Compact Amp/DAC for Desktop PC?

[Laisseez]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for recommendations for a compact integrated amplifier with a built-in DAC to power my desktop PC audio setup. The unit would be sitting on my desk, so a smaller footprint is important. My use is primarily for gaming, listening to music, and watching videos.

My current gear is a pair of Polk ES15 bookshelf speakers and a Polk HTS 10 subwoofer.

Here are the features I'm looking for in a single unit budget around 200 dollars:

• Power: Around 30W per channel at 8 ohms
• Subwoofer output: A dedicated subwoofer out
• High-pass filtering: I'd like the amplifier to have high-pass filtering for the main speakers. This can either be automatic when the subwoofer is connected or manually adjustable.
• Digital inputs: USB and/or optical inputs are necessary to connect to my PC for high-quality audio.

Any suggestions or personal experiences with similar setups would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

 

[staticV3]

Hi @Laisseez! Welcome to ASR.

I believe the WiiM Amp/Amp Pro and Acrylic B50 are your best options.

The WiiM is mobile centric, everything's configured in the WiiM Home App for Android/iOS.

The Arylic is PC centric. There is an App for basic configuration, but full DSP control requires an additional $20 application for Windows.

The WiiM has proper crossover functionality with a host of sub integration settings.

The Arylic I'm not sure.
There is per-channel DSP in the ACPWorkbench application, but I don't know if the Sub out has its own channel.

 

[JeremyFife]

Hi,
Agree with @staticV3 and, personally, think it's worth pushing your budget for the WiiM Amp.

It is over budget though. You can get close with separate DAC and Amp, although I'm not sure that you can get the High Pass filter.
A combination like; Topping D10 + Fosi V3 Stereo measures well and is in budget. You can apply DSP/EQ on the PC, no HP though.
There are other options - take a look at the review index, for recommended items.

 

[staticV3]

@Laisseez
Just had a closer look and it appears as though the B50, too, can cross over between mains and sub (HPF Mains + LPF Sub):
https://youtube.com/watch?v=wGuqUObp7Jo&lc=UgyZUxtocID0dDkm6vd4AaABAg&si=hitzq98UnTn1ESr6

The Windows application has separate DSP for Left, Right, and Mono and I guess Mono refers to the Sub out.

 

[Laisseez]

Hi @Laisseez! Welcome to ASR.

I believe the WiiM Amp/Amp Pro and Acrylic B50 are your best options.

The WiiM is mobile centric, everything's configured in the WiiM Home App for Android/iOS.

The Arylic is PC centric. There is an App for basic configuration, but full DSP control requires an additional $20 application for Windows.

The WiiM has proper crossover functionality with a host of sub integration settings.

The Arylic I'm not sure.
There is per-channel DSP in the ACPWorkbench application, but I don't know if the Sub out has its own channel.

Hi,
Agree with @staticV3 and, personally, think it's worth pushing your budget for the WiiM Amp.

It is over budget though. You can get close with separate DAC and Amp, although I'm not sure that you can get the High Pass filter.
A combination like; Topping D10 + Fosi V3 Stereo measures well and is in budget. You can apply DSP/EQ on the PC, no HP though.
There are other options - take a look at the review index, for recommended items.

@Laisseez
Just had a closer look and it appears as though the B50, too, can cross over between mains and sub (HPF Mains + LPF Sub):
https://youtube.com/watch?v=wGuqUObp7Jo&lc=UgyZUxtocID0dDkm6vd4AaABAg&si=hitzq98UnTn1ESr6

The Windows application has separate DSP for Left, Right, and Mono and I guess Mono refers to the Sub out.

Thank you both for the quick replies and the great suggestions!

I've been looking into the Arylic B50 since you mentioned it, and it seems to tick all the boxes for my needs. The combination of power, subwoofer out, and digital inputs looks perfect for my setup on the desk.

I also did a bit more digging and found an even cheaper version, the Arylic B50 SE. It seems to have all the features I need and it's priced under €80. Seems like an excellent value for what it offers. It doesn't have an HDMI eARC port, Bluetooth, or a phono amp, but I don't need any of those features.

Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction!

B50 SE Bluetooth Stereo Amplifier

50W x 2 Powerful Bluetooth Stereo Amplifier for Home TPA3116D2 Amplifier Chip with High Efficiency and Low Distortion. Bluetooth 5.0, Turn Your Old Speakers into Bluetooth. 15M Long Distance Transmittion and Low lantency. Free iOS & Android Go CONTROL APP with EQ.

www.arylic.com

 

[Laisseez]

@Laisseez
Just had a closer look and it appears as though the B50, too, can cross over between mains and sub (HPF Mains + LPF Sub):
https://youtube.com/watch?v=wGuqUObp7Jo&lc=UgyZUxtocID0dDkm6vd4AaABAg&si=hitzq98UnTn1ESr6

The Windows application has separate DSP for Left, Right, and Mono and I guess Mono refers to the Sub out.

You can change the crossover with the free phone app:

 

[Doublej]

I think this meets your criteria.

rogersound-labs-ia255-1-integrated-amplifier

RSL Speakers - A division of Rogersound Labs - is a factory direct loudspeaker manufacturer, since 1970, based in Los Angeles, California. Family owned and operated.

rslspeakers.com

 

[Laisseez]

I think this meets your criteria.

rogersound-labs-ia255-1-integrated-amplifier

RSL Speakers - A division of Rogersound Labs - is a factory direct loudspeaker manufacturer, since 1970, based in Los Angeles, California. Family owned and operated.

rslspeakers.com

It's not available, and it would be extremely expensive when you factor in shipping from the US to the EU, import duties, and VAT.

 

[Doublej]

It's not available, and it would be extremely expensive when you factor in shipping from the US to the EU, import duties, and VAT.

Did I miss where you indicated that you were in the EU?

 

[Laisseez]

Did I miss where you indicated that you were in the EU?

You didn't. I just told you why it's not a viable option for me.

 

[Laisseez]

I ended up returning the Arylic B50SE. I have to say, it was of really poor quality. Right out of the box, the volume knob was incredibly tight, and sometimes it would only turn the volume down, regardless of which direction I turned it. Also, the lights would sometimes turn off and the device would become unresponsive; I could only control it through the app.

I'm now going to get a different amp+DAC combo. Thinking about O-NOORUS D4 or Douk A5 and separate DAC.

Also my setup is now Polk ES20 and no sub.