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.
I was looking at the Westminster Labs Class A amps, but the price was too rich for me. At that time, I ended up with the KRELL Duo 175XD. It was about 70 lbs I think, but it is big and ugly. It is similar to the implementation of the Westminster. I believe the Westminster designer, or the USA distributor said the same words to me on the WBF thread.
The KRELL Duo 175XD sounded great. Buttery smooth, powerful, with detail. It is all Class A (up to 175 watts if needed) and runs cool. It has fans but I never heard them come one, even when it was beside me as a headphone amp. I normally used it to drive the hard to drive Thiel CS3.7 speaker.
...and finally, I am in tune with your concerns. I am back two days now from having two (more) discs replaced and bone spurs on my spine removed. Music is my nervana, and I am appreciative to have had great help assembling my system!
...and there is NO comparison to the Benchmark amps (again and always to me). I have had them in for direct comparison. They are light I agree. What did interest me at the CAF was the WestminsterLab Class A's, which were lighter and cooler than I expected.
Hello @jfrmusic, amps are indeed heavy, but those seem to sound amazing to me!
If you are in NJ, I strongly recommend my dealer Bill Parish at GTT. HIs Audionet amps to me are the best, and his services is par none. I have moved up the Audionet chain from Amps (good) to Max (heavier but not ridiculous and very very good) and now to the Heisenbergs which are stunning and I have never lifted.
BTW I have struggled with very heavy amps which are not nearly as good, including Classe and Parasound Halo (yep).
My listening room is on my second floor. I carried my 180lb Krell FPB 600 upstairs by myself. Step by step. It also had handles only in the back and sharp thick hear sinks on the side. Was a bitch but I took my time. Then I upgraded to the Audio Research Ref 750s. Mono blocks. 180lb ea. They had handles on the front and back and no heatsinks. I grabbed the handles diagonally and lifting them one step at a time. I definitely thought I was gonna need help with them. But I did it myself. U never know what u can do if u have too. And by back is not great as I am now going on 58. Good luck. 👍
I’d buy something I could handle and that would not cause me stress. It’s not worth bothering with for me, I have better things to do. Life’s too short to be a slave to stuff, at least for me in my 60’s.
Since lower back pain is already an issue, please avoid aggravating it further. Perhaps a local electrician could install it for you? It would be a little costly but your back will thank you…..
I’m old. I’ve had back surgery. I did not let those considerations get in the way of moving Klipsch LaScalas up a set of stairs by myself. Nor was I daunted by a Mac 130lb beast hoisted up into a pickup, out again, and up said stairs. Ingenuity helped; using RaceRamp mechanics mats proved invaluable. They slide over any surface and have a handle. A dolly cart is helpful. Beer dangled in front of a neighbor or buddy can be highly effective. Point is, where there is a will …..
By some Rowland class d monoblocks and call it a day. I have the old 501’s and they sound really good compared to my old class A krell.
I’m not lifting 100lb amps anymore. 37 yrs as a carpenter and though I’m strong , my back just can’t take awkward lifting. Lift and twist and I’m out for 2 weeks. Go class D. The sound is great.
I have a really good preamp the HPA4 so an integrated is not what I would choose unless if had a switch to run it as an amp only but that would be paying for features I don’t want
@pindac has the best advice - NEVER risk your health for a hobby. Or anything else. Your back is FAR to precious to gamble with. And 100 lbs is plenty big enough to destroy your back if you trip, unless you’re built like a fullback.
I’ve never regretted a Bryston purchase. I’ve used 3B SST, 4B SST and 9B SST for planars and for ESL’s and to power an isobaric sub. My wife just ordered me a pair of 7B-SST3 (40 lbs) for the bass end. I’ve got stairs, so I lined up help - no question. Once more or less in place, you can slide a unit or lever it, but don’t try to lift it with a bad back. Please.
I’m in the same situation with a Pathos Heritage MKii integrated weighing almost 180lbs. Whenever it comes or goes for delivery or moving, I hire a guy from Dolly or Taskrabbit. Costs $100 for a hour but I’ve had good success. Moving slightly for cable access, etc isn’t a problem as the stock footers slide on my wood floor. Finding aftermarket footers that aren’t sticky or rubberized and which would make it difficult to move is a problem though. I’d welcome any suggestions. (Amp stand is not an option.)
@jfrmusic one amp I’ve tried that was light weight and sounded really nice was a Simaudio Moon 330A. I think it will be a good match with the warmer Harbeths.
Under 40lbs. Incredible value if you find a used one.
I did check out the Ayre VX-8 amp. It’s only 24lbs but it really runs hot. 113 degrees on top and 144 degrees on bottom according to Stereophile. Plus it doesn’t sound like the kind of presentation I prefer.
@jfrmusic Have you considered buying one of the new Class D amps? People on this site claim they are excellent and you sound like the perfect candidate for the light weight that comes with Class D.
Thanks. The Ayre I need to check out. Don’t need an integrated. I have the Benchmark HPA4 and just bought an MSB Discrete DAC. I’m also considering the Bryston 3B3 (35lbs)and the CODA 5.5 Class A (45lbs).
@jfrmusicYes, no-hashtag metoo. I have C7ES’s, lower-back problems, no local dealers, and no family members or local friends who can help me with heavy components.
Last year, I spent several months comparing integrateds for a major upgrade, with an eye on weight. I’ve had Class D amps, but have always found them to be too harsh, grainy, analytical, whatever you want to call it. I understand that newer Class D designs, which use GaN FETs, resolve many of these problems, but have had no opporutnity to hear them myself.
What I found was that the best option was the Ayre line. Ayre’s products are based on the brilliant Charlie Hansen’s adaptation of "diamond" output-stage circuitry, which produces power much more efficiently than do more conventional designs.
E.g., check out Stereophile/Absolute Sound’s reviews of Ayre's EX-8 v.2 integrated, about $10K, 300+ wpc, very broad functionaity & flexible connectivity, and including an integrated DAC that is really quite impressive for an embedded component. All clocking in at 24 pounds, most of which is the weight of the unit’s transformers.
A runner-up, that offers the same rarified class of SQ, is the Hegel line. High-powered, beautifully designed & built, great functionality & connectivity, and even the integrated, I believe, is something like 45 pounds.
Both of these lines have a reputation for being a particularly good match with Harbeths.
If you're considering tubes, there are options like ARC’s $8500 VSi75 & $5500 i/50 integrateds, 50/75wpc & 40/37 pounds -- relatively limited connectivity, and maybe not a great match for the Harbeths' high-end, but still great products.
Bottom line is that llighter-weight products are out there, but there aren’t many. Broader adoption of GaN Class Ds may create more opportunities this year.
I realize that you’ve been bombarded with help since posting your original message, but I hope these suggestions are helpful.
I’m in the same boat as you. Tried the Class D route but now sorry I did. You’re probably looking at several thousand dollars for your new amp. Hire someone if your dealer won’t do it, buying used or need to move it again. Feeling pain for maybe the rest of your life just isn’t worth it. Most areas have handyman services. That’s who I use now. Shouldn’t cost you more than about 100 bucks and again worth every penny.
I agree, hire an INSURED furniture mover, a piano mover for something huge needing care.
IF a friend unable to help had a brother, son, etc, that might work.
Coincidentally, looking for powerful amp/mono blocks: I thought, the front handles can help when repositioning something already in place, but nearly worthless lifting/putting in place.
Also, in-place, access to in/out connectors must be solved safely.
Pair of 100+ pound mono blocks...2 friends set up on arrival...another 2 for placing Mapleshade cones underneath...but in 4 1/2 years there has been no need to move them...
My criteria of any component purchase is I have to be able to comfortably carry it alone, unaided. It used to be 100 lbs about 20 years ago. These days it’s 65 lbs.
I won’t consider any heavy gear I am unable to handle alone, even though it may sound a million bucks.
During my last move made a mental note of the weight of my amp and decided not to move again. At 67 it was more than I wanted to handle. I think around 75lbs. It also had 8 power tubes which put me over the edge - cost to replace and heat! Ended up with AGD Audion monos paired with a Cary SLP 05. Could not be happier. I owned the pre so that decision was easy. Anyway I share your pain. By the way the Audions sound great (to me) and weigh 5 lbs a piece.
Several good suggestions, if I live in your area I would definitely help you. I also use sliders on the bottom of the amp legs to slide when on the rack and then remove.
I appreciate the interest in this thread. I have the same concerns with amps as well as speakers, which both seem to increase in weight as they increase in quality. Regarding amps, I've recently discovered Linear Tube Audio amps, which appear to be high quality and not too heavy.
There is not an item of HiFi worthwhile having, if it comes with a risk to health, especially if a underlying health condition is known off.
Speak to a medical professional about your concerns and options on weights you are able to consider to get equivalent function from alternate devices.
The answer will be very clear, select what is best for your looking after ones Skeletal Joints.
I myself with knee conditions have been very satisfied with my discoveries of lightweight alternative materials which are now being used in my Audio System.
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 am pretty strong, and I recently carried my CODA #16 up the stairs to the office. That thing weighs about 110 lbs and I was thinking this is way too dangerous. It is not just the weight but how you need to carry the gear.
BTW - if the CODA 5.5 (or is it 6.5) is similar to the #16 as described in the other CODA thread then it would be a good match for the Harbeth. However, for my ears that match may not be perfect. I like the brighter AHB2 more with warm speakers like Harbeths.
I paired my Yamaha NS5000 with CODA #16 and got amazing results, say 95/100. That 5% was a little bit too much warmth with the slightly warmish NS5000 and the same warmish #16.
I now have the #16 in the office with my $1000 Magnepan LRS+. The LRS+ is a tiny bit bright. The LRS+ and the #16 pairing is incredible, 100/100. A better match for my ears than the much better NS5000 speaker and the CODA #16.
Another amp that you may like (built by CODA) is the Sanders Magtech. I got mine from Sanders for $4k used with 1-year warranty. The Sanders weighs about 45 lls and is sonically in-between the AHB2 and the CODA #16. It is very powerful amp, and I would bet great with Harbeth.
Another amp I am considering for my NS5000 is the SimAudio North Collection 761 or 861. The older Sim 860A that I heard was closer to the AHB2 than the #16 so that maybe a good match for me. The 761 is not too heavy.
Ask audio friends for help. You probably need just 1 more person to move 60 - 100 lbs amplifier. I had to hire 4 people to move 368 lbs per monoblock amplifier. You don't want to break your back.
@jfrmusicI would help you but I’m in another part of Jersey.
I do like @dill’s idea though. You don’t want to do this type of heavy lifting yourself. If you pop a hemorrhoid you won’t be able to sit down and listen to your system for about a week. It will be a pain in the ass.
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