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What amplifier for Harbeth HL-5?

I recently bought a pair of Harbeth HL-5, and I think they are just great speakers: great midrange, great (but not excessive) detail, overall addictive. I currently drive them with a Shindo Monbrison preamp and an EAR 890 power amp. I also tried my second system's amplifier, an EAR 859, and despite its low power (13WPC), it drives them very well. Actually, it is hard to tell the difference between the EAR 859 and the Monbrison + EAR 890 combination, except that the former is slightly more forward. But my ears could hear very little difference between the two systems, which is surprising given the significant price difference. Since I think that I will keep them for a while, I would be curious to hear others' experiences with electronics for the HL-5.
ggavetti

Showing 3 responses by ggavetti

ggavetti OP
143 posts
 
Thanks for all your answers. I am intrigued in particular by Ryder's suggestion that LFDs or Lavardins might be in a different league. Has anyone ever tried these amplifiers with Harbeths?
ggavetti OP
143 posts
 
I totally subscribe to Ryder's comments, with one exception. In my room (something like 14x17, perhaps a bit more), and with my system, I find the bass to be more than adequate, and I definitely do not feel the need of a subwoofer. This is an amazing speaker, especially for someone who considers some audiophiles' obsession for detail to be totally anti-musical (or something that goes against what hi-fidelity should be all about: getting as close as possible to the real thing).
ggavetti OP
143 posts
 
Let me make a suggestion regarding stands. I never tried the Skylan and I am sure they are wonderful. But I recently got a pair of custom-made wood stands made by resonantwoods in New Hampshire. They are amazingly elegant and extremely sturdy. The builder really knows what he is doing...and they are not much more expensive than Sylans (I believe 20% or 30% more)
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