Handling Heavy Amps

I have dealt with sciatica for around 9 years. I was using a 65lb. amp from Odyssey Audio, the Stratos 3 channel model (my rig is combo 2-channel and home theater). When it needed repairs, I lugged it to a UPS store for packing and shipping. It was not easy for me, even with a hand truck, especially since my system is down a flight of stairs in my basement. Well, the unit came back damaged by the shipper, so I had to lug it again. Got it back after a while. It worked a few months, then failed again. I was at my wits end. Then I remembered that erstwhile NJ resident and fellow audio society member Mike Kallelis of Arion Audio makes really good switching amps that I have heard numerous times. I called him and ended up with the Arion Audio S-500 ($2500 retail at the time in 2019). I was out of work then, but I can’t live without my music, so I got the amp. 500 watts per side of very clean power in a shoe-box size case that weighs about 22lbs. I have been thrilled ever since. Maybe a tad less warm than the Odyssey, but it is quite neutral, clean and my speakers love the huge reserves of power. Highly recommended.

+++1 for the CODA S5.5, though I don't know how it would pair with the Harbeths. I would reach out to Doug Dale founder and CEO of CODA, he is really a great person to talk to....I spoke with him twice before buying the S5.5 and once afterwards. 45 pounds, full class A, reserve power for days.

I've only had mine for less than a week, but it is already producing magic. I have it connected to my Buchardt Audio S400 MKIIs right now (87 db 4 Ohms) and the CODA is owning those speakers. Also had it connected to a pair of Clayton Shaw Caladans, but they were really easy to drive at 93 db.

There is a thread right now started by Jonah5 who is reviewer Terry London, who has one in house for a review. He thought so much of it that he posted an early "heads up" post here on Audiogon......check that thread out.

I bought mine from Audion Archon, and Mike Kay could give you some thoughts as well on the CODA

I’m astounded by the volume of postings in this thread. This is one of the most popular Audiogon conversations I’ve seen in a long time.

But it’s depressing to discover that so many colleagues have the same (age-related?) back problems that I do.

I hate to stereo-type, but imaybe audiophilia really is an old man’s game.

Thanks again guys. Very informative responses. At the moment I've got the CODA S5.5 and the SimAudio 330A or 400m Mono blocks at the top of my list. The CODA is 45lbs. The SimAudio units are under 33lbs each. Have no actually experience hearing the CODA but I have heard several YouTube demos of the SimAudio amps. Even though YouTube is not HiRes I did get a sense of their character and it seemed relaxed and laid back with good control, deep bass and a very smooth high end.

I spoke to James at Destination HiFi and he said the S5.5 is a perfect match for my Harbeths and has several customer with that configuration.

I won't make a decision until my new Streamer and DAC arrive and I give the Benchmark AHB2 a shot. But I still feel that no matter how ut sounds I can do better than the Benchmark with the units I'm considering

@fastfreight 

You mentioned that your amp was superior to the Benchmark. Can you share your specific qualitative experiences in this regard. It would be helpful.

@vthokie83 

Please elaborate on your enthusiastic response to the CODA S5.5. What type of magic?