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
sokogear
1,056 posts
 

How about a Plinius Hautonga (AB)? I think it's about $4-5K. I have it's predecessor, the 8200MKII for 19 years and it is a super reliable great sounding amp. The Hautonga is 30lbs and 200WPC into 8 ohms. Their bigger one, the Haito, is 56 lbs and has 300WPC. They've reduced distribution in the US, but you can still get them.

Post removed 
hgeifman
2,113 posts
 

What about this amp?

See Daniel Hertz link

“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

  • Daniel Hertz Mighty Cat™ Audio Chip with C-Wave™
  • Digital to analog conversion with no seperate DAC
  • 3 analog (1 meg ohms) inputs, USB, coax, wi-fi, Bluetooth
  • 2 Channel power amplifier
  • 350 Watts per channel (8 ohms)
  • 500 Watts per channel (4 ohms)
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled
  • Internal tuneable Headphone amplifier
  • Custom Daniel Hertz speaker connectors
  • Hand-built mirror black finished Perspex chassis
  • Hand-polished stainless steel knobs and buttons

Weight & Dimensions

Power output, two channels:
350W per channel at 8 ohms.
500W per channel at 4 ohms.

Frequency response:
5 Hz - 30 kHz

Native resolution:
384 kHz PWM, 3ns

AC Power input:
90V - 250 V

Dimensions:
Height:
110mm (4.33’’)

Width:
430mm (16.93’’)

Depth:
330mm (12.99’’)

Weight:
6kg (13 lbs)
Fuse: 15 A
Digital inputs:
Bluetooth, digital coaxial, USB Audio 2.0, WIFI

Bluetooth (wireless):
24 bit, 48 kHz


Digital Coaxial:
24 bit, 192 kHz

USB Audio Class 2.0
24 bit, 192 kHz


Analog inputs:
stereo RCA, 3 pairs with 1 megohms input impedance

Analog outputs:
Left and right channel speaker outputs via Daniel Hertz speaker connectors.

Headphone output via front panel 1/4" phone jack.”

cundare2 OP
225 posts
 

Daniel Hertz???

Howard, you're teaching an old dog new tricks.

I'll look into this.

Has this box ever been reviewed?

 

 

cundare2 OP
225 posts
 

And Plinius?

Thanks, sokogear, I'll check that one out too.

I thought I was near the end of this excruciating process, but I guess not.

But I can't complain.  Shopping & self-educating is half the fun.

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