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Power amp recommendation for Harbeth 30.2s

It’s not that I don’t like my current setup, it’s just that I wonder whether a more powerful amp would give the music more heft.  I’m running a pair of Harbeth 30.2s through a Prima Luna EVO 300 preamp driven by a vintage YBA Passion SS 400 power amp (purchased second hand from a reputable dealer).  I listen primarily to music streamed  from my FLAC stored collection on my NAS or from Qobuz through a Bluesound Node 2 into a Chord Qutest.   The YBA is very transparent and I love the sound of my system, but sometimes wonder on certain types of music whether a more powerful amp would be an improvement.  I like the idea of a SS or hybrid power amp paired with a tube preamp.  I chose the although  the Prima Luna preamp after listening to a Prima Luna integrated against a Hegel H590 (I had previously owned the Hegel H190) and purchased the YBA at the same time.  My listening choices are varied (folk, jazz, alternative, vocal, rock (not metal), so I’m not looking for ear shattering volume.  I don’t like the idea of a tube power amp due to both cost and how hot they can run.  I’m captivated by the Pass amps, but they are expensive.  I’ve also wondered about the Van Alstine hybrid amps.  I’m throwing this out to the experts because I may be overthinking this and should just be satisfied with the YBA until it finally fizzles (it’s pretty old).  Thoughts?
bfleetwood

Showing 6 responses by bfleetwood

bfleetwood OP
19 posts
 
It sounds from the posts that I’ve not sufficiently explained my dilemma, so let me offer my apology.  I guess my real question is whether there would be a benefit in adding a more powerful amp or simply a different power amp to my system.  If yes, what might you recommend.  There are any number of recordings where the dynamic range of the music appears to call for more power (e.g. classical), whereas other recordings not.  I don’t like to push the volume control on the preamp to the 12 o’clock or beyond position, which might be naive on my part.  I know that Harbeth’s owner/designer often appears rather ambivalent about power, so I hope Harbeth owners have some insights.  I hope this helps.  
bfleetwood OP
19 posts
 
My understanding is that the build quality of the YBA amp is superb.  I don’t have the manual and have not been able to locate one, but it appears it’s spec’d at 120 wpc into 8 ohms, although I have been told that’s very conservative.  It apparently sold at $6500 new (I paid $1250).  It’s not a question of not enough bass, I find the Harbeth’s to be extremely well-balanced and I have never experienced listener fatigue.  It’s just that I wonder sometimes whether more power would be better.   Budget-wise, I’d like to spend less than $5000 (as much less as possible).  I have always been intrigued by reviews and discussions within this forum where Harbeth’s are being driven by 30 wpc Pass Class A amps.  The whole wpc thing is still a mystery to me.  What power amps have Harbeth 30.2 owners found to work best?
bfleetwood OP
19 posts
 
I hear what everyone is saying, but I’m trying to understand if the amp pairing with my PL tube preamp is more than just watts.  On the Harbeth site, there are inconclusive discussions about power, gain and dynamic headroom.  I’m certainly a neophyte compared to so many who comment on this site, but getting live tryouts of amps is difficult (too many manufacturers and too few high quality dealers).  The Hegel H30 might be an option, although how well it will pair with my PL is a question.  Also, why not the Van Alstine FET valve 400 or another pure SS amp.  Do all 200 wpc amps provide the same gain and dynamic headroom?  It is clear from following this site that not all amps are created equally.  I’ve been told repeatedly through my decades of listening to hi if that certain components pair better with others.  All these platitudes only leave me more confused.
bfleetwood OP
19 posts
 
jjss49, I think your advice no the tubes is a good one.  Where does one go to pick those up?  Regarding the Hegel, your probably didn’t notice that the PL/YBA combo replaced a Hegel H190.  I actually like the sound of my current set-up much better.  I decided on the PL preamp after I compared a PL integrated with the Hegel H590 and concluded that there was no comparison.  Nevertheless, I like having a SS power amp better due to the “heat” issues with running a tube power amp.  At this juncture, I am searching for a more powerful SS alternative to pair with my PL thinking that the added power output will provide bigger sound.  A friend of mine who also has a pair of Harbeth 30.2s runs through a refurbished Conrad Johnson pre, but upgraded a Rogue tube amp to a refurnished Counterpoint hybrid power amp.  When he made the change, I agreed with him that the more powerful Counterpoint was a significant upgrade.  The system sounded bigger (and better).  That is what I’m looking for and hope that others have similar experiences that they would like to share.  Thanks for your help and the tube recommendation.
bfleetwood OP
19 posts
 
 I believe that my YBA vintage amp is solid, well built and transparent.  Its power specs meet the 100 - 150 W criteria.  I am still left to wonder whether a SS amp with more power paired with my PL preamp will sound better (not just louder).  The longstanding discussion of how much power is enough and how much power matters besides playing louder is still a mystery to me.  I recall Alan Shaw in a demonstration where a 500 wpc amp is driving the Harbeth’s.  I want to keep the PL preamp and simply wonder whether the more powerful amp with “sound” better, not just louder. For those who might agree with this concept, are there SS power amps that you believe might fit the bill?
bfleetwood OP
19 posts
 
Funny to read your post because I just added a REL T7i to my system.  While I'm still tinkering with the settings, I agree that it fills in the bottom end and enhances the sound stage.  I have repeatedly read that Harbeth's are difficult to pair with a sub, but so far I have found that it blends exceedingly well.  I still think that a more powerful amp might give the sound even greater presence, but so much of the feedback I've received throws water on that idea.  I still think the idea of how much power is never explained well.  I have considered amps by Audio by Van Alstine (either the Vision SET 400 or the hybrid) or the Rogue Audio Dragon.  I'm going to think on it awhile since I would like to get comfortable with the new subwoofer addition.  Good luck in your search and let me know if you find something you think is better.
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