Tube Integrated Pairing For Harbeth Monitor 30.1


Looking for advice to help a friend who is building a system around a pair of Harbeth Monitor 30.1's. His room is medium/small (14 X 16 X 8)and his listening habits mostly chamber music, jazz and acoustic singer-songwriter with some occasional rock and big band. He wants an integrated tube amp under $3-4K. It will need to have enough power to drive the M30.1's which are 86db sensitive but a fairly easy amplifier load. I'm thinking Cayin or Jolida and would be interested in hearing from those that have used these brands with the Harbeth line. I'd also like to know which models within these brands provide the best value for money and ease of use (i.e. he doesn't want to have to bias the tubes periodically, wants excellent build quality and reliability, etc.). I'm open to other brands but the Jolida and Cayin seem most appropriate from the little research I've done. Your input is appreciated.
dodgealum

Showing 1 response by egoben

Audio Space make very good tube amps to relatively low cost. I would consider their models AS-8I or Reference 3.1 (KT88 a little cheaper than 300B version). It was Audio Space that made me a tube fan. Please let us know how it ends!

I am personally using Jadis with Harbeth and I can tell you it is absolutely glorious with the genres you are describing. Heavy rock, complex or compressed music is another deal though, solid state or very powerful tube amps are better for that. Good luck and have fun!