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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
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,603 posts
 

You can get nearly everything you desire in a set of stacking separates

 

the naim nac 272 has a fantastic dac streamer headphone amp numerous analog and digital inputs.

combined with the high current naim nap250 it is 80 watts but very high current an drives Harbeths beautifully Naim’s punchy dynamic sound makes the Harbeths come alive.

 

and considering these pieces are separates the weight of each piece is manageable

 

and with  the newer naim 200 series dealers have this combo on sale for a liot less them what newer 200 series sells for.

 

Dave and Troy

audio intellect NJ

Naim dealers 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,202 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.

macg19
672 posts
 

Maybe I missed it, but which Harbeth's?

Lot's of opinions about amps that will sound great with your Harbeth's, without knowing the model, or perhaps an assumption you have a version of the 40's given the stated power requirement of 200-300 wpc.

stuartk
2,389 posts
 

@cundare2

Harbeth shows with Hegel and vice versa, for whatever that’s worth.

The H390 weighs 44 lbs. 

FYI, I have back issues, too. 

cundare2 OP
218 posts
 

@stuartk Yes, the Hegel is a contender, although I'm looking for something more along the lines of an H590 than a 390, in terms of SQ.  Which gets me back into the 50lb range

@elliottbnewcombjr  Well, I have to respectfully disagree.  Ayre makes a great-sounding 24lb $10K 300wpc integrated that boasts an enormous feature set.  In that same SQ-class, $6-11K 150-250wpc Devialet & Bryston integrateds come in at  13lbs & 26lbs respectively.  Bryston is Class AB & Devialet apparently uses a very different type of D topology that incorporates a Class A output stage.  So good-sounding lightweight integrateds are are out there.  Even if they're outliers.

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