2. amps-preamps
  3. 182704-1541

Recs for small footprint integrated amp (<= 14 inches W) min 30 WRMS

Need to find a quality small footprint  amp, <=14 inches W for a desktop placement in home office to run Spendor S3/5 monitors with only 84 db sensitivity. Minimum 30 WRS with decent current, 50 may be better. Not sold on Class D so options preferred, likely SS in that price range. Like to keep under $2k new, preferably around $1k-1500. So far came up with W4S mInt  (C), Rega Brio, Heed Elixir. Music played is multiple genres. Speakers are on bookshelf above desk. Replacing HK3490 receiver so lots of upside.

joekapahulu

Showing 1 response by mlsstl

mlsstl
1,404 posts
 

While I love Schiit gear (I own a number of their pieces) the Ragnarok is bigger than what the OP requested, 16" wide versus the under 14" requested.

A Schiit option that would work is their Asgard 3 combined with a Vidar amp. These are only 9" wide and stackable, with more power than you've requested. A DAC or phono card is available as an option, and you also get a fantastic headphone amp.

While it is a class D, you might look at the Bel Canto C5i at 8.5" wide (now discontinued) which you should be able to get used for well under your budget. Their new version, the C6i, is quite a bit more than your $2K upper limit. I had a C5i for several years (60w/ch at 8 ohms) and really enjoyed it. You even get a phono input and DAC.

I'm currently running a pair of Spendor 4/5s in a new system using a LSA VT-70 tube amp (35 watts/ch) which is more than enough power assuming the OP is not a headbanger. However, while the amp is under your price cap, it is also too wide. 

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