While buying a pc to speaker amplifier, make sure it has plenty of input options. Some of the best computer speaker amplifier comes from NAD, SMSL and Audioengine. Mini-computer speaker amplifiers are small in size, but you will find even smaller ones like the Audioengine N22 that stands vertically. This is especially for users who have tight spaces on the desk.
The N22 is a very good amplifier that is affordable and expandable. You can include subwoofer or rear speakers to it. If you prefer private listening, make sure the amp has headphone out like the N22 or NAD-D 3020 v2. You can check the SMSL Q5 Pro if you want a has remote control to sit back and control the settings. It also has a display that shows which audio source you are using.
Sabaj A3 has both Bluetooth and remote, so wireless music streaming is easy for users. These mini amps are powerful enough for small to decent sized bookshelf speakers. They can be used to connect different audio sources and is an ideal choice for a small room or office. They are also capable of delivering clean and clear audio from the connected speakers.
Top 7 Computer Speaker Amplifier Review
Let’s have a look at the best amplifiers for desktop speakers.
Comparison of top 7 computer speaker amplifiers
Topping PA3 Desktop Power Amplifier
Specs
- Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Gain: 29.3dB
- Input sensitivity: 0.6Vrms-0.9Vrms
- THD:0.04%
Review
The rear panel has 2 RCA L and R, Banana jack, BTL output. You can connect both mobile or laptop at the same time but you one at a time. Topping PA3 is lightweight, has a strong Aluminium body with curved edges. Class D TDA7498E amp chip is powerful enough to drive 10” speakers. It has MCU Intelligent protection and control.
The front panel has a volume knob and two LED that indicates Input 1 or 2. With Intelligent control system, the front LED also glows detecting overheating, overload, overvoltage or low-voltage. It uses Omron relay, Epcos film capacitor and nickhicon capacitor. It has a sturdy look and will give you a premium feel. The components used in the amp and its internal engineering is very good.
Measured crosstalk is good, but frequency response varies. It is best for entry-level users who want an amp with protection facilities. Based on its price, build quality and safety are more than you can ask for. In terms of performance, the amp has a balanced and neutral profile. Vocals are natural and clear. It can deliver audio with precision and transparency.
The highs and lows are detailed as well. It has excellent dynamics and can get quite loud. Simply place it on your desktop table and pair with good quality speakers like from Polk or Micca. Using this amp is super easy. In our testing unit, we didn’t notice any external noise. Overall it is a simple amp capable of delivering clean audio and is ideal for everyday use.
Desktop sound will be enjoyable and it is worth buying this amp. Along with indoors, you can use it for outdoor purpose but you will need power outlet.
Things to improve
If you are looking for a handy remote or wireless Bluetooth support you will be disappointed.
Audioengine N22 Desktop amplifier
Specs
- Frequency response: 20Hz-22kHz ±1dB
- Input impedance: 10k
- Input sensitivity: 410mV (@max volume)
Review
Connections are RCA, 3.5mm mini-jack inputs and RCA variable preamp outputs. Audioengine N22 desktop amplifier uses Dual Class AB monolithic amplifier and Burr-Brown/TI OPA2134 headphone amplifier. Compared to most other desktop amplifier, the N22 is unique because it takes up less space. It stands vertically, whereas other amps lie down horizontally.
Audioengine N22 is one of the best budget desktop speaker amp that you can pair with P4 passive speakers and our W3 wireless adapter as rear speakers. Connecting Audioengine devices or speakers to each other will ensure the best integration between the products because they have the same tuning or ‘voicing’. The amp sits on a stand, has a nice finish and looks quite classy.
It is best if you want a clean look or have a small table. The front side only has a volume knob that gives it a clean look. You can connect iPod, PC or speakers to it. The low-noise pc amplifier for passive speakers ensures high quality sound when headphones are connected to it. You can go wireless by connecting Audioengine’s wireless adapters via USB.
Then stream files from PC wirelessly. This amp is best for near-field listening or for small rooms. The audio output will be clean and clear. Based on performance vs cost, it is one of the best computer speakers under $200. We didn’t notice any buzzing or hissing out of the amp neither did we heard other consumers complain about it.
Things to improve
It doesn’t have major drawback but you can use the USB for playback.
SMSL SA50 50Wx2 TDA7492 Class D Amplifier
Review
SMSL 50 uses TDA7492 chip that enhances audio performance while lowering any crosstalk. The design and build quality are very good. Aluminium build body is quite strong. You will find only a large volume knob and a switch on the front side. It has RCA input and speaker out ports. TV, DVD, Apple TV box, or Laptop/desktop can be easily connected to it.
Class D amplifier is highly efficient and when connected to good quality speakers, the amp will shine. It has short circuit output and thermal overload protection. Connecting audio sources and speakers to the amp is very simple and straightforward. It will work best for small rooms or if you sit close to it. Although designed for desktop speakers, it will still work with other bookshelf speakers.
Given its small size, the amp can get quite loud. Whether you are a newbie or audiophile, this amp will satisfy you. It helps speakers to generate loud and rich audio. in case you want to connect it to a receiver, then check the receiver’s ports. For RCA port, use RCA to RCA connection and for 3.5mm, use 3.5mm to RCA cable. Make sure to match the speaker power requirement with the amp.
Otherwise, they will not be powerful enough to deliver loud audio. you can connect Polk, Kef or other popular desktop speakers. While connecting turntable, make sure it has built-in phono preamp in it. Or else you need to connect a phono preamp separately. Overall, this mini amplifier focuses on delivering uncolored, loud and clear audio.
Things to improve
SMSL SA50 doesn’t support wireless Bluetooth connection. If Bluetooth is your priority, then you can look into the SMSL SA300 HiFi Digital Amplifier, but the cost becomes almost double of that of SA50.
SMSL Q5 Pro Digital Amplifier
Specs
- Dynamic range: 102dB
- SNR:81dB
- THD+N: 0.05%
- Input:4-8ohms
Review
The front panel is different than other desktop amplifiers. It has a display that shows information like input source, tone state and volume. Other than this, there is a power button and volume knob. The build quality is decent. Looking at the back panel, you will see Aux analog input, USB, optical and coaxial input, sub out and speaker terminals.
What makes this SMSL Q5 Pro computer speaker amp unique is the included remote that comes with it. A 4 ft. USB cable is also included. Along with basic controls, it has tone control and EQ button. You have the option to choose one from 7 different EQ modes: Bass, Super Bass, Heavy Rock, Lite Rock, Jazz, Country, and Rap.
This model has a sampling rate of sampling rate of 44.1-192 Khz (optical, coaxial), 44.1-96 KHz (USB) and bit depth is 16-24Bit. A Cirrus Logic CS5341 converter and a TAS5508 + TAS5342 amplifier are used in this device. It has a balanced and neutral sound. It lets the low end show off with punch and clarity, making it look like it has more power. The small footprint of this amp and its clean audio makes it one of the best computer speakers for overall use.
Setting up the system is quite easy. Use the supplied power adapter, then connect desirable audio source. Connect speakers to the output terminal and subwoofer, if any. This allows you to build a powerful 2.1 sound system. Note that the sub port is single mono out. You will need a Male RCA Mono to Female RCA Stereo cable to complete the connection if you sub has stereo sub in.
Connecting this desktop speaker amp with speakers from Klipsch, Polk or Martin Logan makes a good pair. However, this desktop amplifier for passive speakers shouldn’t be connected to powered speakers. Although there is no Bluetooth support, you get plenty of different ports. It can get quite loud and the tweaking options give you freedom to choose the required settings as per your music taste.
Things to improve
This amp gets hotter with use so it would be great to find a solution for it.
Dayton Audio DTA-2.1BT2 100W 2.1 Class D Bluetooth Amplifier
Specs
- SNR: 86dB
- THD: 0.4% at 25WPC
- Low pass crossover: 50 – 120 Hz
- Bluetooth 4.0
Review
Looking at the front side of the amp has few knobs to adjust crossover, sub level, tone and volume. This Dayton Audio amp uses Texas Instruments TPA3116 Class D amp. Use this to power your passive speakers and place them in small sized office rooms or tabletops. It can easily drive small subwoofers and almost any bookshelf speaker.
Class D amplifier is popular for being very efficient and this is what makes this mini amp so powerful. Unlike other amps we reviewed here, this model supports Bluetooth along with 3.5 mm (Aux 1) and stereo RCA (Aux 2). Bluetooth connection makes it easy to stream any content wirelessly. This will eliminate several connected wires and will give a clean look.
Use the knob on the front to adjust the crossover within 50-120 Hz. The binding posts are sturdy, which will ensure secure connection. Aluminium build outer chassis feels premium. To connect speakers, match the polarity of the speaker and the amp, then connect into the binding posts on the back panel. Once the connection is complete, give a short press on the select button and a red LED with light up beside the input.
In this similar way, short press the select button to select Bluetooth connectivity, then from your phone list choose the DTA2.1BT2 name. set the mobile volume to 75% and then adjust the master volume of the amp. While using the amp there isn’t any sort of vibration or noise to color the sound. It doesn’t get heated up like some amps do.
Adjust the tone, choose the appropriate place for the speakers, and allow the speakers to deliver optimum audio. With a decent bookshelf pair, this amp will encourage clear and rich audio.
Things to improve
An included remote control would have been much easier to tweak options.
SABAJ – Bluetooth 4.2 USB / DSP Digital Audio Power Amplifier
Specs
- Max input level: 2Vrms
- SNR: 90dB
- Optional sampling rate: 44.1kHz-192kHz
Review
You get everything you wished for in this mini computer speaker amp. It has Bluetooth, remote control and what not. Let’s have a look. This amplifier uses STA326 chip. Available ports are speaker out terminals, USB, optical and analog input. The front side of the amp has a display, multi-functional control knob and power button.
The display will show sampling rate, connected source, volume and EQ. It uses DSP and asynchronous sampling rate to work easily with speakers with lower sensitivity. Additional Bluetooth antenna is supplied with the amp that has an output of 24bit/48kHz. For USB, it uses TAS1020B that allows 16 bit/24bit and 96kHz sampling rate.
In case of digital reception, it uses CS8422 digital receptor and for optical input; it supports 192kHz sampling rate. This bookshelf speaker amp for PC uses CS5341 analog-to-digital converter that focuses on better dynamic range and lowers the distortion. Since there is no auto power off feature, if you aren’t planning on using the amp for long time, simply turn it off.
Use the button on the front side, give it a quick press to choose desired input. You can use the large knob, give it a short press to go to menu switch and a long press to go to home display. The remote control has very few buttons, including volume, menu, switch function, EQ, input switch, etc. There are 7 different EQ modes. You can also adjust bass and treble easily.
Overall, the build quality is good. You can use high-quality speakers with this amp and get rich and detailed audio. with highly efficient Class D amp, the speakers connected to it can get quite loud. No matter the type of input source you choose, you will receiver vibrant and lifelike audio from the paired speakers. You can consider it one of the best computer speaker amps under $100.
Things to improve
This amp doesn’t have any major flaw.
NAD – D 3020 v2 Hybrid Digital Integrated Amplifier
Specs
- Sampling rate: 24/192
- input signal: >90 mVrms
- Input sensitivity: 1.15 mV
- Phono SNR: >82 dB, 76 dB
- THD: ≤0.005%
- Channel balance: 0 ±0.3dB
Review
NAD-D 3020 v2 has analog input, phono in, optical digital in, coaxial digital in, preamp out and headph out. It has Bluetooth 4.0 so you can go on wireless any time. It is powerful enough to driver ‘power-seeking’ speakers. With NAD PowerDrive, the amp achieves ‘low impedance drive and high dynamic power’. Along with this, the soft clipping circuit focuses on lowering distortion while delivering optimum performance.
Similar to others, this amp has only a volume knob on the front side, then there are LED light for different inputs and a headphone out port for private listening. The design makes it fit easily into any table top. Connect a subwoofer into the SUBW out port. For connecting turntable with MM cartridge, insert the twin RCA lead from the turntable to the phono in port.
Use twin RCA-to-RCA to connect amp or CD player to the Aux port. The remote control only has 7 buttons: on, off, mute, volume, source and others. Use the Dim button to adjust display brightness, Bass to adjust Bass EQ, and Bluetooth Playback control for Bluetooth. If you select the Bass EQ, it will enhance the bass by 6dB.
The amplifier has Auto Sense feature that can detect begin operation from standby mode upon detecting input. It can enter into Auto Standby Mode if there is no input device for 30 minutes. There is a TVConnect feature with which you can control functions like volume, mute and power of the amp with TV remote.
NAD D-3020 v2 use high quality DAC and ensures the best performance when paired with speakers. It ensures clarity and details in audio that allows any connected speaker to shine. Based on high-quality equipment, design and performance, you can consider it as the best computer speaker for audiophiles.
Things to improve
Nothing major to improve.
Conclusion
The best computer speaker amplifier buying guide suggests the first thing to look into a computer speaker amplifier is power. Make sure the amp can drive the speakers easily and also match the impedance of the speaker with the amp. Then have a look at the rear panel to learn about the inputs and outputs. If you want to expand or add a sub, make sure it has sub out.
If you want to directly connect turntable, PC or use Bluetooth, then NAD D-3020 v2 is an excellent choice. Place in vertically so that it will consume less space. The user-friendly remote control makes it easier to control EQ and other options. With Auto standby mode, this amp can save power when not connected to any input source.
Along with NAD, Audioengine and SMSL, Dayton Audio also makes high-quality amplifiers. Amplifiers with Class D are very efficient. Most of them have aluminium body that ensures sturdy build quality. Among many, based on the type of input, speaker power rating and impedance you can easily select the best computer speaker amplifier.
FAQ
This FAQ section is here to solve your problems that may arise while walking in the pavement of finding the best computer speaker amps.
Can I use any amplifier with computer speakers?
Well, you can use traditional amplifiers like Denon AVR-S760H or Sony STR-DN1080. But, in most cases for desktop tables, we seek small sized or mini amplifiers. So, if you want a clean look on your table, choose one from the top 7 computer speaker amplifiers.
Why should I choose mini amp for computer speakers over large amps?
Mini amps, just as the name suggests are small in size. They can effectively drive two speakers, so don’t be deceived by their small size. If you are building a home theater, then you won’t need large amps and the large amps costs way more than these mini amps.
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