Integrated amp: Component weight

@cundare2 Sorry, I just meant the Margules ACRH-4 only uses single ended inputs and outputs. It’s Class A/B push pull with a tube hybrid buffer stage.

I understand your concern regarding quality control and discussed this with the Margules team and the US distributor a lot this year. They have since made some really good improvements in the gear and the last shipment of product I received was on a much greater level of fit and finish than before. Let’s say I had my moments of frustration in the past.

Cambridge has a stigma of being mid-fi, but they really did something special with the EDGE line of electronics. I still stand by it, that it performs even beyond its already higher than typical pricing for them, but delivering beyond compared to the competition at the same price. I’d pick the EDGE A over the Ayre EX-8, for instance. I think the EDGE would sound more musical and engaging while still retaining the razor sharp incisive holography that Ayre typically brings  

I’m not trying to sell you on the EDGE, but rather just give it the respect it deserves when many others dismiss it because it’s associated with Cambridge’s mid-fi track record.

 @hgeifman

>If you purchase the Ayre EX-2.0 Integrated amp, would you purchase the amp only or include it with the Digital Base (S/PDIF, AES/EBU) with USB port and with the Ethernet port?

Yes, I'd go for the full package.  The EX-8's DAC is the only internal DAC on the market (at least in this price range) that I would consider buying instead of a separate.  Two trusted friends who've heard it, both of whom, would normally never consider an embedded DAC both gave it surprisingly high praise.

@krelldog 

The Coda is heavier than I would consider, although if it's superb in every other way, I might bite the bullet and consider it.  But what about functionality?  Does it support the connectivity features that I outlined in my original post?

Here's the thing:  If I'm gonna consider a 50-pound box, why wouldn't a Hegel be my first choice in that weight class?  It's reputed to be a perfect match for Harbeths (Harbeth uses Hegel in its rooms at shows) and has connectivity & functionality second only to Ayre.  And, if I recall correctly, is about 45 pounds (compared to Ayre's 24).

@blisshifi 

Hope you don't think I was putting down Cambridge.  I've been a big fan of the company since Harry started it and have used many Cambridge products in home theaters, on the desktop, etc., with great results.  But this time, I'm looking for a major step up, a full electronics upgrade, and am willing to spend maybe $20K for components & cables.  The Edge, from what I read, is a real bargain and is a true audiophile amp, especially considering its price.  But does it offer the connectivity I need, and is it in a class with $10K boxes from Ayre, Hegel, Levinson, etc.?  I don't get the impression that it's the right fit.  But you seem to have much more experience than I do with the Edge line.  What do you think, given all that?

I dunno about Margules.  I want to keep an open mind & I"m willing to convince myself if that makes sense.  But I have no knowledge at all of the specific model you recommend.  Could this be used in a multi-channel system that requires an integrated to offer HT bypass, at least 3 line-level inputs, along with a sub output and the ability  to drive an external headphone amp?

@blisshifi, The OP states he wants an amp under 40 pounds. The Cambridge EDGE A amp Weight is 53.70 pounds meaning it is too heavy. On the other hand, the Ayre EX-8 2.0 amp only weighs 24 pounds.

Finding a high quality amp, under 40 pounds, including the OP’s other requirements is not easy. The Ayre EX-8 2.0 amp at 24 pounds is the only amp I found that meets this requirement. It seems every other amp is too heavy. This is a very difficult challenge.

I have similar amp weight restrictions. I purchased the Musical Fidelity M6si integrated amp that weighs 36.6 pounds and like it very much.