I did check out the Ayre VX-8 amp. It’s only 24lbs but it really runs hot. 113 degrees on top and 144 degrees on bottom according to Stereophile. Plus it doesn’t sound like the kind of presentation I prefer.
Handling Heavy Amps
There are several amps I’m interested in possibly purchasing but I’m dissuaded because of their weight. I’ve had lower back issues so I need to be careful. I live alone. Even if my wife was still alive she would not have been able to help much. Also Children live far. I see that many of you have these 60-100 pound behemoths and I wonder how do you manage. If I buy from my dealer he’ll load it in my SUV. However when I get home it will be difficult to get it out and onto the garage floor where I can place it on my handcart. Then when I get it next to my rack I need to maneuver it out of the box and up onto the rack. I guess I would need to see if my dealer would deliver it and place it on the rack. Probably for a fee. So that may work. But then if I need to paint, move furniture, resell the unit whatever I would need help. I think I can handle up to 40lbs. So how do you handle these amps? Is it a concern for you? I’m spoiled by my Benchmark 12 lb AHB2. It’s also the reason I’ve been investigating Class D amps.
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First, a decent dealer would accommodate you by delivering and installing the amps. Especially at your budget. Second, I would be leery of Class D. I tried them and though they sounded good, they just didn’t sparkle- though the bass was excellent. Third, I am an Ayre fan and the VX is a pretty old model. I would go with a newer model. I bet even an AX7e Integrated would work for your speakers. I would also look into Belles amps. I use their monoblocks with my Vandersteen VLR's. They aren't heavy and have more than enough power. Bob
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@jfrmusic one amp I’ve tried that was light weight and sounded really nice was a Simaudio Moon 330A. I think it will be a good match with the warmer Harbeths. |
I’m in the same situation with a Pathos Heritage MKii integrated weighing almost 180lbs. Whenever it comes or goes for delivery or moving, I hire a guy from Dolly or Taskrabbit. Costs $100 for a hour but I’ve had good success. Moving slightly for cable access, etc isn’t a problem as the stock footers slide on my wood floor. Finding aftermarket footers that aren’t sticky or rubberized and which would make it difficult to move is a problem though. I’d welcome any suggestions. (Amp stand is not an option.) |
@pindac has the best advice - NEVER risk your health for a hobby. Or anything else. Your back is FAR to precious to gamble with. And 100 lbs is plenty big enough to destroy your back if you trip, unless you’re built like a fullback. I’ve never regretted a Bryston purchase. I’ve used 3B SST, 4B SST and 9B SST for planars and for ESL’s and to power an isobaric sub. My wife just ordered me a pair of 7B-SST3 (40 lbs) for the bass end. I’ve got stairs, so I lined up help - no question. Once more or less in place, you can slide a unit or lever it, but don’t try to lift it with a bad back. Please. |
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