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

@fastfreight

OK, I dug a little into the Mola Mola line and, really, it looks pretty terrific in more than one way. Howevere, I can’t seem to find a price list. There are a few reviews of individual components that list a purchase price at the time of the review, but I can’t find much in the way of current pricing.

UPDATE

I still can't find a current price list, but my gut feeling is that Mola Mola gear is out of my price range. DAC + pre-amp came in close to $30K a couple of years ago.

Worse, this Dutch company's presence in North America is spotty. The company Web site lists only one NA "appointment-only" distributor/dealer that doesn’t list pricing, or much of anything useful that isn’t already on the MM Web site. No idea how service works -- ship back to the Netherlands?

Really, really nice-looking products (at least on paper), but probably not a good fit.

I can understand that...I feel that way (biased) about some amazing gear from other countries.  But I say nothing spotty here.  Bill Parish at GTT has fantastic service and most of all knowledge.  Just talk to him.  I think the Makua w Tambaqui is the sweet spot, save a stand alone Tambaqui.  So many people have these and love them.  Getting the Makua lets you play with different amps now and later.  And the Makua is visually stunning.  I only stream, no vinyl or other inputs, but still I love the preamp w DAC.  If you have an issue, Bill will take care of you. It takes a much more expensive preamp to best the Makua, and the internal Tambaqui is exactly the same as their stand alone Tambaqui.  And together it is a value if you consider yourself getting a DAC like the Tambaqui :)

@fastfreight

No, it just isn’t a good fit. Now that GTT has sent me a price list, I find that a Mola Mola system would cost 50% more than what I’m looking to spend. And even if that wasn’t the case, I don’t see it satisfying the connectivity requirements I outlined in my original post. So I’ll have to pass, unfortunately.

I have to say that GTT was very responsive & professional. It seems like a great outfit to work with.  Wish we could have done business together this time.

 

 

i'm 78 and cannot manage any lifting any more. I got rid of my pass monoblocks and old B&W floorstanders and bought some devore O96 efficient speakers and a Nagra classic amplifier. I run my dac/streamer thru the amplifier direct. Lightweight speakers- amp is only 39 lbs .. the sound is great headroom, soundstage as good as I had before. 

My thought is with the other guys--get some efficient speakers, and your choices for lightweight amplification are endless.