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.
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?
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@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. |
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. |
@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.
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