2. amps-preamps
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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
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.

 

cundare2 OP
276 posts
 
@hgeifman You know, I looked at the Lyngdorf when I first started this search and eliminated for reasons I don’t remember at the moment. Maybe it lacked the ability to drive a headphone amp, active sub, and loudspeakers at the same time, or perhaps it didn’t offer HT bypass?

But thanks for the reminder.  I'll take another look at your link.

 

hgeifman
2,255 posts
 

See mfg link

What about the Parasound Halo HINT 6 Stereo Integrated Amplifier? It weighs 33 pounds.

160 Watts x 2 @ 8 Ohms (RMS, both channels driven) 240 Watts x 2 @ 4 Ohms (RMS, both channels driven) Power amp circuit topology designed by legendary John Curl Direct amplifier input to bypass preamp section High bias class A/AB operation Oversized shielded toroid power transformer.

Coax and optical inputs accept PCM up to 192kHz/24-bit Analog bass management with high & low pass crossovers Home theater bypass input for surround sound integration Front panel subwoofer level control Dedicated high current headphone amplifier (TI TPA6120).

See link for review

yyzsantabarbara
4,916 posts
 

@cundare2 The new KRELL that is represented by the Duo XD lineup is buttery smooth, very powerful, and decently detailed. It is the most relaxing gear I have owned or heard. Do some searches on A’gon on the Duo XD. Read the Stereophile review of the K-300i. those guys can give a better sonic description. Normally I do not like this type of sound, but I remember how much I enjoyed listening to the K-300i and then later the Duo 175XD amp.

For me the Luxman c900u | m90u | Luxman DAC | Harbeth was incredibly lush sounding. The Luxman 509x integrated amp on the same speakers and DAC was not as good nor as lush.

I used the AHB2 monos with the following speakers:

  • Thiel CS3.7 (not a good match since speaker is hard to drive)
  • KEF LS50 (great match)
  • KEF LS50 Meta (great match)
  • Audience 1+1 v3 (good but the room was bad)
  • Yamaha NS5000 (best speaker I have owned. There is a touch of hardness on top)

I also demoed it with the Magico A3 speaker. It was awful with that speaker. Not enough power as a stereo amp (not mono).

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