Are there any hybrid tube/ class-d offerings on the market that would work?
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?
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- 107 posts total
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! |
@fastfreight Thanks for the suggestions. But again, I'm looking for something lighter, 20-30 pounds would be ideal 15lbs even better. Things are getting worse for my back and as of yesterday, I'm looking at major surgery, with uncertain results. So the last thing I need to do is buy a 50-70-lb block of expensive metal. There's no one here who could help me move the unit and a box that heavy would make my racking system unmanageable. So the weight limitation, unfortunately, is not negotiable. The most tempting exceptions are the 49lb Hegel H590 & H600, which are such a perfect fit that I WANT to make an exception. But even in that case, I'm still sticking to my guns and trying as hard as I can to select something lighter, even if that means compromising on sound or functionality. It's frustrating, but that's the hand I've been dealt. I'm not gonna whine, I'm gonna just do the best with what I've got to work with. Still working on this spreadsheet, but right now (I'm going in alphabetic order) Benchmark & Bryston separates look like contenders. We'll see. |
@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 |
- 107 posts total