Amp/DAC for desktop speakers?

[HM-2]

I've recently ordered some Q Acoustic 3010i passive desktop speakers to replace my existing Audioengine A2 actives. Currently these are fed off an D1 DAC/headphone amp via USB from my desktop PC but obviously this won't drive the new speakers.

I'm looking for a fairly slimline desktop amp/DAC combo, ideally vertical rather than horizontal for space efficiency, that will provide enough power for the Q Acoustic speakers and potentially a sub (they're only 4-6ohm and recommend an amplifier between 15-75w so really don't require much). Ideally I'd like something that will do Bluetooth as well as TOSLINK and/or USB, plus front headphone out. Looking to spend up to about £300, use case is a combination of PC gaming, music and the odd bit of film.

So far the Denon PMA-30 looks absolutely spot on for my purposes- decent quality kit that I can have vertical, 40wpc at 4ohm and 25wpc at 8ohm and available for £199. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations of other options? I did consider the Audioengine N22 but that lacks a dedicated DAC and is NLA in the UK; I'd like to keep the number of additional boxes on my desktop to a minimum. Would prefer something black and pretty plain over anything flashy.

[StescoG66]

I am going to sell my Dacmagic soon - it has USB in as well as digital and optical. Still have box, manual etc

[HM-2]

Does the DACMagic function as a conventional amplifier too, or is it just a dedicated DAC and headphone amp?

[StescoG66]

HM-2 said:

Does the DACMagic function as a conventional amplifier too, or is it just a dedicated DAC and headphone amp?

Its just a standalone DAC

[HM-2]

StescoG66 said:

HM-2 said:

Does the DACMagic function as a conventional amplifier too, or is it just a dedicated DAC and headphone amp?

Its just a standalone DAC

Ah, that's a shame as I really like the look of those. I've already got a standalone DAC, looking to replace it with a small amplifier/DAC combo for passive bookshelf speakers.

[troika]

Yamaha WXA-50. Brilliant bit of kit. £329 at Richer Sounds.

[HM-2]

troika said:

Yamaha WXA-50. Brilliant bit of kit. £329 at Richer Sounds.

Hadn't spotted that in my browsing, looks like a great option!

[troika]

The Yamaha stuff is very good, MusicCast works very well. Unbeatable for the money I’d say.

[mgv8]

AudioQuest DragonFly is good.

[HM-2]

mgv8 said:

AudioQuest DragonFly is good.

I've already got one which lives at work, they're great but it doesn't really meet the criteria here unfortunately (though I'd be mighty impressed by something Dragonfly sized that could drive 4-6ohm passive speakers and sound good doing it!)

[heisthegaffer]

I've mentioned my set up before but it's a Topping VX2 t class amp with built in DAC. Inputs are coax, opt or USB. Cost me 55 quid. Absolute bargain.

Partnered with my Dali Zensor 1s it sounds great.

I tried some q acoustics at the time but preferred the dalis. The chap in Richer Sounds couldn't believe how good it sounds.

I would like to compare to that Yamaha though

[TameRacingDriver]

I use a NAD D3020 which is small and powerful. I also use Dali Zensor 1’s, they are brilliant speakers for the money. It’s a great combination to my ears, sounds more expensive than it was.

[HM-2]

Ooh, I like the look of that a lot!