Integrated amp: Component weight

@geof3

Thanks, that’s good info.

I also found a dealer -- one that I’ve had good experiences with it in the past -- that has a no-questions-asked 60-day return policy that includes the Devialet. The Devialet is so impressive in so many ways, but is so tersely documented, possessed of such bizarre configuration options, and based on such unusual circuitry, that, with no chance to hear the thing before buying, I couldn’t consider dropping $10K without a generous return policy. And since I’d have to combine it with an analog front end (and maybe a streamer) of some kind, I’d give the Expert Pro 220 maybe a 50% chance of being a good fit.

Nonetheless, it’s such an interesting product with so much potential that I’m sorely tempted.  If the 22lb Pass Labs XP-12 preamp only offered a little more connectivity, I'd love to hear what that particular odd-bedfellows pairing would sound like.

@cundare2

I have purchased several products from The Music Room and they are excellent. Their web site says “New product lines for which TMR is an authorized dealer carry a 60-day satisfaction-guaranteed return policy. Return shipping costs are at the expense of the customer unless the product is defective. Full manufacturer warranties are in effect for these products”. I suggest you ask them for an integrated amp under 40 pounds.

The Music Room web site link

please see their preowned list of integrated amps.

I wonder if they handle Devialet or Ayre?

I'll go check at your link, thanks H.

Hi @cundare2 !  Have you considered the Mola Mola Kula?  I have the Makua with onboard Tambaqui and it is excellent.  While I  did sell my matching Kaluga amps in favor of Audionet Max amps, the newer class D in the Kula really do sound nice for a one box light package, and you can get it with the Tambaqui inside. Put a Grimm MU1 streamer and Roon Core in front of it and there you go. I still like your Ayre option but I agree the Devialet is a bit weird.  :)

@fastfreight

I’m embarrassed to admit that I didnt' remember hearing anything about Mola Mola, but a quick Google refereshed my memory.  At first glance, it looks like a Makua preamp paired with, say, a Devialet might do everything I need, other than, possibly, streaming.  I'll continue to investigate. At this early stage, I'm not even sure of pricing, much less specs.  I see Herb in Stereophile liked the Mola Mola DAC.

Thanks for the heads-up re: a company that almost slipped through the cracks.