Amplifier for desktop near field system

@fuzztone - Thanks for the suggestion of the Topping stack. It seems to be the only one with MQA capabilities from those suggested (or am I mistaken?).

Many thanks everyone for the feedback.

@hilde45 - Yes indeed. the system that I am contemplating is based on his recommendations. 😊

@soix - Your recommendation of the Bel Canto C5i and NuForce IDA-8 were right up my alley as they relate to "Kallax-Fi" size gear which would be ideal as I have limited space on my desktop. One question though - The NuForce IDA-8 seems more current than the C5i which has been around for more than a decade. Ignoring age and price, would you be of the view that the C5i outstrips the IDA-8 in the sound department?

@yyzsantabarbara - Yes, thanks for the tip in relation to the drawbacks of placing the speakers on the desk. I intend to get around this issue by using ISO Acoustics Aperta desktop stands.

@dekay - Thanks for the suggestion of the Heed Elixir amplifier. Unfortunately it does not come with an on-board DAC. But then again, Heed's DAC (Abacus) combined with the Elixir amplifier stack well together and looks good. Question is does it sound as good as it looks? 🤔

Thanks again everyone!

Bestbang for $ is a Topping stack - E50 on a PA5. Today $556.20

The Harbeth would sound great with a Benchmark AHB2. The warmth of the Harbeth would match nicely with the pure neutral sound of the AHB2. I used the AHB2 once with KEL LS50's on a desktop setup. Speakers were too big, but I had no choice back then.

Setting up speakers on a desktop is not the best choice. Using stands on the two sides of a desk is better. Placing the speakers behind you on stands is even better and what I use in my office.

Good amp plus an outboard DAC.

Good amps stand the test of time (DAC's perhaps not so much).

As the new version of the P3 is reviewed as being more detailed/brighter than the earlier version I listened to you might consider the new HEED that retails for $2K, or (per reviews) the Dayens that retails for $1K.

Listened to an earlier version of the HEED and really liked it (generally not a SS fan, or even a fan of some very popular tube PP amps as well).

Not up to date on DAC's (tried CAL/Bel Canto/Theta/Muse maybe 20 years ago) and know zip about HQ streaming.

This said the Sprout100 or the NAD (3045 might be a better match) should be fine/good to get the system up and running.

Only heard the original Sprout (the 100 model is said to be much improved).

Listened to the newer 3020, but with crappy speakers, so???

DeKay

McIntosh MHA150 or an offering from Peachtree, maybe?

how serious are you about desk top audio? if you are ’all-in’ the Sony SA-Z1 is the way to go.....not the cheapest, but ’real-high end hifi’ on your desk top.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/sony-sa-z1-nearfield-active-speaker-system

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/sony-sa-z1-nearfield-listening-system

Those are some nice speakers, and I think hooking them up to a Sprout is a bit of a mismatch.  I’d take a look at the Bel Canto C5i as they make both great sounding DACs and amps, and it has a small footprint that works well in desktop situations.  But, if $2k is more than you’re looking to spend the NuForce IDA-8 that’s half the price yet still very good.  Best of luck. 

+1 on the NAD 3020 D.

I'm pretty happy with my NAD 3020 D and it's tiny.  It uses a hybrid class D amp. 

If I'm not mistaken, Darren Myers (engineer at PS AUDIO) has a desktop system with those Harbeths plus a sprout 100. FWIW.