Handling Heavy Amps

Thanks for all the responses. I really appreciate it and you’ve given me a lot to think about. 
 

once my new streamer and DAC arrive I will test out the AHB2 which is my current amp. Then decide my next step. 
 

That hydraulic lift is wild. 

 My speakers are Harbeth C7es-XD at nominal 6 ohms. 
Neighbors around me probably in worse shape than me.  
Not interested in Tubes. Been there.

I like the easy relaxed sound of the Class amps which tend to be heavy even though low powered. 

Right now considering the CODA 5.5 Class A which is 45 lbs. Would have to buy online without demoing. 

@cundare2 

Thanks. The Ayre I need to check out. Don’t need an integrated. I have the Benchmark HPA4 and just bought an MSB Discrete DAC.  I’m also considering the Bryston 3B3 (35lbs)and the CODA 5.5 Class A (45lbs). 

Yes I am also looking at Orchard Audio, AGD and Atmashpere. 

$12,000

I did check out the Ayre VX-8 amp. It’s only 24lbs but it really runs hot.  113 degrees on top and 144 degrees on bottom according to Stereophile.  Plus it doesn’t sound like the kind of presentation I prefer. 

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?

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. 
@gdnrbob 

I have a really good preamp the HPA4 so an integrated is not what I would choose unless if had a switch to run it as an amp only but that would be paying for features I don’t want 

@cantorgale 

OMG! That’s a heavy unit. Hope it’s worth it. 

@audphile1 

I'll check out the SimAudio  

Found some lighter weight options in the SimAudio line. 33lbs. Put them at the top of the list. 

@vthokie83 

Thanks. I am following that other S5.5 thread.

Accuphase and Luxman are really nice but noway can I handle 97 lbs. in any case No dealers near me for either. 

@bigboypete 

I’m sure my dealer can arrange a delivery and set up. Just concerned about latter issues when it needs to be moved. Would still like to be able to handle myself. 

Talked to my dealer and if I buy a heavy amp they can deliver and place on my rack. 

I got out of vinyl in the late 90s. Then started ripping CDs to my MacBook a feed year later. I have half a terabyte of music on my MacBook at the moment. Now I’m getting a really nice streamer that will also support me adding up to 16 terabytes of SSD disk. I’ll start with One. Then move my library there. I feel so light not having all those physical CDs. Now I’m into streaming so will not be buying many CDs anymore. But I don’t want a lot of heavy audio equipment. My Harbeth C7s weigh 29 lbs. When it arrives my Aurender Streamer is 29lbs  I think of it as the turntable system in my all digital system. My MSB DAC 19lbs and my current amp the AHB2 is 12 lbs. All manageable. If I replace the amp I’ll go no more than 40lbs. From what I’ve heard and researched very high end amp sound doesn’t necessarily equate with large heavy behemoths. 
 

@ghdprentice 

Had a good laugh at your comment about moving speakers to dust the floor under them. 

I’ve narrowed my choices down to three options

Keep the ABH2 and possibly add a second to go bridge mode. 

Bryston 4b3 - Will be auditioning on Monday

Accuphase P-4600 - Will be auditing on Wednesday  

If not much difference compared to what I have or not to my liking then option one at least for now  

What does the second AHB2 actually do. Benchmark keeps telling me I would hear no difference unless I was clipping with one   

Now that I am satisfied that my MSB Discrete DAC sounds better direct to my amp than through the Benchmark HPA4 I've listed the preamp on Audiogon.

Just listed my HPA4 on Audiogon

@velocityofhue 

I agree but they are in another weight class. 88-100lbs. 

Just the Bryston on Monday.  Then the Accuphase P-4600 on Wednesday. Even though the dealer will deliver the 90 lb Pass that will just fit on my shelf seems really to big and heavy. However if both auditions leave me undecided I’ll go back and listen to the Pass. Actually my ABH2 is sounding pretty good with the new equipment but I still think I can improve on it. 

@ddafoe   
 

A lot of amps in 5 years and three of the four quite heavy.

How did the AHB2 compare to the Bryston and Pass 150?

@ddafoe 

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

Had my Accuphase-P-4600 amp audition today. The amplifier is a beautifully designed component. Extremely well built  The sound was also beautifully musical with a wide and deep soundstage. The bass was very impactful. Actually the overall sound was different than I was expecting. I was expecting a warmer sound instead it was a delicately refined neutral sound that was slightly on the warm side of neutral in the midrange. However the highs were very neutral and extended with a perceptible airiness. My dilemma now is that while I really enjoyed this sound presentation it wasn’t significantly better to my ears than the Bryston that would justify twice the price  So I will struggle with this decision  If it was around $9 or $10k instead of $14k I’d probably go for it as it would be close to the Bryston at $7,800  I’m going back to listen to the Bryston again next Tuesday and also to hear the Pass X250.8  Actually wanted to hear the X150.8 but they don’t have one to demonstrate  Then it will be decision time  

Well you have a point but I usually go with my gut instincts. I tried to convince myself that the Accuphase was not worth the additional cost but deep down I know it was the best amp I’ve auditioned and I really liked its sound characteristics. I would purchase it if it was the lower priced component. So I called the dealer back this morning and told him my dilemma and after a brief discussion he gave me a great deal that included delivery and setup.  And he’s 90 minutes from me. I can usually tell when I make the right instinctive decision. I feel exceptionally calm after and full of anticipation. My search for my amplifier is completed. Expecting delivery of the Accuphase P-4600 sometime in late April. It’s allotted to the next shipment from Japan. 

@elliottbnewcombjr 

Yes heavier than I initially was targeting but I could only find amps that were heavier that I liked and that were near me that I could demo.Once I understood that most dealers would deliver and setup I was more comfortable going a little heavier. I told the Accuphase dealer I was willing to pay for his time (3 hour round trip and Gas) but he said he as part of the deal he wouldn't charge me. Actually I think I might be able to move this amp by myself once it's out of the box an on the top of my shelf which is 22' high. The Accuphase has handles built into the heat sinks as well as two handles on the back. It's lifting from the floor to the shelf that's the tough one for my lower back. Plus I could slid it on to a rolling cart too. Or just get help. Think of it like a large sofa or piece of furniture . I'm not picking them up and moving them to another room.

@laginz 

I did my best to find a light weight amp I could live with. But once I was able to have it delivered and setup for me I decided to entertain amps under 70 pounds. And there are many in that 45-70 lb range. It came down to the Bryston 4b3 at 62lbs and the Accuphase p-4600 at 66lbs. If I need to I’ll have someone help me move the amp. For example If I get new carpeting the installers will move it just like they will move the furniture. It will be an unusual case for me to needed it moved. 

@audphile1 

Yes this is the final piece of the system;

Aurender N20 Streamer

MSB Discrete DAC

Accuphase P-4600 Amplifier 

Harbeth C7es-XD Speakers 

I will have completely replaced my current system 
I guess at some point I’ll go down the rabbit hole of power cords for my components.

I’ve already listed my Benchmark DAC3 HGC and HPA4 on EBay  Need to wait until the Accuphase arrives before listing the ABH2  

@audphile1 

I did try Audiogon but got not one watcher or question. . A day after EBay listing already got 35 watchers and two enquirers. I’ve always had success on EBay. If it doesn’t sell in 10 days I’ll relist on Audiogon

How is payment handled on USAM? I do have an account there. Never listed there. 

Ok thanks. Will check it out.