In Search Of... Desktop All-In-One
I didn't closely compare your bullets with this, but maybe it's the ticket? https://www.psaudio.com/products/sprout100-integrated-amplifier/ |
@brian_stabinger Full disclosure: I have never bought anything from them, but they have been super nice on email and phone, have a 30 day trial period which includes shipping both ways, and allow trade-in and trade-up for some (not all) gear. I don't think there is any risk for the situation you describe in trying them. They'd be much easier to deal with down the road then something bought via Best Buy. |
+1 Sprout100 — probably your best all-around option. NuPrime IDA-6 is really nice and on sale for $349 but lacks some features you’re looking for. Peachtree may also be worth a look. If you’re open to used, you might find a Bel Canto C5i or Schiit Ragnarok V1 that would likely be a step up in overall quality. Best of luck. |
This might also be a good option to look at https://nadelectronics.com/product/d-3045-hybrid-digital-dac-amplifier/ |
I would go with kren0006 suggestion . If it is for your office you will be more then satisfied. Going the parts express route will only distract you from getting your work done. Don;t get me wrong those products are good introductions but you are going to want to move up a notch. Since the resale on the PE is not stellar you will spend the money any way. |
The Sprout hits all of your wants except.BT. You can plug in a BT receiver for $25 if you want. Streaming is more complicated. It depends on what you want to stream. BluNode will do almost all but you're paying for a cheap DAC in $$ and size. An Allo Rasberry Pi is smaller, cheaper and a lot more effort. Plus you'll have to obtain a player, possibly subscription, which the 2i includes. |
There is also the Teac AI-301DA. This comparison might help you- https://www.soundandvision.com/content/ps-audio-sprout-and-teac-ai-301da-integrated-ampdacs-review |
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_033RCDN10B/Denon-CEOL-RCD-N10.html?awcp=&awcr=326144471035&awd... I got one of these based almost entirely on the compact size. CD player and all the connectivity you could want. Sub out too. |
https://carydirect.com/shop-now/integrated-amplifiers/aios.html You can probably find a used one for $1,200 or so. |
It is not cheap, but it is a unit that has everything you want, it is ultra flexible and sounds great. I have used this unit for more than a year now. https://audiocranium.com/collections/cocktailaudio-components/products/cocktailaudio-x45-pro |
you could add this to any of the many suggested with out the mic input. https://www.schiit.com/products/hel "HIGH POWER DAC/AMP FOR GAMING, MUSIC, AND COMMUNICATIONS " |
First-off, a big Thank You to all that replied to this thread. This has been a fun journey (so far)! Understandably multiple boxes would allow for more flexibility, and perhaps that is where we'll arrive. The one-box option is still my hope. So far the Sprout (thanks for the tip, @fuzztone !!!) , NAD and TEAC. But an FM tuner would be really nice. Any idea where to source TEAC, in the USA? |
@rumblestrip -- interesting about the Sprout being "lean" in sound. I do wonder whether any other compact, integrated, solid state option could really vary that much from the Sprout in tonal character. It would seem that one would have to introduce another box (DAC, e.g.) to really affect that. But that violates the OP's one-box rule. |
The Teac is at both Crutchfield and Amazon. Checking-in after the weekend. Thanks for all the responses. From an I/O, and size/build perspective, it seems like the Teac AI-301DA rightly fits the bill. The only Teac product I found on Crutch is a turntable, and it’s slim pickings on Amazon. These are available in Ebay, shipping from Japan. Is there anything dodgy about ordering via the latter, in regards to purchasing/shipping/use in the USA? All things being equal, I'd prefer to order this from within the States, and/or at a brick-and-mortar shop. |
Regarding FM I have a Raspberry Pi at home as a streamer and I noticed there were a lot of digital radio channels available. I use the Volumio software. You could combine this with the Sprout or some other amp. Maybe this could be enough? Also a RPi is very, very small and easy to hide behind some other gear to not clutter your desk. You can keep it on all the time. |
