@cundare2,
I am not familiar with Devialet equipment but their integrated amp looks interesting. Will this amp work for you?
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 14 responses by hgeifman
Musical Fidelity M6si integrated amp 220 wpc, about 35 pounds and sounds wonderful on my PMC speakers. Class AB and should sound terrific with your Harbeth speakers. Its design is dual mono. I was so impressed with their sound quality, I purchased 2 of them. See Upscale audio review of this amp link below ”Internally, the M6si is configured as 2 independent monobloc power amps with a separate pre amp. It is, in fact, a pre amp with 2 monobloc power amps that just happen to share the same casework. The M6si has 220wpc. It has very low distortion, outstanding noise ratio and extremely flat frequency response. Its inputs are phono (MM/MC), 4 line level, 1 balanced XLR and 1 USB ‘B’ up to 24bit 96kHz asynchronous. The M6 combination of high power, high current and extraordinary stability means that it can drive any loudspeaker with ease.” |
Any interest in Benchmark LA4 Line Amplifier and the Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier (12.5 pounds)? The amp can be bridged if you need more power. From their web site “Benchmark products are designed and built by audio enthusiasts. We are musicians, audiophiles and audio professionals who are passionate about audio quality. We also are passionate about the durability and build quality of our products. Most of our products are designed, assembled, tested, and shipped worldwide from our headquarters in Syracuse, NY, USA, where we have been located since 1985”.
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+1, How about a Benchmark stack consisting of Benchmark LA4 Line Amplifier, the Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier and the Benchmark DAC3 HGC? If you need more power, you can always purchase a 2nd amp I own the Benchmark DAC3 HGC and like it very much. I suggest you call Benchmark Media and discuss your requirements and options
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@cundare2, How about the Rotel RA-1592MKII integrated amp at 38.8 pounds? The RA-1592MKII delivers 200 Watts of Class AB output into 8 ohm speakers supporting your favorite analog, digital, XLR, aptXTM and AAC Bluetooth, PC-USB with MQA and Moving Magnet Phono stage inputs. The audiophile grade 32-bit/384kHz DAC and precisely tuned circuits delivers an unprecedented sound stage with exacting positioning. |
What about the Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 integrated amp? Dimensions (Wx H x D): 45 x 10.5 x 36 cm (including connectors) / 17.7 x 4.1 x 14.1 inches Weight: 8.2 kg / 18.1 lb Description: 2-channel integrated amplifier and audio processor Power handling: 2×400 W RMS @ 4Ohm / 2x200W RMS @ 8Ohm Max output current: 40A
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What about the Parasound Halo HINT 6 Stereo Integrated Amplifier? It weighs 33 pounds. 160 Watts x 2 @ 8 Ohms (RMS, both channels driven) 240 Watts x 2 @ 4 Ohms (RMS, both channels driven) Power amp circuit topology designed by legendary John Curl Direct amplifier input to bypass preamp section High bias class A/AB operation Oversized shielded toroid power transformer. Coax and optical inputs accept PCM up to 192kHz/24-bit Analog bass management with high & low pass crossovers Home theater bypass input for surround sound integration Front panel subwoofer level control Dedicated high current headphone amplifier (TI TPA6120). |
What about this amp? “Daniel Hertz makes only one amplifier – Maria – the very best that Mark Levinson can design. Maria 350 is the stereo (2 channel) model, and Maria 800 is the 4 channel model with active crossovers and time alignment enables for driving bi-amplified speakers. Maria is a single chassis, all in one audio electronics solution, replacing the DAC, preamplifier, power amplifier, headphone amplifier and interconnect cables, fully programmable active crossovers and time alignment are enabled”. ” Specifications
Weight & Dimensions Power output, two channels: |
@cundare2, Someone on Audiogon mentioned this amp and I thought it had many of the items you wanted. Obviously, it is a new product from a new company so more research is required. Mark Levinson is a well know name but questions need to be asked and answered. If possible, I would prefer a USA MADE product if you can find one that works for you. |
@cundare2, If you purchase the Ayre EX-2.0 Integrated amp, would you purchase the amp only or include it with the Digital Base (S/PDIF, AES/EBU) with USB port and with the Ethernet port? To be honest, based on the amps recommended on this forum tread, I believe the Ayre EX-8 2.0 amp is your best choice and the amp only weighs 24 pounds.
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@blisshifi, The OP states he wants an amp under 40 pounds. The Cambridge EDGE A amp Weight is 53.70 pounds meaning it is too heavy. On the other hand, the Ayre EX-8 2.0 amp only weighs 24 pounds. Finding a high quality amp, under 40 pounds, including the OP’s other requirements is not easy. The Ayre EX-8 2.0 amp at 24 pounds is the only amp I found that meets this requirement. It seems every other amp is too heavy. This is a very difficult challenge. I have similar amp weight restrictions. I purchased the Musical Fidelity M6si integrated amp that weighs 36.6 pounds and like it very much. |
@cundare2 I have purchased several products from The Music Room and they are excellent. Their web site says “New product lines for which TMR is an authorized dealer carry a 60-day satisfaction-guaranteed return policy. Return shipping costs are at the expense of the customer unless the product is defective. Full manufacturer warranties are in effect for these products”. I suggest you ask them for an integrated amp under 40 pounds. please see their preowned list of integrated amps. |