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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

 

cymivka
decooney
2,334 posts
 

@cymivka feel I should consider amp upgrade (no tubes) from a Pass Labs X250.5 (15 watts per at class A before A/B)  

 

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?

 

 

 

cymivka OP
49 posts
 

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 

jimmy2615
446 posts
 

I don't think your friend is wrong, I think "dry" could be an accurate way to describe the benchmark combo in some situations. That's what I liked about them, I felt they didn't add anything to the Harbeths.  And in some rooms it might be too much.  My room was somewhat overdamped so it worked well.  I liked the 'clean' sound.  

dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum
1,413 posts
 

The Atma-Sphere Class D are a great choice. But while the LA4 is an excellent linestage, I would consider the Atma-Sphere MP-3 instead to add more body and a touch of tube magic. I have a client who ran this combination on a pair of Harbeths and it was phenomenal. FWIW, I would save my money and not do the sub. The 40’s don’t need any help down there and you will likely do more harm than good. Dealer disclaimer applies.

avanti1960
1,562 posts
 

@cymivka I heard a complete AGD "buffet" at AXPONA driving Rosso Fiorentino speakers and it was the best sounding Class D system I have heard by a mile.

Unfortunately the Audion MK iii is likely to be underpowered. 

 I have heard and owned many others and they IMHO would be a poor match with Harbeth 40.2.  

I also believe your Benchmark LA4 preamp is not doing your system any favors.  

What is your budget? 

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