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.
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