 13 Mar 2011 at 22:53

Congrats. I'm going nearfield for my bedroom but I'd love something like the XTZ speakers for when the neighbours are out.

phartars · 14 Mar 2011 at 15:48

nero120 said:
Bought the Denon, fantastic little unit

Was going to recommend a Denon .. I have 2 an M37 and an M38, both give up a meaty sound way beyond their apparent ability but the M38 has fixed the hiss issues the M37 suffered from at low volumes.

nero120 · 15 Mar 2011 at 13:01

phartars said:
Was going to recommend a Denon .. I have 2 an M37 and an M38, both give up a meaty sound way beyond their apparent ability but the M38 has fixed the hiss issues the M37 suffered from at low volumes.

I'm really loving this little unit, didn't realise how much I missed listening to music in the morning whilst I'm getting ready for work. Was a bit concerned it would drive the floorstanders but doesn't seem to be an issue at all. Amazing product for the price!