Handling Heavy Amps

@ddafoe 

The ABH2 is light. What made you move from it?  Did go from it to the Class D?

I recently sold a Krell KSA200S which I carried up the stairs from my basement. This thing has super sharp cooling fins on both sides and really SUCKs to move and weighs way over a 100lbs. Anyway after 30 seconds of being out of breath after getting it in the truck Finally! Had something that felt like a hernia for about a month. Finally went away. Lesson learned get help, dolly or similar. Not worth your body. 

@jfrmusic, I purchased the 4B3 and AHB2 while I owned the 250.8 so I could directly compare them with the big Pass amp.   I ended up slightly preferring Pass amp over the other two, but it was really just pros/cons of each and ultimately with my system I slightly preferred the 250.8 so I kept it.   At that time I likely would have purchased the 4B3 if I was going to pick one of the two.   The AHB2 was and has been the clearest (like a super clean window) amp I've owned allowing me to hear into the recording the best.   I loved its size and lack of heat.  But, I personally found its presentation a little different than what I was ultimately looking for, more like you are walking in and around the images, like I'm in the studio with the band.  I also found its texture and sound stage depth to be lean compared to the other amps on my list, and most specifically when compared to the Pass amps.   I found the AHB2 a great tool for analyzing the recording, but found it harder to picture me in the audience enjoying the show, which is what I'm looking for.

The AtmaSphere GaNFET monos caught my eye when I heard Ralph was working on them since he has made a living sounding tube equipment and to me the Pass amps have what sounds right to me about music from tube equipment.   I dropped in the Class D monos and they instantly sounded like the Pass amps I've owned, zero fatigue, a hint of warmth, great soundstage etc.    The Class D monos give up a little sound stage depth and midrange texture (at least compared to the XA30.8) in my system but have the similar Pass sound with a blacker background, tighter bass, and a crazy good lateral soundstage.   The one area where I think they differ the most with the Pass amps I've had is I think their high fequencies are a little more recessed,with less sparkle.   Their HF output is definitely not in your face at all, but maybe a little too much so, depending on your system.     I purchased the 250.8 to drive Magico S1s and Spendor D9s, both of which are not overly forgiving on the top end.   If your system is already darker or recessed in the high frequencies, you might find the monos to be lacking too much HF detail.   Overall though, I'm very happy with them as Pass 'replacements', and they ship in one box and literally generate no heat!

If I go back to class A or AB again, at this stage in my life it will likely be with a less than 50 to 60 pound requirement.   The Coda 5.5 at 45 pounds would be an example of an amplifier I would love to try next and compare with my Class D monos, and the Hypex Nilai monos if sticking with Class D.

@ddafoe 

Thanks for the information. I completely agree with your assessment of the AHB2. It is a really nice amp. So clean, quiet and super detailed. But I feel like I’m right in the front row or very close to the performance. Sometimes the detail detracts from the performance. You start focusing on all the minute sounds. I prefer a more relaxed presentation as if you are in the 10th row or mid hall in a concert hall rather than at the conductor podium. I must admit the ABH2 has terrific bass impact. So I am looking forward to my auditions this week to see if either can unseat the ABH2. I will post my experiences here. 

Just got back from my Bryston 4B3 audition

It’s a very nice amp. It’s overall better than the AHB2 that I currently have. The Treble is more extended and a little smoother. The mid range a little more relaxed and laid back. The soundstage depth is better and the bass is definitely more impactful and deep. Possibly because of the more than three times the available power.The soundstage width is the same. However I think the AHB2’s base has more definition and texture. Voices on the Bryston are similar to the Benchmark but unlike the ABH2 slightly set back from the speaker plane. If my audition on Wednesday does not favor the Accuphase P-4600 I will get the Bryston and the dealer will deliver and setup.

They had the Hegel 30A power amp next to the Bryston. So Dave at Overture asked if I would like to hear it. He said it was fantastic as they just set it up. Sure why not listen even though it’s $18K, over 100 pounds and large enough it wouldn’t even fit on my rack. So I listened and boy is that a wonderful sounding amp. So detailed but not in your face. Enormous soundstage in both width and depth. And a most lovely treble that is smooth as silk. Bass impact perfect. WOW! If it was smaller and lighter I might be tempted to blow the budget and get it. It’s that good. On Classical large scale orchestra tracks it was stunning. Oh well.

So on Wednesday I will audition the Accuphase and report my experience.