Accuphase class A amps would be a good match - such as the A-80 or A-300 monoblocks.
Update for best SS amps for Harbeth 40,.2 anniversary spks
Seems these speakers have fallen off "the grid" of late. Latest input on amp recommendations is several years old. Many changes to the industry, including speaker choices but I like mine a lot...my third pair of Harbeths...SLH5, 30.1 and now 40.2 anniversaries for the last 2 years.
New house, new large room (somewhat "live"} hardwood floors with wool rug. Best sound so far with my big Harbeths. Kinda surprised there's no bass boom at all. (about 5 feet out from front wall where I like them best) Thinking of a pair of Rel subs but, either way, feel I should consider amp upgrade (no tubes) from a Pass Labs X250.5 (15 watts per at class A before A/B) Benchmarks ruled out.
Rossi's are probably too pricey. Like the idea of monoblocs. Specially like Class A. For A/B's Considering used Hegel (non integrated), Luxman, sim audio, Ayre and am VERY curious about AGD Audion mark 3's class D, but at 150 watts per channel wonder if that's enough for a big room even though I sit near field about 9 feet, ear to tweeters. Bigger AGD class D amps are out of my budget and not likely to come up used. So much praise for the lil monoblocs.
Anyone using the Audions with the big Harbeths?? Thoughts? Impressions?
System: Project rs2t cd transport, Laiv Harmony dac, Benchmark LA4 preamp, Pass Labs X250.5, Puritan power conditioner for all cept for the amp.
Thanks for any input
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Plinius Hiato integrated - heard one a few weeks ago with Perlisten R7t - didn't want to leave the shop. https://www.pliniusaudio.com/en/Plinius_Range/Integrated_Amplifiers/Hiato.html |
maverick2108 Very interesting the Audions didn't work for you. The Orchid gans are intriguing and more affordable. Really like the idea of efficient class D, but suspect they may not rival pure class A. Still have a pair of Nuforce v3's. I know things are much better nowadays with the ganfets and all. Johnto I've contacted Fidelis in the past and even purchased a new supertweeter for an SLH5. Great people that tend to offer the usual suspects for Harbeths. Worth a new inquiry. Thanks
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@ronboco Good choice +1 |
@cymivka yes the price of those Apollon Monoblocks is per monoblock |
Have you considered Benchmark AHB2 monos - you seem to indicate you have ruled them out? This was the combo I used when I had the 40.2s. I had the Luxman 900u before and would take the Benchmarks over it with the Harbeths. It has great synergy. Running these amps bridged is no problem with the Harbeths since they generally run higher impedance. The 400 w/ch gives these big speakers all the power they need, and it is clean and neutral (like your preamp) power which allows you to hear the beauty inherent in the speakers without further coloration. Since they are small, you can also put them right under the speakers in the speaker stand and run short speaker cables to them. Not to mention the price, for $5-6k it’s quite a bargain. |
I have a similar system, Pass X-250.8, large room. LA-4 preamp, Rs2t with LTA LPS, Bricasti M1SE with Network card, a pair of specialty Tekton Encores, and a pair of SVS SB4000 subs. Qobuz and Audirvana, Strictly Rock and Roll, high 80's to low 90's spl. Just curious what you don't like about your amp?. At the volume levels mentioned, I never leave Class A Just curious, Robert TN |
Curious to know what is it about the Pass X250.5 amplifier sound that you are attempting to change in a new house and room again? "Hard floors, REL subs" mentioned, and a few other amps that may/not move the needle much more. I’ve heard a friends 40.2 speakers with different amps btw. Kinda wondering if you are looking for an itch to scratch or something else. Clarify - Can you share a little more on what you are no longer getting from the sound in the new house with larger room and hard floors again?
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robshaw and decoony Good point about what I don;t like. Just thinking amp tech has advanced and I MIGHT be missing something. My Pass x250,5 is 10 years old . Works brilliantly but, yeah< I may have upgradeitis, I love the "bloom" and detail it brings. Would love more of both if possible jimmy 2615 Someone with tons of experience changing out amps pure class A, A/B and that also knows my tastes had the ahb2's bridged on similar speakers and felt I would find them to be a lil dry. Over time, I believe he did. His fave was a Coda 16..pricey. Maybe they deserve another "look". Especially for their price. Thanks all |