Amp for Harbeth P3ESR

I think I am going with a virtue amp for an interim amp. Any objections? I will be ordering one tommorrow I think.

Well, having heard the phenomenon a few times before with monitor audio, phase audio, and (especially a dramatic difference with) B&W. Taking the bass load off the mid-range cone on small bookshelf speakers opens the mid-range and adds sound-stage and airiness in there. And I get the bonus of plenty punchy, textured, and tuneful bass. :)

I hear Naim gear is a good match for Harbeth gear. I certainly like PRaT and dynamics as well as musical yet uncolored sound. But I need a chance to hear Naim gear hooked up to my Harbeth P3s.

I was looking for other brands that have synergy with Harbeth and have an easy way to setup a high-pass and sub-woofer.
Unless there is something I am not understanding about sub-woofer set up?

Thanks,
Sam

PS. I am not driving my Harbeth P3ESRs with anything right now. They are fresh from the dealership in South Florida.

Dobieguy:
So you are saying go strait for the lfd? That was my other choice. Or a Creek?

Banyon100:
I need sources too, all I have is an Audio Mirror D-1 and a Yamaha disk changer as a transport. I really would like a tuner. The uniti seems perfect if not a gamble with whether I enjoy the naim sound or not. If I were to go naim I would most likely need to get a naim source for synergy anyways.

I will try to demo as many amps as I can before I buy. I have given myself till next spring to listen and make decisions. It will be a shame letting these speakers just sit for a time, though I have some Beyer T1s to keep me company ;).

My budget is right now $900 but will grow as I collect more from my summer job. I am shooting for a little under $1500 for the amp and will worry about my source after that. Though I am interested in the Uniti and then adding a subwoofer later. Maybe a castle classic sub to keep it british?

I am just going to enjoy the journey while I can. I am also considering selling my headphone setup to free up funds, the whole point of this foray into speakers is to get a better alternative to headphones. Though they may have to stay. I can't say much now as I have not heard the Harbeths with more than a single amp but I do know enough to say they have a sort of magic that I was looking for.

The Harbeth forum heavily favors the british sound and british amps to power the harbeths. Maybe this is what I am looking for? As I certainly enjoy the Harbeth sound signature (which is decidedly British).
My Hi-fi guru - dertubemaster says I can't go wrong with a naim 5i -> P3ESR combo. (he also lists a source I can't recall off the top of my head). Maybe the XS is the solution (can I get one used for $1500 BY NEXT SPRING)?

If I am going to use a subwoofer I really do want the highpass filter as I have heard real differences from using one.

I have beautiful speakers and I guess I will just have to sit on them.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Sam

The Wadia was a horrible parring with the Harbeths. I demoed them at my local hi-fi shop.

Thanks,
Sam

I have narrowed things down some to:

Naim XS or LFD Zero Mk III

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Sam

I just purchased a Creek Destiny. I hope it sounds phenomenal.
Class A stereophile! (though I am a skeptic about stereophile, it is still worth taking note)

Thanks everyone,
Sam-fi

It has pre-out and power-in and hope to use a sub woofer for both High and Low pass.

Gene, don't you need a disclaimer? I will try out the LFD and perhaps update my system in a year or two.

The LFD is quoted on the Harbeth website as not having enough bass weight for the P3ESR. I personally think my amp the Creek Destiny is a good match.