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What's next after Luxman 550 AX/II with Harbeth C7

I recently bought and sold the Luxman (class A) 550 for my C7's. I won't waste all of your time with reasons, but let me sum it up with saying the pairing was good, but nothing special. I would go as far to say the Croft phono integrated I had prior engaged me a bit more. I'm now considering the Unison Unico integrated. I know this will sound odd, but the other integrated I'm considering is the Lab twelve integre. The latter cost $5K US, while the Unison is less than half the price of the all tube Lab twelve. No offense to anyone , but I'm not considering any all solid state units. The Unico is a hybrid, so I thought for the money, it would be worth trying. Just to avoid confusion, the Lab twelve actually used the numeral twelve, but it seems that audiogon flags my posts whenever I put in a number. So I spelled it out to avoid the aggravation. Life is hard enough (-: Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. Cheers -Don

fjn04

Showing 1 response by ryder

ryder
1,742 posts
 

I have used many amps on the Harbeth SHL5 before, currently own the SHL5+ and Luxman L-590AXII, Sonneteer Orton and Naim NAC 282/NAP 250DR. The Naim sounded best with the Harbeth to my ears and preferences. The Harbeth sounds a bit dull, flat and uninspiring with all other amps, including the Luxman. Having said that, I noticed there are few people who matched the Harbeth with Luxman without any issues.

I do not have experience with Unison Unico, LTA or other tube amps with the Harbeth.

FWIW, the Luxman sounds wonderful when matched with Marten Dukes in my main system. In this system, the Naim is outclassed by the Luxman. Synergy (and/or maybe listening preferences) is key.

Good luck with the amp search.

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