Electronics for Harbeths -- $5-10K

OK, I did look into LFD and, wow, you’re right, what over-the-top praise! Jaw-dropping!

But unfortunately (please don’t hate me), you can’t always select a piece of gear as a sole function of sonics. And before anybody brings out the garlic and crucifix, I’ll point out that if that wasn’t the case, we’d all be listening to Chronosonic/D’Agostino systems. (And half of us would be divorced!)

In my case, I need a fair amount of connectivity, but the LFD line doesn’t even seem to have outputs for a powered subwoofer or external headphone amp. Or even a remote. IN fact, I’m not sure how it could be used with smaller Harbeths that roll off at around 45-50Hz. Even my Quad ESL-57s benefited tremendously by adding a sub.

I guess I could front-end an LFD integrated with an exceptionally flexible DAC, like a higher-end HiFi Rose unit that would add much of the analog & digital connectivity I’m looking for. But I'd still be missing a few crucial connections.  And that would be a whole new research project.

What’s disappointing is how little info there online is about LFD's product line. I haven’t found a review that tabulates even the most basic specs, like size & weight, power rating, or even price.  And even Gene Rubin’s Web site doesn't tell you much. After an hour online, I still can’t figure out which models are in the current LFD product line, much less compare them. LFD itself doesn’t have a working Web site.

What I’m gathering is that LFD is a small boutique operation, something like George Merrill’s GEM. I’m a big fan of bespoke equipment -- my GEM turntable is aptly named! -- but the downside is that I’m not sure how to make an intelligent purchase decision.

Nonetheless, I’m tempted to pick up a used Mistral on eBay (used units start at around $2000) and hang onto it for a bit just to hear what everybody’s talking about.

Anyway, thanks for teaching this old dog a new trick. LFD has now definitely caught my attention.

Test

Have you checked this review ?

https://www.stereophile.com/content/harbeth-monitor-302-40th-anniversary-edition-loudspeaker-page-2

The best match for the Harbeth 30.2 40 th was the Pass Lab X25. I've got this match: Fantastic! Just need to pick the preamp that best fits your source, analogue or/and digital. And you're in business.

I just spoke with an LFD rep, who confirmed that the company’s amps can’t be used with a speaker system that requires a subwoofer. There’s no way to get variable-level output to a sub.

Too bad. I was actually thinking of buying a used unit on eBay just to play around with for a while. They run from $2500-$5000, so it would be an indulgence, but you guys have got me curious. But now it sounds like it might be more trouble than it’s worth.

If I was younger, though!

During my misspent youth, I used to buy a lot of "junk" 1950s & 60s tube gear made by the likes of Quad, restore it, learn from it, listen to it for a while, and then ultimately resell it for whatever I’d put into it.

But these days, I just want to hit a button, sit back & listen.

I just spoke with an LFD rep, who confirmed that the company’s amps can’t be used with a speaker system that requires a subwoofer. There’s no way to get variable-level output to a sub.

You can use a subwoofer that can take high level (speaker level) input. Many subs today (REL, SVS, Rythmik, KEF etc) have connectors to accommodate both high and RCA line level input. Basically connect the sub in parallel with the main speakers.

yogiboy & akg_ca: I followed up with LFD, and the rep was very clear about its products not being designed for systems that have an external powered sub. Only one variable-level output, intended to drive the main speakers.

mspot, I’m aware that, because sub interfaces have such high impedance, you can connect both speakers & sub to the same amplified output. Some mfrs that make great-sounded, but functionally constrained amps (like ARC) even recommend that owners do so. But I’m sure that LFD would shudder at the thought! These are the guys that refuse to provide a remote because doing so would compromise the purity of their design. Agree or not, you’ve gotta respect their expert opinion on this.

This is all moot, though. I could use the LDF’s tape out to drive an outboard headphone amp, and wire two sets fo speakers to a single set of terminals to power a subwoofer, but there’s still no HT bypass mechanism. That last issue is the dealbreaker, since this amp would, in addition to providing audiophile sonics in a stereo system, be driving the front channels of a multichannel system. I’m sure that these LDFs are spectacular-sounding boxes, but they’re just not a good fit from a functionality/connectivity standpoint.

So the Ayre integrated still seems to be the best choice for my particular application. In addition to Ayre’s reputation for outstanding sound quality and reliability, its preamps and integrateds are one of a very few that do everything I need without compromising sonics.

I’ve never owned an Ayre product, but after a month of excruciatingly deep research into $10,000-ish amplification from Levinson, ARC, PrimaLuna, Nu-Vista, Pass Labs, bel Canto, Hegel, and the rest, Ayre, to my initial surprise, remains the stand-out.

One of the nicest amplifier pairings I can remember with my Harbeth HL3PES was some earlier Naim Audio gear.  I used a Naim NAC72/Hicap/NAP135x2 and a Naim CDi compact disc player. The sound was quite good back in the day (late 1990's).

kennyc: Your last suggestion, on its face, is a logical approach. But you’ve got to understand that I’m not gonna buy a $10,000+ component unless I’m convinced that I’m likely to keep it for a very long time -- not just as a "tryout." 

I was suggesting to try used, then sell if you want to buy a new unit or am unsatisfied.  It's always best to try in ones own audio chain.

kennyc: I understand & thanks for the follow-up.  Everything I've heard assures me that the Hegel would be a fine choice.  The Ayre seemed to be an even better fit, and I think I"m committed to the EX-8 at this point, but I'm sure I would have been happy with either one. 

Thus one should do http://www.audiodrom.net/en/integrated-amplifiers/detail/31-integrated-amplifiers/664-aesthetix-audio-mimas

AESTHETIX AUDIO Mimas review at audiodrom

@cundare2 , if possible why not ask friends come over to help. 
I love harbeth sound but most of them drives by amp over 40lb. Also maybe join audiophile group in your area might help your situation audition few amp from them .

honey0ooi: Thanks for the suggestions, but options like that are not available in my area.

Anyway, at this point, I think I’ve already found an outstanding solution in the Ayre, which seems to be a near-perfect fit. Charlie Hansen’s clever "diamond" output-stage design philosophy (look it up) allowed the company to produce a 130/170wpc Class A/AB integrated that does just about everything one could ask for, and in a 24lb box -- even including a highly praised headphone amp and upgradable DAC that are reputed to be in a class with the separates that I was looking at. Yes, I’m still relying on other people’s opinions, but at this point, I wouldn’t consider this choice to be a compromise in any way, even when compared to the heavy hitters mentioned in this thread.

So after this lengthy research project, in search of a component and system topology that would satisfy a painfully restrictive set of requirements, I think I’m finally set. <exhale> I should have a unit inhouse in a few weeks. $15K (including cables) is more than I’d planned to spend but, fingers crossed, I won’t be disapponted.