this post was submitted on 21 Jul 2025
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BudgetAudiophile

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I'm looking for a recommendation for an amplifier to use on my desk. And I just don't know enough about what's out there to make a good, informed decision. My current one produces an audible buzz at any volume*. I want something that sounds good of course but I don't need anything exceptionally high end. I'm probably not going to notice any difference between a good and a great amp. I'm honestly more interested in quality construction. I want something that'll last. And as budget friendly as is possible within those constraints.

Edit: I live in America. Which matters more now because tariffs. I'd still source internationally if still somewhat competitively priced after tariffs. But something that ships from within the states is probably the most realistic option.

Here's stuff I need it to do. Which is pretty basic.

  • Smallish footprint. Current amp is 10" W x 3.5" H x 9" D. (20cm W x 9cm H x 23cm D). And that's fine, but even smaller is better.
  • Drive a set of bookshelf style speakers. My current ones are 120w capacity and 6Ω. I don't need anything that can max those out though.
  • Have an RCA audio input.
  • Not "smart". Which is a bit ambiguous. It shouldn't have a screen (I can tolerate a basic character display but honestly I'd prefer not even that). It shouldn't utilize an app. That kind of thing. Hopefully that gives you an idea.

Ok/nice to have, but not needed.

  • Additional inputs. S/PDIF would be nice.
  • I would prefer it not support Bluetooth, but not a deal-breaker.
  • Surround sound support via DisplayPort/HDMI. Though TBH probably would never get around to utilizing it.
  • Something that uses vacuum tubes as part of the amplification circuit (as opposed to just as decorative lights) would be... mostly a novelty to me I admit, but a novelty I'm interested in if affordable.
  • Balance/bass/treble adjustments.

* More info related to the current buzzing, in case anyone is curious. It's pretty audible at any volume. There is kind of a sweet spot at around about 40% volume where it's less noticeable. But that's too loud. I could adjust the source audio but I prefer using volume on the amp. I think it's just this cheap amp. My outlets are grounded, but I also tried grounding the chassis of the amp. I tried using S/PDIF input instead of analog, no difference. I have short runs of wire (about 24"/60cm) to each speaker. It's not noticeable on any other audio equipment in the house either so I don't think it's anything in the environment.

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[–] MadMadBunny@lemmy.ca 2 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

Aiyima or Fosi. Aiyima will produce a clearer sound, Fosi will punch more bass.

I went with Aiyima for both preamp with tubes, and amp. Love them. I upgraded the tubes too.

[–] Pilferjinx@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I fully endorse this. I'm rocking a couple Aiyima dac amps and they have been stellar, even at moderately loud levels.

[–] MadMadBunny@lemmy.ca 2 points 2 days ago

Yes! I paired them with Fluance bookshelf monitors (Elite SX6), the whole setup and clarity of sound is incredible!

I’d say probably the best sound you can have for the price.

Budget audiophile setup: check!

[–] BentiGorlich@gehirneimer.de 1 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I own a Loxje A30 and am very happy with it :)

[–] JovialSodium@lemmy.sdf.org 1 points 4 days ago (1 children)

It has a screen which is something I don't want, but looks like it's pretty understated, so maybe that's alright.

How long have you owned it?

[–] BentiGorlich@gehirneimer.de 1 points 4 days ago

About 2 years I think 🤔 Not sure. But it is not being used constantly... The screen is pretty fine imo. It is not a disgustingly bright green and it is usable without the remote for everything.

[–] JohnnyWishbone@lemmy.world 1 points 4 days ago (1 children)

https://youtube.com/@cheapaudioman

Check out this channel he goes over budget equipment lots of small footprint stuff. There should be something to suit u.

[–] JovialSodium@lemmy.sdf.org 1 points 4 days ago

Taking a quick skim at his channel, it does look promising. I'll check some videos out, thanks!

[–] avidamoeba@lemmy.ca 1 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Check here for some ideas. That said, there's typically deals on standard sized amps second hand. Yamahas, Technics, etc. Worse amps than some of the current class D desktop amps, but still decent.

[–] JovialSodium@lemmy.sdf.org 1 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I can't discern what products here might be good or not. I have owned an S.M.S.L brand amp in the past, which seems to be a common listing and I was not happy with that. The LED in it went out and the volume control went scratchy after a pretty short period of ownership. Volume control was probably just a scratchy potentiometer and that's easy to fix. But the fact that it had problems so quickly made makes me not trust the brand.

If the vacuum tube amps I see here are a reasonable reflection of what kind of costs I can expect for those, I think I'll have to let go of that idea. I do dig the aesthetics of the ones they have though.

[–] avidamoeba@lemmy.ca 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Sheesh, not great. I haven't owned a SMSL. I have some Topping DACs and a headphone amp, so far nothing has broken over a few years. That said I don't have their speaker amps. I use a couple of ICEpower 125ASX2 which don't fit your use case.

[–] JovialSodium@lemmy.sdf.org 2 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

A few years without issues with Topping is a good enough endorsement for me to take a closer look at 'em. Thanks!