2. amps-preamps
  3. 125716-85535

small amp for 2.1 computer audio (svs ultra)

I'm looking for a compact-sized amplificator to use with a 2.1 computer audio system

Speakers = 2 SVS Ultra or 2 LCR-750
Subwoofer = PSB SubSeries 125

The biggest concern is the size restriction, i have limited room available under my desk
- Maximum 12" width
- Maximum 6" height
- Maximum 18" depth
- no fan / totally silent

I am totally noob at this, i never bought an amp before (beside AVR for home theater system).
I don't need any fancy features and the amp will always be connected ONLY to the computer. I don't need airplay or any wireless feature, just an audio input to hook it to my computer. I'm not the kind of guy who play a lot with audio settings and equalizer, most of the time i use default settings (on my HT i just ran audissey and didn't adjust anything)

Any recommendation ?
ungovernable
17 responses Add your response
Post removed 
gnostalgick
88 posts
 
If you're listening near-field at moderate levels, I wouldn't worry too much about power. Looks like the PSB sub has an adjustable crossover, so it'd be fine; it also has speaker level inputs, so you won't need a sub out option.

Do you need a digital input from your pc, like usb?
prpixel has some great suggestions above.

However if you don't have the speakers already (confused since you listed two options), you may want to consider active monitors such as the KEF300A

https://www.amazon.com/KEF-X300A-Digital-Speaker-System/dp/B00AXYKF30/ref=pd_rhf_dp_s_cp_2?ie=UTF8&a...

or the  Audioengine HD6

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017E10MPU?psc=1&smid=AKR88PAWTQVN2
ungovernable OP
3 posts
 
Would this one be powerful enough for my needs ? https://www.amazon.com/SMSL-Q5-Pro-black-Component/dp/B017W12UCU/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

I'm a little bit worried after reading this review:

The sub out is basically a mono low level output of whatever input is being sent into the amp from the source device. It is NOT bass only. Its a full range mono signal.
You will need a self powered sub with its own built in crossover to properly use the sub out on this amplifier.


Not sure if it would work with my PSB SubSeries 125
Post removed 
Post removed 
cleeds
6,116 posts
 
I'm glad this is all clear now!
ungovernable OP
3 posts
 
Sorry for the confusion i realise it was unclear, i am noob at this and i don't know the appropriate technical terms. My first language is french so there's also the language barrier.

Indeed, i just want a knob to control the volume. I noticed the suggested amps had volume control, but there was 2 different buttons to control it. I prefer knob as traditional "push buttons"

Windows does have a volume control, but i prefer physical volume control.
My current edifier computer speakers has something like this and i love it: http://img.ncixus.com/images/27404_l.jpg
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,845 posts
 
tls49,
Thanks for the clarification, the unique button sure confused the crap out of me!
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
yogiboy,

That statement can be a little confusing, but I don't he is asking for a balance control and this is what he means.

"button that you turn from left to right to adjust the volume" - a knob that you turn clockwise(left to right) to adjust the volume

"instead of separate buttons to raise/lower the volume" - an electronic volume control with + and - buttons

so, he just wants a conventional knob to adjust volume.

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,845 posts
 
cleeds,What does he mean with this statement??????

"  Also, i realised i would really prefer an unique button that you turn from left to right to adjust the volume (instead of separate buttons to raise/lower the volume)"
cleeds
6,116 posts
 
yogiboy
cleeds,
Why is the OP asking for that option on an amp?
I don't think he is asking for that.
Why would he???
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,845 posts
 
cleeds,
Why is the OP asking for that option on an amp?
cleeds
6,116 posts
 
yogiboy
"If you need a balance control you need an integrated amp or a preamp and power amp combo."
Many software applications include a balance control, including Windows itself.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,845 posts
 
If you need a balance control you need an integrated amp or a preamp and power amp combo! This is the matching preamp to the power amp that I recommended!

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAZPRE2
ungovernable OP
3 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions !
Budget would be around $500
Also, i realised i would really prefer an unique button that you turn from left to right to adjust the volume (instead of separate buttons to raise/lower the volume)
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,845 posts
 
Here ya go!

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAZAMPV3
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