Fair enough! Again good luck!
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?
Showing 6 responses by fastfreight
Hello @cundare2 ! You have some nice options and seem headed on the right track with Ayre, the older on newer Naim 200 series and Coda. I have heard two others that I like. The Audionet Watt weighs 55 pounds but is very very good. It checks all the other requirements. I have heard this in my system and it takes a lot of money and weight to top it. At their rating of 167w @ 8 ohms I would not worry about power. GTT Audio often has a show demo of this model. The other are the Soulnote A2 and A3. the A3 is too heavy at 66 lb but super nice. I own the A2, and even rated at 100 watts it punches well above that. My speakers are more efficient though. But very sweet sounding SS integrateds. I got my A2 barely used for 4k. I see them very occasionally for 5k. Good Luck! Fun! |
@cundare2 I totally get it! I had my second back surgery 11 days ago. My first back surgery 20 months ago. Music Is my nervana and when I came home I was so glad to have it! don't compromise too much on sound for the weight; you will regret it! You |
Hi @cundare2 i am sure all back surgery different. My first replaced two lumbar discs, and I was laid up 5 weeks. I could get up and down steps though. My second replaced two cervical discs and had II had a laminectomy and foramenotomy of two more lumbar discs. This has been much easier, out of action for one weeK. Good luck! I have had the benchmarks in for direct comparison in my system, and they were dry and sterile compared to my Audionet Max amps by far. Of course they are smaller and less expensive. Again good luck. I like your Ayre thinking. Let us know! |
Hi @cundare2 ! Have you considered the Mola Mola Kula? I have the Makua with onboard Tambaqui and it is excellent. While I did sell my matching Kaluga amps in favor of Audionet Max amps, the newer class D in the Kula really do sound nice for a one box light package, and you can get it with the Tambaqui inside. Put a Grimm MU1 streamer and Roon Core in front of it and there you go. I still like your Ayre option but I agree the Devialet is a bit weird. :) |
I can understand that...I feel that way (biased) about some amazing gear from other countries. But I say nothing spotty here. Bill Parish at GTT has fantastic service and most of all knowledge. Just talk to him. I think the Makua w Tambaqui is the sweet spot, save a stand alone Tambaqui. So many people have these and love them. Getting the Makua lets you play with different amps now and later. And the Makua is visually stunning. I only stream, no vinyl or other inputs, but still I love the preamp w DAC. If you have an issue, Bill will take care of you. It takes a much more expensive preamp to best the Makua, and the internal Tambaqui is exactly the same as their stand alone Tambaqui. And together it is a value if you consider yourself getting a DAC like the Tambaqui :) |