2. amps-preamps
  3. 177579-11307

Need some suggestions for a desktop amp.

I'm in need of some ideas/suggestions for a desktop amp. built in DAC would be a plus but not necessary. I used to have a Naim Untitqute driving my Harbeth P3ESR's which are very nearfield. My issue with the Naim is the large form factor which takes up a lot of space on my desk. Although the sound and functionality was great with the built in DAC and all.

The issue is, most amps with a smaller form factor made for desks are Headphone amps and not speaker amps. 

I tried a little Chinese amp but the ChiFi amp I ordered wouldn't work hooked up via USB to my iMac like it was adverstied to. So back it went.

I considered buying some Active Speakers but have never had any experience with them so not sure what direction to go. I love my little Harbeths so would like to keep them but I'm open to making a change if need be.

I'm close to pulling the trigger on a Nuprime IDA-8. However, I wanted to get others opinions first.

Thank you for your thoughts.

 

128x128jb505

Showing 2 responses by tjag

tjag
131 posts
 

@yyzsantabarbara ​​​​​​, thank you for your feedback.

I live in Sweden and we don't even have the ahb2 in showrooms here, same goes for the Freya. The coda 07x is sold in Germany for $8500.

I thought I get stuff from the used market on hifishark. 

I would like to ask you please, the coda o7x is 6 times more expensive than the Freya. Is it that much better like twice as good as the Freya. Is it worth the price difference? 

 

tjag
131 posts
 

@yyzsantabarbara I have read and heard a lot about how neutral, transparent, detailed, and clean the Benchmark AHB2 is. However, these features are also its Achilles heal because its sound could be perceived unmusical and emotionless.

Therefore, reviewers emphasized on the importance of paring it with a good preamp such as the Coda 07X which you own and is said to be one of the best preamps out there.

My question is can the Coda 07X + Benchmark AHB2($6500+$3000) combination be on par with the likes of Luxman 590AXII($8900) or the Pass labs 30.8($6800)? Especially that the Coda 07X + Benchmark combination is the most expensive here.

 

 

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