2.1 amp - missing anything?

[zvook]

Hi!
I've read the various reviews and accompanying discussions here on the 2.1 capable amps, skimmed through several forums posts, and trying to identify the "right" option has become difficult and a cyclical, endless waffling without decisions.

Use case: mostly for music and gaming at a desk in a 175sf (~16sm) home office, about 2-3ft distance, so "near field". Little music. No headphones. No movies. Speakers are older Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE, upgrade to sub later. Preference is without streaming apps, no connectivity, etc. Budget around $400, but could go well beyond if the argument is righteous. Small size is preferred.

The budget choices started at the rsl ia255, then looking at loxjie a30, smsl raw ha1, various wiim offerings, shiits,.. etc. Many seem to be just rebranded units from the same factory, and/or designed primarily for headphones, and then throw all the funky bells and whistles like apps and stuff. Then the shiny nixie tube units pop up and those look fun and become another rabbit hole of reviews and distractions.

Help? Many thanks

 

[kyuu]

Wiim Amp Pro is the obvious choice here.

 

[zvook]

Okay! I'll look through that one again. It has all that connectivity stuff, though, can all that be simply ignored?

And finally, am I the only one that upon reading the name of the product immediately speak this in my mind: "it really kicks the llama's..."

 

[kyuu]

Okay! I'll look through that one again. It has all that connectivity stuff, though, can all that be simply ignored?

Yes it can. Even if you don't plan to use it's streaming features or other connectivity, it's a quality amplifier with built-in PEQ and, importantly, a proper sub crossover.