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
elliottbnewcombjr
5,477 posts
 

Ayre's Site: EX-8 2.0

Speaker Output:

100 watts per channel continuous into 8 ohms
170 watts per channel continuous into 4 ohms

original ask was for 200 to 300 wpc. I considered 200 wpc a minimum, yes?

stanleylocke
240 posts
 

I have a Rotel Diamond Series RA-6000 in black available. 41.5 lbs. Contact me if you are interested.

hgeifman
2,239 posts
 

What about the Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 integrated amp?

Dimensions (Wx H x D): 45 x 10.5 x 36 cm (including connectors) / 17.7 x 4.1 x 14.1 inches

Weight: 8.2 kg / 18.1 lb

Description: 2-channel integrated amplifier and audio processor

Power handling: 2×400 W RMS @ 4Ohm / 2x200W RMS @ 8Ohm

Max output current: 40A

See mfg link

 

 

cundare2 OP
276 posts
 

@webking185 Actually, the Benchmark AHB2 weighs 12.5 pounds. I hear what you’re saying about weight, but consider that different technologies have different weight characteristics. There are plenty of fabulous pieces of Class AB gear, from the likes of Ayre, bel Canto, Bryston, Benchmark, Devialet, and others. Many get there by using innovative, great-sounding, and highly efficient output-stage design. The one area where weight, I think matters, is power supplies. But there are exceptions to even that rule. & then there are the increasing # of Class D products -- most based on GaN FETs -- that are reputed to have overcome the sonic compromises of earlier D designs.

The point is that, IMHO, it’s not reasonable today to make an across-the-board conclusory statement about "heft." Doing so robs you of what might otherwise be a lot of great options.

Just something to think about.

 

 

cundare2 OP
276 posts
 
@yyzsantabarbara Thanks, good feedback. What speakers were you driving with the BM stack?

 

I looked into the Krell 300i some years ago. On paper at least, it didn’t seem like a good fit with my system. Lux and Krell have a reputation among some for leaning towards an analytic sound, and right now, the last thing I want to do is to replace my brittle (or as STereophile puts it "dry"!) Class Ds with something that is not as tubelike as I can manage.

For reference, I’m an old Quad hobbyist, having owned many 1950s & 1960s Quad valve components at one time or other. For 20 years, my main system was a pair of lovingly restored ELS-57s and Quad 2 monoblocks. So Class D, Luxman, Krell -- maybe even Devialet! -- might not be a good fit in a system that already tilts a bit in the "etched" direction.

 

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