I have dealt with sciatica for around 9 years. I was using a 65lb. amp from Odyssey Audio, the Stratos 3 channel model (my rig is combo 2-channel and home theater). When it needed repairs, I lugged it to a UPS store for packing and shipping. It was not easy for me, even with a hand truck, especially since my system is down a flight of stairs in my basement. Well, the unit came back damaged by the shipper, so I had to lug it again. Got it back after a while. It worked a few months, then failed again. I was at my wits end. Then I remembered that erstwhile NJ resident and fellow audio society member Mike Kallelis of Arion Audio makes really good switching amps that I have heard numerous times. I called him and ended up with the Arion Audio S-500 ($2500 retail at the time in 2019). I was out of work then, but I can’t live without my music, so I got the amp. 500 watts per side of very clean power in a shoe-box size case that weighs about 22lbs. I have been thrilled ever since. Maybe a tad less warm than the Odyssey, but it is quite neutral, clean and my speakers love the huge reserves of power. Highly recommended.
Handling Heavy Amps
There are several amps I’m interested in possibly purchasing but I’m dissuaded because of their weight. I’ve had lower back issues so I need to be careful. I live alone. Even if my wife was still alive she would not have been able to help much. Also Children live far. I see that many of you have these 60-100 pound behemoths and I wonder how do you manage. If I buy from my dealer he’ll load it in my SUV. However when I get home it will be difficult to get it out and onto the garage floor where I can place it on my handcart. Then when I get it next to my rack I need to maneuver it out of the box and up onto the rack. I guess I would need to see if my dealer would deliver it and place it on the rack. Probably for a fee. So that may work. But then if I need to paint, move furniture, resell the unit whatever I would need help. I think I can handle up to 40lbs. So how do you handle these amps? Is it a concern for you? I’m spoiled by my Benchmark 12 lb AHB2. It’s also the reason I’ve been investigating Class D amps.