Handling Heavy Amps


There are several amps I’m interested in possibly purchasing but I’m dissuaded because of their weight. I’ve had lower back issues so I need to be careful. I live alone. Even if my wife was still alive she would not have been able to help much. Also Children live far. I see that many of you have these 60-100 pound behemoths and I wonder how do you manage. If I buy from my dealer he’ll load it in my SUV. However when I get home it will be difficult to get it out and onto the garage floor where I can place it on my handcart. Then when I get it next to my rack I need to maneuver it out of the box and up onto the rack. I guess I would need to see if my dealer would deliver it and place it on the rack. Probably for a fee. So that may work. But then if I need to paint, move furniture, resell the unit whatever I would need help. I think I can handle up to 40lbs. So how do you handle these amps? Is it a concern for you?  I’m spoiled by my Benchmark 12 lb AHB2. It’s also the reason I’ve been investigating Class D amps. 

jfrmusic

I go to gym so I can handle heavy things. 100lb isn't too heavy after all. 

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. 

First, a decent dealer would accommodate you by delivering and installing the amps. Especially at your budget.

Second, I would be leery of Class D. I tried them and though they sounded good, they just didn’t sparkle- though the bass was excellent.

Third, I am an Ayre fan and the VX is a pretty old model. I would go with a newer model. I bet even an AX7e Integrated would work for your speakers.

I would also look into Belles amps. I use their monoblocks with my Vandersteen VLR's. They aren't heavy and have more than enough power.

Bob

 

@jfrmusic one amp I’ve tried that was light weight and sounded really nice was a Simaudio Moon 330A. I think it will be a good match with the warmer Harbeths. 
Under 40lbs. Incredible value if you find a used one. 
 

https://simaudio.com/en/product/330a-power-amplifier/