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Speakers for a desktop system

I want to set up a system on top of my desk. Speakers will be about 32 inches apart center to center. placed on each side of my apple monitor about a foot away from the back wall.. I will slide my chair back about 5 feet.

Would like to drive them with a intergrated tube amp. WIll be listening to vocal and jazz mostly.

I have a vincent audio hybrid tube cd player. What tube integrated and speakers would you choose. Does not need to play real loud. I am looking for a great soundstage and warm smooth sound.
daniel825
daniel825 OP
36 posts
 
Johnnyb53..

Sounds like a good idea.. What would you use for a tube line stage that won't take up to much room on the desk?

Regards,
Dan
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
07-09-09: Daniel825
What would you use for a tube line stage that won't take up to much room on the desk?
I haven't heard this unit, the Antique Sound Lab Wave Line Preamp, but I've been impressed by other products from their line, and the footprint *is* small.

Although not tube, this Vincent SA-96 is optimized for computer desktop use, and it looks like Audio Advisor has 'em at half price.

I've never been a kit-builder, but the Hagerman Clarinet looks interesting.
daniel825 OP
36 posts
 
Johhny,

I just ordered the Audioengine a5... Should be here in 3 days.
Going to look at the vincent sa-96 next. I have a vincent audio tube cd player that I am very happy with.

Does anyone make a line preamp with usb that also has a DAC in it? So that I don't have to use the DAC that is in the Mac?

Thanks
Dan
headshrinker2
110 posts
 
Sounds like you are aiming at a performance oriented desktop system, but I really enjoy my AudioEngine A2's. Well reviewed and fantastic value. With their return/audition policy, they are kind of a no brainer to try.

Good luck with your decisions.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
07-10-09: Daniel825
Does anyone make a line preamp with usb that also has a DAC in it? So that I don't have to use the DAC that is in the Mac?
This is a rapidly emerging product category. The easy answer is also a bit expensive--the Benchmark DAC Pre at $1595. Small footprint, inputs for RCA and Toslink SP/DIF, USB, and analog. Outputs to XLR, RCA, and headphone jacks.

You could stick with the Vincent and add a small USB DAC between the Apple and the preamp. Possibilities include the HRT (High Resolution Technologies) Music Streamer at $99 or the higher quality or Music Streamer+ at $299.

Another very ingenious design is the Devilsound DAC at $299, which is a USB-to-stereo-RCA cord with the USB DAC in a tiny matchbox size lump where the cable switches from USB to RCA. Very clever and lots of favorable Internet buzz.

You may also want to peruse the product offerings of Nuforce-Icon, which includes a battery-rechargable iPod-sized DAC/headphone amp (Nuforce-Icon Mobile), and the Icon, a little desktop USB DAC, headphone amp, and integrated amp at $249. It doesn't have stereo RCA preamp outputs but you could use its headphone jack to drive the AudioEngines, which only input is a 1/8" stereo jack anyway. The AudioEngines come with a 6' adapter cable. Just plug it in between the Nuforce Icon headphone jack and the AudioEngine 1/8" input on the left speaker.

Stereophile review.
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