Looking for a replacement amp to power a set of Micca RB42s

So as of right now I am using a topping PA3 to power a set of Micca RB42’s in near field on my desk. The amp “works” but I would like an upgrade as I have a few issues with my unit.

The first issue is that while it has functioned for a few years now there is always that nagging feeling in the back of my head that the topping poor reliability will kick in and burn the apartment down.

The second issue is that while it normally provides enough power, I find that I feel like I need jut a little more in the head room department. As the amp is both very dirty as you get closer to the top end. Ive also had instance where I am listening to some quieter audio that I just can’t get quite loud enough.

Other then finding something without these issues, things I am looking for in an amp would include the power transformer built in instead of relying on a detachable brick. Small enough I can fit it on the deck, I’m a tad tight on space. As for budget I don’t want to bust the piggy bank so prefer suggestions under 250 American.

while it has an external power brick I use a smsl DA-6 with my MB42xg2, low gain around -40db is usually what I run it at (goes down to -59 up to 0)
maybe something like the smsl A300, same amp chip but more features/power and no brick.

are you near max on the volume knob on the amp? Sounds like you may be clipping it.

Unfortunately, my best options for “small and works” require detachable bricks but: In the past I used an SMSL AD18 with a pair of RB42s in our lab rooms at work, and they always managed to drive them well to a point where too loud is too loud. There may be a better modern option but I never had a complaint with it when I used it. Another option that may not be as high-powered but is pretty clean from what I hear is the RSL iA255.1. Should be more than enough for nearfield, has tone controls AND a dedicated sub-out with high-pass, all for ~$110. Plenty of reviews on it out there if you want to give it a look, and RSL lives and dies by their customer service.

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That was one of my candidates but went with the Douk A5 since it was cheaper, more powerful and uses a pretty popular chip nowadays (TPA3255)

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