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Best Tube/SS Amps for Harbeth 7ES-3

Hi, I just bought a pair of Harbeth Compact 7ES-3 - beautiful sounded speakers. Very natural and musical.

Now I need to get an integrated or Pre/Power combo to drive it. Budget is about $3-4K new or used. I read the 7ES-3 is easy to drive. Which amp works better with the 7ES - Tube or SS?

What amps do you use for your Harbeth 7ES? How much power output do I need to drive the 7ES to its full potential?

Would a 20 watt per channel tube amp drive the Harbeth?

Now that I've settled on the speakers, I can focus on getting the amps :)

Thanks.
r0817
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,686 posts
 
11-20-11: Donjr
For tube - Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum sounds amazing with the C7's and it's a very popular combo for hifi shops.

I heard this combination at a dealer last week and I have to agree. I have no idea if you will like it or not.
krell1's avatar
krell1
250 posts
 
I have heard them with Bel Canto and they sounded fantastic. I have been wondering how they would sound with McIntosh? That would be a classic looking system.
ebuela
1 posts
 
This is at the opposite: I asked to the man who made by hand the Leben integrated 300 what speakers he suggest to match his beauty integrated. He told me without any doubt and without any other: " I love the Harbeths Compact 7.".. I already bought them, they are coming
theron_day's avatar
theron_day
20 posts
 
SS - Luxman 505u
Tube - Rogue cronus Magnum II

imo the Harbeths wake up and sound amazing with these 100 W amps.
biscorbit
143 posts
 
@r0817         

So what amp did you go with?   I just purchased the same speakers. Now it's amp hunting time for me.   I've been eyeing mc152 and rogue medusa as amps go.  The hypex technology definitely has me intrigued.  Anyone have any experience with either of these?   
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