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?
@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. please see their preowned list of integrated amps. |
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.
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OK, I dug a little into the Mola Mola line and, really, it looks pretty terrific in more than one way. Howevere, I can’t seem to find a price list. There are a few reviews of individual components that list a purchase price at the time of the review, but I can’t find much in the way of current pricing. UPDATE I still can't find a current price list, but my gut feeling is that Mola Mola gear is out of my price range. DAC + pre-amp came in close to $30K a couple of years ago. Worse, this Dutch company's presence in North America is spotty. The company Web site lists only one NA "appointment-only" distributor/dealer that doesn’t list pricing, or much of anything useful that isn’t already on the MM Web site. No idea how service works -- ship back to the Netherlands? Really, really nice-looking products (at least on paper), but probably not a good fit. |
