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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
ryder
1,689 posts
 
I have been using an ARC LS-16 pre and Plinius SA-100MkIII amp to drive the SHL-5 since I bought the speakers last month and am extremely pleased with the results. Recently I was informed that some exotic integrateds like the LFD Zero MkIII and Lavardin IT are on another level and will outperform my separates to a large degree. As some might have known, when Sam Tellig reviewed a pair of Compact 7ES-3 sometime in 2007, he loved it so much that he bought a pair for himself. When he reviewed the LFD Zero MkIII in 2008 on his Harbeth, he also ended up buying the amp. Apparently the combination between the LFD and Harbeth is labeled as a match made in heaven. I have yet to verify this but a few Compact 7ES-3 and SHL-5 owners have confirmed the LFD to be an excellent match with Harbeth speakers.
glenalan
65 posts
 
I'm using a Leben CS600. When I connected a Luxman c8f solid state preamp with the Leben my Harbeth SHL5's came to life. Greater solidity and punch in the bass.

tom_hankins
928 posts
 
I am using a BAT VK-42SE (SS) preamp into a pair of Manley Snapper tubed monoblocks. My wife and I have really been enjoying this system. I also use a REL R505 subwoofer.
selfdivider
33 posts
 
I use Leben CS600 and Plinius 8150. Leben can't quite control the Harbeths' woofers... I've had better results using Leben's 4 ohm tap rather than 8 ohms, although Harbeths' nominal impedance is 8. Better bass control, but you do sacrifice a bit of naturalism, imo... as far as I'm concerned, having lived with Super HL5s, you're better off with a high quality solid state amp with moderate output than tube amps. The Plinius sounds fantastic with the Harbeths.
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