2. amps-preamps
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Integrated amp: Component weight

I'm an older guy with a bad back looking to spend $5-10K on an integrated amp.  Before I get into functionality, connectivity, or even sound quality, my threshold considerations are price, power, and weight.  My 86dB-sensitivity Harbeths do best with the equivalent of a 200-300wpc solid-state unit, I need to drive a variety of analog & digital sources, hope to keep weight under 40lbs, and want to stay away from "classic" Class D designs.  Been there, done that, D simply didn't work in my system.

My question: Does anybody know of any published listing of amplifiers that compares products by weight or size?

So far, I've only found a few 15-35lb models that meet this initial filter, from sellers like Ayre, Devialet, & Bryston, and, surprisingly, even ARC.  However, there are connectivity & functionality issues that make these otherwise-terrific options a poor fit.

Any suggestions?

cundare2

Showing 5 responses by elliottbnewcombjr

elliottbnewcombjr
5,770 posts
 

btw, not for OP

the reason I advocate efficient speakers ONLY, it to save WEIGHT/size/heat/cost while increasing placement options (remote beams),

AND easier to try tubes,

AND lower power needs keeps you in a very plentiful and competitive place. Especially probability of finding a great deal on a used item, lower power amps more plentiful, many tube amp options if power needs are reduced. 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,770 posts
 

lifetime solution: sell those speakers, find some efficient ones to love.

elliottbnewcombjr
5,770 posts
 

OP

200-300 wpc, 40lbs, SS, not Class D

Mono-blocks will divide the gross weight, but, it’s a near impossible ask.

That is why I said: sell those speakers (the source of the extra weight needed), get efficient speakers (which get moved once) and need much less power (smaller/lighter/less heat/less cost/more placement options).

that's why I called it a 'lifetime solution'. we get older, back/knees/shoulders fall apart.

Efficient enough, you could then try tubes. Mono-blocks probably to reduce weight.

elliottbnewcombjr
5,770 posts
 

 

cundare2 OP

In the words of Steve Martin, "EXCUSSSSE Me"

I am not advocating anything for you specifically, I simply presented an alternate way of solving it, i.e. step outside, look back in, especially for other people following along.

I don't know a damn thing about modern SS, I'm tubes for life. Thus I recommend that people looking for speakers ONLY consider efficient ones, don't even look sideways at inefficient ones. Your Harbeth's, 86db are exactly what I would avoid!

You love them, they aren't going anywhere, you have the funds, and are willing to consider modern lightweight power, off you go, 

Take an integrated; drop it from a 10 story building, bust it into pieces:

Outboard Power Supplies

Separate Preamp (I say old school features)

Mono Blocks

Separate Power Supplies.

Cables, cables and more cables.

elliottbnewcombjr
5,770 posts
 

Ayre's Site: EX-8 2.0

Speaker Output:

100 watts per channel continuous into 8 ohms
170 watts per channel continuous into 4 ohms

original ask was for 200 to 300 wpc. I considered 200 wpc a minimum, yes?

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