Desk top audio.

FZ 200                                                     Amptastic mini-1

My current desktop audio setup consists of a Chord Chordette Peach dac which feeds into an Amptastic mini-1 amplifier and then out to a pair of Quad L-ite mk1 speakers.

I suppose the Chord dac is a bit over the top but as I already had it I decided I might as well use it and it does sound terrific. Previously I was using a Project usb box in this system, a much better price match, and also providing very good sound. However the Chord enables me to connect not only my laptops using usb but also my Chromebook or Samsung S3, using aptX, via bluetooth. Consequently I can change my source without having to switch any cables around, which is good. I have to confess that I normally go for the bluetooth option though, it's so convenient.

I bought and enjoyed one of the first generation of Amptastic amplifiers, the mini-t, which I used in a few different setups, so when they finally announced its replacement I placed an advanced order for one. I am very pleased with it. It out performs the earlier model, itself a very reasonable little amp', in every respect and gives a very mellifluous performance indeed. I don't know how they can produce it for the price and make sufficient profit to develop the future models they say are on the way. They haven't said what those other models will be, although I suspect there may well be a headphone amplifier in the offing. Whatever, I expect I'll be in the queue to buy.

The Quad L-ites are actually meant to be satellite speakers, but they were suggested to me for use in a desktop system by the manager of Seven Oaks Audio in Southampton. They were very reasonably priced, are beautifully made and, best of all, sound excellent. Quad now produce a mark two version of these speakers. I haven't heard these updated ones but they appear very similar to me.

All in all I think I have a nicely balanced system which is a pleasure to listen to whilst being sufficiently different to retain interest.

Music, like photography, should be fun.

Ever had the feeling that you can't be a proper photographer if you're not using a large sensor camera? Well in the world of music things are even tougher. It's bad enough that you want to listen to digital music at all, what you should really be listening to is vinyl. If you must listen to the digital stuff then it should at least be in a high definition file format.

Lumix LX5

Well here's an alternative suggestion for a fun way to listen. Spotify's high quality downloads from a Samsung S3 (or whatever) via a usb otg cable to Epiphany acoustic's e-dac & O2 headphone amp. Plug in your favourite headphones and enjoy. Smashing. A comprehensive library of your choice of music (mine's jazz and folk) has never been so available or affordable, and don't let them tell you the sound is rubbish. As a teenager I had an Alba record player so, believe me, I know how rubbish sounds.

I'll show you my desktop setup another day.