Hi,
I just inherited some old Sonus Faber Minuetto passive bookshelf speakers that I'd like to hook up to my current "home theater" system. My system is basically a Mac Mini hooked up to a TV which is then connected to two amplified bookshelf speakers. Now that I will be replacing my amplified speakers with these passive ones, I need some sort of amplifier to get everything working again (I think 30W is what the Minuetto's say is necessary). Obviously, I'm not a hi-fi person so I'm looking for something relatively cheap (in the $300 range). I have been looking at integrated amplifiers to accomplish this task, but I would be open to other suggestions if people have them.
Two things that would be ideal:
1. I'd like to connect the TV and the Mac Mini separately because I'd like to listen to music Airplay'd to my Mac Mini WITHOUT the TV being on (my current amplified speakers only have a single input, so this isn't possible). Both my TV and the Mac Mini have digital optical and analog outputs so as long as the amplifier supports 2 of those it should be fine.
2. Can handle an IR remote (logitech harmony) so that I can change the volume without turning a knob. My TV has a fixed analog audio output so I can't actually change the volume even if the sound from the Mac Mini passes through the TV with my current amplified speakers.
I've noticed the TEAC A-H01 as well as the NuForce DIA pretty much both fit the bill (though I can't find the NuForce anywhere). I also saw the AudioEngine N22 but it doesn't support an IR remote. I could also just get a low-end receiver but I don't really like the bulkiness when I'm not going to use any of its features anytime soon.
So, basically I'd really be grateful for any thoughts on the A-H01 and the DIA, or any other integrated amplifiers that I have not found in my price range. Also, I would be interested to hear others opinions on going the integrated amplifier route vs. just buying a low-end receiver. Again, I don't plan on upgrading any of my current system for at least a few years and my console doesn't even have 6" + shelves for those bulky receivers, but I would be open to hearing opinions on the idea.
Thank you in advance for any insight/opinions.
I just inherited some old Sonus Faber Minuetto passive bookshelf speakers that I'd like to hook up to my current "home theater" system. My system is basically a Mac Mini hooked up to a TV which is then connected to two amplified bookshelf speakers. Now that I will be replacing my amplified speakers with these passive ones, I need some sort of amplifier to get everything working again (I think 30W is what the Minuetto's say is necessary). Obviously, I'm not a hi-fi person so I'm looking for something relatively cheap (in the $300 range). I have been looking at integrated amplifiers to accomplish this task, but I would be open to other suggestions if people have them.
Two things that would be ideal:
1. I'd like to connect the TV and the Mac Mini separately because I'd like to listen to music Airplay'd to my Mac Mini WITHOUT the TV being on (my current amplified speakers only have a single input, so this isn't possible). Both my TV and the Mac Mini have digital optical and analog outputs so as long as the amplifier supports 2 of those it should be fine.
2. Can handle an IR remote (logitech harmony) so that I can change the volume without turning a knob. My TV has a fixed analog audio output so I can't actually change the volume even if the sound from the Mac Mini passes through the TV with my current amplified speakers.
I've noticed the TEAC A-H01 as well as the NuForce DIA pretty much both fit the bill (though I can't find the NuForce anywhere). I also saw the AudioEngine N22 but it doesn't support an IR remote. I could also just get a low-end receiver but I don't really like the bulkiness when I'm not going to use any of its features anytime soon.
So, basically I'd really be grateful for any thoughts on the A-H01 and the DIA, or any other integrated amplifiers that I have not found in my price range. Also, I would be interested to hear others opinions on going the integrated amplifier route vs. just buying a low-end receiver. Again, I don't plan on upgrading any of my current system for at least a few years and my console doesn't even have 6" + shelves for those bulky receivers, but I would be open to hearing opinions on the idea.
Thank you in advance for any insight/opinions.