MusicHaven Posted July 2, 2017 Posted July 2, 2017 (edited) Hi Folks, I have finally decided to go with 30.1 however confused with amp matching for these speakers. Rega elicit r was on my list but others have suggested that I can get equally better sound for less. Not sure as I can't try all under the same roof. Sudgen A21a Yamaha A-S1100 Arcam FMJ a39 Primare I32 I believe most like to have that tube like sound quality but have power of a SS amp. I guess at this price point choices maybe limited. Thanks Edited July 2, 2017 by MusicHaven
Ray H Posted July 2, 2017 Posted July 2, 2017 I wouldn't rule out a second hand Luxman either ! Very nice amps and they come up reasonably frequently for sale. 1
rantan Posted July 2, 2017 Posted July 2, 2017 Definitely not the Primare i32 with Harbeths. Used Accuphase, Luxman, or one of the more premium Sansui models. Don't ask Shaw though. He would probably send you to a thrift shop,because he thinks amps don't matter 1
Bronal Posted July 2, 2017 Posted July 2, 2017 (edited) One brand that keeps coming up as a good match for Harbeths is LFD, although it would be difficult to get a secondhand one in Australia. Another good brand is Quad, although you are looking for an integrated, not separates. As it happens, I have an older LFD Zero that I keep as a backup. It's 55 wpc and drives my 7ES3s perfectly. You're welcome to have a lend of it and see whether you like the sound. ... and Alan Shaw has never said that amps don't matter. What he has said is Harbeths will sound good with any credible amp. Edited July 2, 2017 by bronal 2
Cafad Posted July 2, 2017 Posted July 2, 2017 Caxton Audio have a Quad Elite Integrated on their specials page for $1300 (normal RRP $2300). 1
BATMAQN Posted July 2, 2017 Posted July 2, 2017 52 minutes ago, rantan said: or one of the more premium Sansui models. Yep I'm in this camp AU-X607 just lovely.
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted July 2, 2017 Volunteer Posted July 2, 2017 Lavardin are are very good match with Harbeth.
Cafad Posted July 2, 2017 Posted July 2, 2017 What sort of genres are you planning on listening to on your new Harbeths @MusicHaven?
JukKluk2 Posted July 2, 2017 Posted July 2, 2017 Based upon how very good the Arcam A49 sounds I would urge you to at least audition the A39. Try to get your local dealer to let you borrow one for the weekend. If it's anything like its big brother you won't want to give it back.Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Cafad Posted July 2, 2017 Posted July 2, 2017 6 hours ago, MusicHaven said: Mostly Jazz, classical, instrumentals OK, I've got an April Music Stello AI500 that has a nice musical DAC in it. It tended towards a touch of dryness in my opinion but I don't think that will be an issue when combined with Harbeths and jazz or classical music. Fire me off a PM if you are interested. Asking price is circa $2K.
MusicHaven Posted July 3, 2017 Author Posted July 3, 2017 5 hours ago, Cafad said: OK, I've got an April Music Stello AI500 that has a nice musical DAC in it. It tended towards a touch of dryness in my opinion but I don't think that will be an issue when combined with Harbeths and jazz or classical music. Fire me off a PM if you are interested. Asking price is circa $2K. Thanks I will PM if I'm interested looking around and trying to demo the available options at the moment.
MusicHaven Posted July 3, 2017 Author Posted July 3, 2017 (edited) My options are quite flexible at the moment. Was thinking about Cambridge 851N streamer, do you think a separate power amp would be a better choice here if going this route? Edited July 3, 2017 by MusicHaven
gemini07 Posted July 3, 2017 Posted July 3, 2017 My previously owned Audia Flight 2 integrated amp is for sale via Gumtree at around $2,500, I believe. RRP on these is nearly $6,500. I have tried this with Harbeth SLH5 and it was very good. This model (the one I used to own) is in excellent condition and has all the characteristics you require, including HT bypass. 1
markm1111 Posted July 3, 2017 Posted July 3, 2017 19 hours ago, Ray H said: I wouldn't rule out a second hand Luxman either ! Very nice amps and they come up reasonably frequently for sale. @MusicHaven I second this. I love my Luxman 507ux. In fact, I bought it off former SNAer Andrew S, who used it to drive his Harbeth 30.1s. He played mostly classical and jazz as well, and it was his favourite combination before he got out of hifi. He had been through a lot of amps and speakers prior to that. Be worth having a look at the 507u currently in the classifieds (I think) 1
MusicHaven Posted July 3, 2017 Author Posted July 3, 2017 Please let me know if the 505ux or 507ux comes up in classifieds. I might consider it if the price and condition is good. Thanks
markm1111 Posted July 3, 2017 Posted July 3, 2017 http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/forum/7-private-hi-fi-classifieds-hifi-audio-visual/ Here you are, go nuts......
MusicHaven Posted July 3, 2017 Author Posted July 3, 2017 53 minutes ago, markm1111 said: http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/forum/7-private-hi-fi-classifieds-hifi-audio-visual/ Here you are, go nuts...... Thanks will look into it. I guess going integrated route with 851n is still a great option.
twwen2 Posted July 3, 2017 Posted July 3, 2017 Not sure why nobody has mentioned Naim yet - their amps are known to have good synergy with Harbeth speakers. For $3500 you should be able to land a new XS-2, or a used SuperNait 2 imported from the UK.
MusicHaven Posted July 3, 2017 Author Posted July 3, 2017 I read some good reviews on Peachtree but didn't see anyone mentioning with Harbeths.
Timos Posted July 3, 2017 Posted July 3, 2017 The new 150 or 300 would be great i'd imagine. I haven't matched with Harbeth before, but I loved my Nova 220SE when I had it. Lots of power, neutral sound, runs cool, DAC built in and good value.
mikey d Posted July 3, 2017 Posted July 3, 2017 I might suggest a Unison Research integrated. The Unico Secondo has plenty of grunt, finesse& sweetness & you can have fun rolling the 12AX7's in the pre stage.
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