Why are you looking at Harbeth? They are not high high efficiency speakers!!
Integrated S.E.T Amp and Bookshelf Speakers Recommendations
Greeting! When I was looking for a CD transport replacement I received great info and advice here.
Now that les fil #3 is adulting, I have my own office/library/hiding place. I am exploring lower wattage integrated SET amps and higher efficiency (92+) bookshelf stand-mount speakers, with a relatively flat signal response. I listen to lots of jazz; smaller chamber music groups and Early Music; acoustic bluegrassy, folk and the like.
I'm looking for an amp that can do the following- liquid tonality with instruments; good realism and immediacy with voices; solid 3 dimensionality; sweet and airy treble; and defined decays. I want it all, lol.
I'm going to audition the following because these are names I have read about.
Elekit TU8600R, UnisonTriode 25, Sophia Electric Prodigy Dual Mono. Any others?
As far as speakers-Audio Note and Harbeth. Any others?
Budget-I'm listening and learning.
Anyone have any thoughts and recommendations?
Thanks again!
David
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- 35 posts total
I agree with @yogiboy, Harbeth's wouldn't be on my list for a low wattage tube amp. Another story if you were considering a 35wpc+ PP amp. The Audio Notes are great speakers but they are not for everyone. I love them but some guys feel that they sound "dark." You haven't described your room so it's hard to recommend. IMO, set amps and good horn speakers enjoy a magical symmetry. Certainly there is a whole line of new and vintage Klipsch Heritage, starting with the Heresy and on up. I'm partial to vintage JBL monitors featuring CD horns, but that's me. Another way to go would be "full range" single driver speakers. I've owned Omegas and Coherent Audio from Canada. Both can sound wonderful and can be mated to subwoofers if you feel that you needed more low end punch.
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FORGET the low powered SET tube amp!!! |
I'll balance the argument. SET is the only way to go. I have tried a few SS amps since going tube and always disapointed. And push pull is a compromise that cannot hold a candle to SET. It is accepted because people are married to their low sensitivity speakers. that said, you aren't looking at high end SETs so you aren't getting the highest quality possible sound. And there aren't many good options in bookshelf speakers and high sensitivity. I look for 94db or higher but you can probably get buy at 92 if your amp has high current. Look for a used decware. I have an SE84UFO that is rated about 2 wpc and will fill my room using 95 db speakers. It is my back up. I am currently using a 4 wpc bespoke custom amp with 98 dB speakers. Really overkill on power. But if you're looking in this price range, you won't find an SS amp that will hold a candle to a simple SET. Try to find one that is point to point wired, not circuit board. If you can find an Aric or a Sachs that works for you jump on it. Jerry |
- 35 posts total