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Small footprint AMP

HorizonsEdge

HorizonsEdge

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Joined
Dec 20, 2019
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I recently had my Sony190 fail so I replaced it with a Yamaha r202 refurb. I am perfectly happy with the performance PC->D30(dac)->r202->Q150. Its my bedroom desktop setup.

BUT

the r202 is HUGE. 30% bigger than the 190 and it is starting to annoy me. So I have begun looking for a small footprint amp. TBH, I only need it to take my PC feed and power the speakers. Everything else is extraneous. Sound quality is all that matters. Here is what I am considering

Loxjie A30
Emotiva BasX - 100
HTD PLA-240ADS

I am soliciting thoughts about these products and of course any alternative suggestions. I didn't even know HTD had amps. My HT is built around HTD towers2 and center2 and I really like their customer service and return policy. Not sure if anyone has experience with their amps.

Plenty of time to do research now and hope that shortages and shipping become less of an issue in the next 6 months.

Cheers and thanks for your input

EDIT: Budget $500
 
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The loxjie has been reviewed here, it's a poor performer. The emotiva hasn't, but the 5 channel version has, and it's also a poor performer. The HTD is a big question mark.

If your budget is under $200. I think the used market is a better bet, especially late 80s, early 90s stuff, which doesn't have much collector taxes on them.
 
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bigx5murf said:
The loxjie has been reviewed here, it's a poor performer. The emotiva hasn't, but the 5 channel version has, and it's also a poor performer. The HTD is a big question mark.

If your budget is under $200. I think the used market is a better bet, especially late 80s, early 90s stuff, which doesn't have much collector taxes on them.
Click to expand...

I would like to stay under $500USD. My natural inclination is to stay away from used. The original Sony190 which I liked was used and predictably failed after 11m of ownership. Since I am in no rush I will start looking at used.
 
If you are a bit adventurous, the Paradigm PW-Amp is small, plenty powerful enough, and has ARC Room correction built in. It is $250 direct from Paradigm. Unless you are already using another sophisticated room correction system, this choice should objectively sound the best and is a hobby in itself to tweak.

You need to be adventurous because the required Play-Fi setup is a pain for 1st time users, even sophisticated ones. However, once set up you can ignore the Play-Fi stuff and the ARC software is excellent and will make your Q150s sound even better. It will also help integrate a sub if you get one later. The good, band, and ugly are well represented on the ASR thread referenced above, but I love mine.
 
HorizonsEdge said:
I would like to stay under $500USD. My natural inclination is to stay away from used. The original Sony190 which I liked was used and predictably failed after 11m of ownership. Since I am in no rush I will start looking at used.
Click to expand...

There's a member on these forum, I think Buckeye, that's offering diy hypex amps that start at $500, I'd start looking there.
 
HorizonsEdge said:
I recently had my Sony190 fail so I replaced it with a Yamaha r202 refurb. I am perfectly happy with the performance PC->D30(dac)->r202->Q150. Its my bedroom desktop setup.

BUT

the r202 is HUGE. 30% bigger than the 190 and it is starting to annoy me. So I have begun looking for a small footprint amp. TBH, I only need it to take my PC feed and power the speakers. Everything else is extraneous. Sound quality is all that matters. Here is what I am considering

Loxjie A30
Emotiva BasX - 100
HTD PLA-240ADS

I am soliciting thoughts about these products and of course any alternative suggestions. I didn't even know HTD had amps. My HT is built around HTD towers2 and center2 and I really like their customer service and return policy. Not sure if anyone has experience with their amps.

Plenty of time to do research now and hope that shortages and shipping become less of an issue in the next 6 months.

Cheers and thanks for your input

EDIT: Budget $500
Click to expand...
If you can find one, a Micromega MyAmp is small. 60 cleans watts. Dac, remote, Bluetooth, and sub output.
 
I recently picked up the a-100 for PC duty. Very happy with it so far.

In your price range, NAD 3020 v2 is another option.
 
bigx5murf said:
The OP looks like he already has a DAC he'd like to use. The loxjie loses a lot of performance when it's analog inputs are used. Not to mention, it's very low powered, and the OP plans use bookshelf speakers
Click to expand...

It doesn’t lose performance if you have a high input voltage (2v) on it and lower the loxjie volume. At least that was Amir’s edit in the review.
 
Class D amplifiers will be much smaller footprint. So look into those. Hypex ncore as others have said. You likely only need 100w peak which will help your budget.
 
3020 installed !!!!!!!!!!!

I am very happy

and
it is actually my birthday today . . . unfortunately 2020 is like dog years MUHAHAHAHAHA
 
Question for anyone who has experience with the 3020. I find it runs very warm, borderline hot. I actually ordered an infrared thermometer to get an exact temp. Waiting on NAD cs for an answer but hoping the community has some answers.
 
HorizonsEdge said:
Question for anyone who has experience with the 3020. I find it runs very warm, borderline hot. I actually ordered an infrared thermometer to get an exact temp. Waiting on NAD cs for an answer but hoping the community
Click to expand...
What orientation do you have it, vertical or horizontal? Members were having similar issue with Yamaha WXA-50 and it turned out that after doing experiments and measuring temp, vertical orientation was optimal for passive cooling even though manufacturer says either orientation is good. EDIT: You may want to start new thread on 3020 heat issue since this thread is titled much differently and 3020 owners may miss it.
 
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HorizonsEdge said:
BUT the r202 is HUGE. 30% bigger than the 190 and it is starting to annoy me.
Click to expand...

I say, get a bigger amplifier. Stop mucking around with kid's stuff and get a Big Boy amp.

Something you need a dolly to wheel into your loungeroom and/or a couple of mates to help you carry in. At least 25+kg. Then you won't have to worry about burglars stealing it. :)

Seriously, the 3020 v2 should keep you happy for sure. Enjoy!
 
Colonel7 said:
What orientation do you have it, vertical or horizontal? Members were having similar issue with Yamaha WXA-50 and it turned out that after doing experiments and measuring temp, vertical orientation was optimal for passive cooling even though manufacturer says either orientation is good. EDIT: You may want to start new thread on 3020 heat issue since this thread is titled much differently and 3020 owners may miss it.
Click to expand...

The unit specifically requires vertical positioning and that is how I have it. Clear on both sides and nothing close to it. Hence my concern.
https://imgur.com/47zgmxX
 
Last edited:
restorer-john said:
I say, get a bigger amplifier. Stop mucking around with kid's stuff and get a Big Boy amp.

Something you need a dolly to wheel into your loungeroom and/or a couple of mates to help you carry in. At least 25+kg. Then you won't have to worry about burglars stealing it. :)

Seriously, the 3020 v2 should keep you happy for sure. Enjoy!
Click to expand...

LOL. If only my desktop was a lounge-room I could charge admittance MUAHAHAHAHA
 
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