Goonie

For my computer setup I am searching for a good quality amplifier with integrated DAC. - at least one audio input via USB connection, usable from Windows and Linux. I want to play games and playback various media (movies, music). - 4 channel (2 front, 2 surround) would be optimal for my setup, more (e.g. 5.1) wouldn't harm if I can leave them unused. Note: I don't want to aggregate two 2 channel devices. - if possible, I'd like to re-use my existing JBL Control 1 Plus speakers (4 ohms impedance) - as I sit quite close to the speakers (is that called near-field?), maximum output power is not very important. 50W per channel should be more than enough, maybe even less - small footprint, maybe around the size of a Mac mini? - low power usage, especially when no sound is playing (idle) I don't need the overkill featureset of current home theatre receivers. Especially no video inputs/outputs, remote control, DSP programs, tuner, Internet connection, iPod bays, etc. A master volume would be nice though (-: Price is not the most important point, but I hope to pay no more than $1500/EUR 1000. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Andreas

Thanks for your hint. I'm afraid I need at least 4 channels.

Thanks for your replies. First, what I am trying to achieve: I want to have 4 discrete channels for my computer desktop (PC running Windows and/or Linux). Mainly for playing games and watching movies, but also for listening to (stereo) music. I guess I am talking about near-field audio. I'd really like to have all the channels and functions (pre/main amp/dac) in one single chassis. Multiple chassis means more space, more cables, more (idle) power usage. I'm not sure if I looked at the right simaudio i-3.3, but it only seems to run two channels, like most of the other options I evaluated. Can you explain the term "aggregate device"? @Audio_ELF: Yeah, that's basically my speakers. Expect that I have two 1G and two 1plus rather than the "1X" you found. Price range: I used to say that I look at the available options first and then at the price. I hope to pay no more than 1000 Euro (= $1500).

For my computer setup I am searching for a good quality amplifier with integrated DAC. - audio input via USB connection - 4 channel would be optimal for my setup, more wouldn't harm if I can leave them unused - I'd like to re-use my existing JBL Control 1G speakers - as I sit quite close to the speakers, maximum output power is not very important. 50W per channel should be more than enough, maybe even less - small footprint, maybe around the size of a Mac mini? - low power usage, especially when no sound is playing (idle) I don't need the overkill featureset of current home theatre receivers. Especially no video inputs/outputs, remote control, DSP programs, tuner, Internet connection, etc. A master volume would be nice though (-: Can anyone point me in the right direction?