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Thoughts about Jadis and Harbeth

I recently acquired some beautiful Harbeth Compact 7 through a good dealer. Currently I am using a Pioneer AVR, VSX-53 as my amp and using Nvidia Shield to play Tidal etc. While it sounds pretty good, obviously I can get way better. 

My dealer like Jadis and I heard them briefly and they do sound great paired with the Harbeth. It has been suggested I go with a jadis orchestra reference. Anyone have experiences with it and thoughts about the match up. I listen to everything really, and my budget at least where I'd like to keep it is 4k.

That doesn't leave a lot of room as I need to update my source. I have no problem paying that for that amp as it is very high quality. I also considered the Rouge II/III as an option as well. I also considered Luxman and a few integrated class d options. Like the NAD m10 as it basically checks off mostly everything for me, and is way cheaper then the less powerful Naim Unity line. If you cant tell I like the display options of these two devices, NAD seems like it would be a good option and use pre outs to Jadis. The only problem it has no HT bypass and that a bit annoying, as I'd like to continue to use AVR for tv. Not sure if using the preout would allow the sub to still work. 

Sorry for the long read, just looking for a little help to get me pointed in the right direction. I wouldn't say im new to the hobby, but in a good place to start buying better equipment and moving away from the HT mode I've been in for years. 
128x128vatoman
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,385 posts
 
I have heard a used Jadis Orchestra before.  I think it was around 40wpc?  Would that be enough to truly power your Harbeths?  The amp really does sound pretty special although I couldn't comment on their reliability.
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 
I think a Rogue Spinx might be a good match with those Harbeths! SS/Tubed hybrid...Fremer visited a show where thay were drving the M30.1’s via the sphinx. He said they switched out some higher priced gear and drove them temporarily with the rogue sphinx. His reaction was that he would never have guessed it if he was not told. Alan Shaw of Harbeth has made mention that he feels a higher powered amp is a good thing when it comes to the reserve power on hand for when the music demands it. The Sphinx puts out 100 watts/8 ohm, but 200 watts into a 4 ohm load! There is a stereophile review on it, although the review covers the v1 version. The V2 has less noise and some minor improvements overall. 
jsperber
2 posts
 
Hi- I have a pair of Harbeth SHL5+ And am very happily driving them with an Accuphase E-470 integrated.   This combo is very warm, dynamic and resolving.  I just switched to this Accuphase after 20+ years of tune amps and am extremely happy.  I would also highly recommend an LFD amp to drive the Harbeths.  I have one I found used for $1700 and it is a perfect amp for the Harbeths.   Check with Gene Rubin Audio- Gene often has used LFDs.  You won’t be disappointed. 
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,782 posts
 
Joey we are also a Parasound dealer, the Micromega is far superior sounding to the Parasound in every way. 

The new Hint was better than the older version but they are a far cry from the Micromega also the Hint 6 does not stream so you must factor in a streamer and a digital cable so now you are close to the price range of the Micromega M100.

The Rogue is still a Class D amplifier and is a good performer for the price point, you can get a very similar sound with more meat on the bone with a Unison Reserach Primo which is a bit more expensive than the Sphinx but is a pure class A/B amplifier.

When you factor in the fact that the Micromega gives you an outstanding streamer, dac, phono stage, headphone amp, preamp, 100 watt class A/B amplfier for such a reasonable price you can see why we endorse it. 

The LFD gear is quirky and does sound very good, when you factor in a good digital front end and cabling you may still prefer the Micromega. 

Every time we fire our demo up it puts a big smile on our clients faces.
It is really that good. 

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ Micromega dealers


andrew31829's avatar
andrew31829
13 posts
 
I have a Jadis DA30 and it does sound great but the sound is influenced massively by the valves being used.  I would never vouch for its reliability as I have had to replace an output transformer (Ouch) and power supply has also produced "big smoke".  On that occasion I returned to Jadis for repair and they said that one of my kt90s was gone.   They charged me 120euro each for new ones (extortionate price) and said if I didn't buy from them they wouldn't warranty their repairs.  I'm thinking of selling my Jadis,  I don't suppose you'd like to buy it? 😁.
I know the Orchestra Ref is a different model and sounds great with more oomph than the basic Orchestra and an old friend had one at one time. But the company is IMHO not great. 
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