Thanks Yogiboy and gotog. The Van Alstine and Hegel amps seems like interesting options. Anyone else with suggestions for stand alone amps. Again, I will be using a full function preamp, so no need to spend extra money on an integrated amp. Price range $3000 used, so anything up to $6000 would be of interest, Cheers -Don
Harbeth Compact 7's on the way: Amp suggestions?
I recently purchased a new pair of Rosewood C7's. I should have them soon. I had the P3's in a small setup, and sold them about a year ago, so it's time to play again. I will incorporate these in to my main system, as an alternative speaker to listen to. System: Kuzma Stabi Ref, and Ref 313 VTA. EMT tsd 75 (Air Tight PC-7 on back up head shell), A23 Step Up, Shindo VR Pre/phono... The amp I will be using to Break In the 7's is a Croft Phono Integrated. The passive volume control will be in the chain, but I have tried this with the P3's, and it was better than I thought it would be. No knock on the Croft (it's really nice), but I think I will be moving on from it soon. Price range: $3,000...used or New... The great majority of Harbeth owners seem to have Solid State, but I'm open to either Tube or Solid State. I do think the former will have to have some Oomph...perhaps a quad of KT 88's or KT 150's. I'd like to avoid balanced topology, as I want to use my existing RCA cables. Thanks in advance, and Happy New Year.
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I just noticed on this sites sister C7 thread, someone went Line Magnetic 518 22 watt SET. That's the second time within the last few weeks I heard of someone having success with low power tubes and Harbeths. The other model was above C7 though. I have heard the C7 is easier to drive than the HL5, despite the similar specs. My Shindo amp model are wired for a 16 Ohm load, and I'm just not going to go there. |
I had the Compact 7s for a while in a vinyl-only system. My experience was that a good solid state amp with 100+ watts made them sound best. I believe that Alan Shaw makes similar claims on the Harbeth forums. In any event, a Bryston integrated was my favorite, even better than the fantastic Primaluna Dialogue HP. When I wanted some tube flavor to the system, I went with a tubed phono stage. I imagine that a tube preamp with a solid state amp would work very well. Just my 2 cents, Scott |
This Van Alstine hybrid should make those Harbeths sing! https://avahifi.com/collections/power-amplifiers/products/fet-valve-400r-hybrid-amplifier |
Congrats on the Harbeths. They are great speakers. LFD amps are highly touted by folks using Harbeths. I haven't heard one yet but it's on my list of amps to audition. Their cheapest option is around $4K so not sure if that one fits your budget. You might also consider the new NAD M10. This little amp is really amazing. I just got one for Christmas and have been really enjoying it. It's a true hi-fi amp with plenty of power, and has a good DAC and streaming capabilities built in. I got mine on ebay brand new for $2100 and might buy a second one for a third system. Primaluna is a great match for Harbeths. I had the Dialogue Premium HP and loved it. You can get another one of their amps within your budget, and from what I've heard they are all excellent. |