Small 2.0 amp (under 120$)

2016-07-09 21:09:43

I already have a handful of amps on the look to buy, but can't fully decide for one or another.
With it I want to power 2 small "BOSE Acoustimass 6 Series II" speakers, I can't tell exactly the specs because they are not listed anywhere on the web, but I guess the better (more powerful without distortion) amp, the better since I tend to pump up the volume frequently (and the room is large).

Amphony 200
SMSL SA-50
SMSL SA-36A PRO
SMSL SMSL SA-98E
Grace Digital 513
SMSL Q5 Version 3
Dayton Audio DTA-120
Any other suggestion (small since it goes over my desk)

Re: Small 2.0 amp (under 120$)

Reply #1 – 2016-07-09 21:44:56

None of the above? I believe those are designed to work only with the matching subwoofer. Am guessing the subwoofer provides the actual amplification, equalization and crossover. If anything like some Bose car audio products, impedance could be pretty low, like 2 ohms.

Re: Small 2.0 amp (under 120$)

Reply #2 – 2016-07-09 21:51:47

As fair as I remember, the subwoofer in the Acoustimass systems functions as the crossover and EQ in the setup, but the amplification comes from your amplifier. So they'll play with other amps, but they'll probably sound like shit (or well... More shit than usual for Bose)

If I recall correctly, the satellite speakers have a nominal impedance of 6 ohms, so not the worst load in the world.

Personally, I'd go for a second hand amp, you can get cheap stereo amps and receiver for almost nothing on craigslist and at thrift shops.

Re: Small 2.0 amp (under 120$)

Reply #3 – 2016-07-09 21:52:48

The manual says "anything from 4 to 8ohms", so I don't think they are 2 ohms.
IIRC most are 2.0, but I don't mind a 2.1 if it works nice with a 2.0 setup.

EDIT: I'm only using 2 of the small speakers as desktop (not using the subwoofer or the other small speakers for my setup)
@KozmoNaut, then maybe the SMSL Q5? It comes with EQ.  My only concern is it should be small because it goes just below my computer monitor.

Re: Small 2.0 amp (under 120$)

Reply #4 – 2016-07-09 22:05:53

Sure, that'll do the trick.

But no matter what you do with the treble/bass knobs, you'll never match the EQ built into the Acoustimass "bass module", it's really complicated to try and make up for the fact that the speakers just aren't that good.

For basic PC audio where you're OK with absolutely no low bass at all, those tiny speakers and basically any amplifier will work fine.

Re: Small 2.0 amp (under 120$)

Reply #5 – 2016-07-09 22:24:31

Currently I'm using some crappy desktop speakers since over 15 years ago (Syntony MS-420) and I'm very happy (it's breaking apart though), they sound big and full, so you might expect that I'm not too finicky as long as it sounds big and full/warm, while not mushy at all. That's a problem with most of the speakers I listen, they sound canned and small.

I'm using these BOSE that my family bought long ago, but at some point I might renew them with other speakers in the future. I don't want to buy second hand, get things with low cheap quality or that break soon, I will buy whatever is best for about 120$ and keep to power my current and future desktop speakers.

I searched for SMSL Q5 V3 and couldn't find on amazon, only the Pro model but I read in the comments the Pro model favors treble.

Re: Small 2.0 amp (under 120$)

Reply #6 – 2016-07-09 23:00:27

Just going by the owner's manual for the current AM II, they state in no uncertain terms not to hook up satellites directly to amplifier. I was thinking that the recommended hookup may have external amplifier serving simply as a line driver, and that actual power to the satellites is via amplification built into the woofer module. And when connected as recommended, it could indeed be an easy 4-8 ohm resistive load as far as the external amplifier is concerned.

If you have a multimeter, you can simply measure DC resistance of those satellites: If they measure somewhere around 4-8 ohms, then go for it (but without woofer or eq, don't be surprised if they don't sound very good).

Re: Small 2.0 amp (under 120$)

Reply #7 – 2016-07-10 04:02:23

Looks like I can't edit OP anymore, another similar addition would be the SMSL Audio SA-160, but right now the absence of suggestions tells me the SMSL Q5 could be a right choice.
Now I measured the satellite speakers and they are about 8 ohms, but I might also use this little amp for a pair of Jamo A 510 speakers on my TV, since my NAD3240PE is dying (or needs a deep cleanse). Another option is go all out and buy a Denon DM40 (if found cheap - ~200$)

Re: Small 2.0 amp (under 120$)

Reply #8 – 2016-07-10 18:08:58

I've been using the SA-50 for more than two years. I use it to connect my old home stereo's speakers (Sony SS-H3500). The amp is small yet powerful with excellent build quality. The volume pot makes no noise when I rotate it and the stereo balance remains good even at near minimum position. Just remember to use a pair of adequately shielded RCA cables otherwise it will make annoying buzzing noise.

I guess amps with too much power are not suitable since it may be too loud even if the volume pot is at very low position, it can be quite inconvenient to make fine volume adjustments.