cheap (integrated?) amp for nearfield?

[GranteedEV]

Anyone got an idea for something to drive a pair of 6 ohm, 86db sensitive speakers?



I don't feel comfortable with T-Amps because they seem to have load-dependant frequency response. THe reviews on the dayton dta-100a also seem to suggest the channel levels don't track very well at low volumes.

Are there any other options(not against class D if the FR is load independant, but don't want to spend a lot)? A chip amp kit sounds good but where would I source a small chassis in which it would fit?

[AJ]

Re: cheap (integrated?) amp for nearfield?

I'd call those 8ohm speakers. Phase is +/-30degrees and they only dip to ~6.5ohm at 5.5Khz. Easy load for pretty much any amplifier.

If this is for a computer system consider a standard stereo amplifier. If you don't mind using your computer's volume control you don't need an integrated amp or a receiver. I personally use a Hafler P230 at my desk, and control the volume in WMP or with my desktop.

If you want a volume knob, Proton, NAD, Yamaha, Cambridge, etc... all make fine integrated amps, amoung many other companies. Just find one you like. If you want something with a small footprint you're stuck with class D, the Emotiva A100 or the Dayton APA150.

[JasonP]

Re: cheap (integrated?) amp for nearfield?

I don't feel comfortable with T-Amps because they seem to have load-dependant frequency response.

Huh. Is that from information somewhere I could read? Link please, if possible.

[GranteedEV]

Re: cheap (integrated?) amp for nearfield?

Huh. Is that from information somewhere I could read? Link please, if possible.

You might argue that it's only above 10khz, but i still don't like it. They're some benign speakers as AJ noted, but i just don't like it. Call it irrational:

http://www.michael.mardis.com/sonic/measure/5066-freq.html

http://www.michael.mardis.com/sonic/measure/super-T-freq.html

http://www.audioheuristics.org/markk_wp/?p=163

The emotiva and dayton look perfect, but honestly i don't know if i want to pay that.. they've got a lot more power than i'd ever use. Just looking for a small footprint amp with flat frequency response under $100, and I don't mind DIY if I can source a small chassis.

[JasonP]

Re: cheap (integrated?) amp for nearfield?

Wow, now I wonder how my Sure 4x100 T-Amp is faring into my <4 ohm load (in the upper treble). Thanks.

[XtremeRevolution]

Re: cheap (integrated?) amp for nearfield?

Wow, now I wonder how my Sure 4x100 T-Amp is faring into my <4 ohm load (in the upper treble). Thanks.

Is it shutting down on you or going into protect mode? Amps are generally a bit flexible with impedance ratings.

[AJ]

Re: cheap (integrated?) amp for nearfield?

A chipamp (or any DIY amp, for that matter) is going to be tough for 100$.

Check out Circuit Specialists for cheap small enclosures. The "Metal Instrument cases" are about as cheap as you'll find, but they don't look all that great and need bracing in the upper corners of the aluminum lower half to feel solid. Antek Inc. is a great distributor of quality toroid transformers and is cheaper than Avel Lindberg. See if National will give you samples of the chip you want to use (LM3886, LM1875, etc...). I just got five LME49810's for free... They won't consider non-business email accounts though (ie. no gmail or hotmail).

Alternatively, IIRC the Audiosource Amp100 is an LM3886 based amp. The AmpOne is better (all discrete, IIRC), but closer in price to the Dayton.

Also, watch ebay. Good deals abound if you're patient.

[JasonP]

Re: cheap (integrated?) amp for nearfield?

Is it shutting down on you or going into protect mode? Amps are generally a bit flexible with impedance ratings.

Well not to derail this thread, but the answer is: no. What we are talking about here is that the output of the t-amp is load dependent. My final xo design for the Bento speaks has a contour shunt RC in the tweeter to both shape the response and adjust phase. The downside is that my impedance sweep of the speaker shows an impedance of 2.7 ohms on the top end, above 6k. I'd imagine this is affecting the output of the amp if it follows the curves shown on those links above. :( I imagine I'm not hearing it that much because my tweeter has a peak in the 14k range of a few db. Anyway, its all a bothersome thing.

[JasonP]

Re: cheap (integrated?) amp for nearfield?

Is 16" x 9" not small footprint? :D

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AudioSource-AMP100-Stereo-Amplifier-160Watts-AMP-100-/290451335389?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a03fa8dd#ht_3568wt_1401