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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
hgeifman
2,113 posts
 

@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.

See Daniel Hertz Maria review

See retailer link that has this amp

blisshifi's avatar
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blisshifi
1,125 posts
 

I am a dealer for the amps I am about to mention, but I do feel they are worth considering:

Margules ACRH-4 - A Class A/B tube hybrid integrated amp using a pair of 12AU7 while including a decent MM phono stage. It is single ended only, no balanced connections. It only delivers 100 into 8 and 160 into 4, but it is also a fairly high current amplifier from what I’ve heard and does a good job controlling amps better than others in its price and power range. It’s under your budget, too.

Cambridge EDGE A - Sounds and performs like a Class A amplifier but also is excellent with microdetails at the frequency spectrum. Also British, the Cambridge EDGE series is very synergistic with Harbeth. It is still also only 100 into 8 and 200 into 4, but with Harbeths, I’ve found that high current is more important than high power. This is why they are often paired with tube amps. 

cundare2 OP
230 posts
 

@blisshifi  Did I read that right?  A 100wpc SET?

cundare2 OP
230 posts
 

@blisshifi  Thanks for the recommendations, but probably not a good fit.  I liked Cambridge gear when I was much younger, but this time around, I'm looking at a different level of sound quality, more along the lines of ARC, Ayre, Pass Labs.  The Edge, as good as it is at its price point, is probably not a good fit.

As for Margules, I'm hesitant.  Some years ago I bought a Margules turntable, and found the fit & finish to be so amateurish that I immediately returned it.  So I'm a bit gunshy about buying Margules gear mail-order sight-unseen at this point.

If you have other ideas for products you sell & have personal experience with, send me a private message.  Thanks.

 

hgeifman
2,113 posts
 

@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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