As I'm working mostly from home now, I decided to invest in a better desktop system. Main criteria: small, not too expensive, nice looking, and good sound. This precludes powered desktop speakers (I looked at several, but these didn't have the looks I want). I already ordered the new Ophidian Minimo speakers which are among the smallest available and have a nice veneer finish. To complement them I'm looking for an amp. I already own a Quad Vena which I might use in the set-up, but frankly it is a bit larger than I'd ideally want. So I thought to ask you guys about possible ideas.
The Minimo speakers are rated at 40-80 W in 4 Ohm, but that is for full power. I'd use them in a near field set-up (1,5 distance) and at low volume. However, the room I use them in is large, with 3,5 m high ceiling. A rather low-powered amp will quickly run out of steam even at low volume (experience with Amphion Ions and Sony UDA-1). So I am looking at 30-40 W amps.
I have a preference for A/B amps as I had some unsatisfactory experiences with cheap class D amps in the past, but that is not an absolute. I don't need a DAC (already have several).
Currently I'm seriously considering the Nuprime IDA-6, which I can obtain at around € 600. I briefly looked at the Micromega Myamp which is very small, but read too many bad user reviews about lack of real power and noisy vent. A fairly obvious candidate which I've heard recommended often is the Rega Brio. It is somewhat more expensive but that may not be insurmountable.
The Minimo speakers are rated at 40-80 W in 4 Ohm, but that is for full power. I'd use them in a near field set-up (1,5 distance) and at low volume. However, the room I use them in is large, with 3,5 m high ceiling. A rather low-powered amp will quickly run out of steam even at low volume (experience with Amphion Ions and Sony UDA-1). So I am looking at 30-40 W amps.
I have a preference for A/B amps as I had some unsatisfactory experiences with cheap class D amps in the past, but that is not an absolute. I don't need a DAC (already have several).
Currently I'm seriously considering the Nuprime IDA-6, which I can obtain at around € 600. I briefly looked at the Micromega Myamp which is very small, but read too many bad user reviews about lack of real power and noisy vent. A fairly obvious candidate which I've heard recommended often is the Rega Brio. It is somewhat more expensive but that may not be insurmountable.