In my experience the Harbeth C7 is not all that picky when it comes to amplification. They sound good with just about anything (competent, but not necessarily expensive) in front of them. Having said that, my pair did like power--at least 100wpc. I ran them with a Naim HiCap/62/140 for a while and did not really get all they were capable of until I switched to an ARC system using a 100.2 to drive the speakers. I wouldn't stress too much. If I were you I would select an amp that has adequate power and is neutral in presentation and then work on establish proper synergy between the rest of the components that appear in the chain in front of the amp. Balance and synergy is important, particularly with such a wonderfully musical speaker. Everyone needs to be dancing together or you will lose the essence of the Harbeth sound.
Amp for Compact 7ES3, to replace gainclone
Hi everyone...
I currently am using a gainclone amp based on the LM3886 to power my Harbeth Compact 7, and am thinking to replace them. I recently completed a twisted pear DAC as well as a pass b1 buffer pre...
I have tried a few amps with these speakers, including vintage luxman integrated (wooly and soft), McIntosh MC275 (flabby bass but real nice mid/highs), a Densen B110 (nice PRAT but not a great soundstage and overall not a good choice for classical/jazz) as well as a Pass INT150 (very very good)
Overall, I like the Pass most I suppose, but I found that it wasn't a great enough improvement to warrant the huge increase in price over my $100 chipamp.
I am pretty convinced I need something with some juice, but also with a high damping factor to control those woofers...
Anyone have any good power amp suggestions for me?
Regards,
Byron
I currently am using a gainclone amp based on the LM3886 to power my Harbeth Compact 7, and am thinking to replace them. I recently completed a twisted pear DAC as well as a pass b1 buffer pre...
I have tried a few amps with these speakers, including vintage luxman integrated (wooly and soft), McIntosh MC275 (flabby bass but real nice mid/highs), a Densen B110 (nice PRAT but not a great soundstage and overall not a good choice for classical/jazz) as well as a Pass INT150 (very very good)
Overall, I like the Pass most I suppose, but I found that it wasn't a great enough improvement to warrant the huge increase in price over my $100 chipamp.
I am pretty convinced I need something with some juice, but also with a high damping factor to control those woofers...
Anyone have any good power amp suggestions for me?
Regards,
Byron
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