2. amps-preamps
  3. 188966-185607

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 2 responses by mervo

mervo
34 posts
 

The Marantz PM 10S1 would fit your requirements. It weighs about 42 pounds And has 200 watts into 8ohms and 400 into 4ohms.  S/N ratio is 106db on lone has MC/MM phono stage, dua mono design, toroidal transformer, 5 RCA audio inputs plus 2 balanced XLR inputs. Can also be bi-amped. It’s also fully balanced. 
The price is about $5,000 

I do not have one, but saw one being used as a reference amp in a Magnolia hifi store and. It was easily able to power everthing from Magnaplans to big  B & W’s without breaking up. It is also a class AB amp. I wish you well in your search for the proper “power to weight” ratio as I recently purchased a 65 pound MICHI X3 to power my B&W 702 S2 Signatures with ease. A great tank of an integrated amp but to me a class A, AB unit should have sufficient heft t


 

mervo
34 posts
 

The Technics G-700 integrated is a well received and well reviewed unit. It has 70 watts into 8ohms and 140 into 4--plenty of power. It also has several patented hardware solutions to keep the Class D power on plane. The best part is the cost is about $2,800 retail and weighs under 30 pounds.

 

 

 

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