What tube amp for Harbeth 40.1


I am looking for a tube amp for Harbeth 40.1.  I know many suggest SS amp such as Accuphase, Luxman, Hegel, McIntosh ... etc for Harbeth, but I decided to keep it with tube.  I also don’t think I need a lot of power.  I currently have a 8W custom built 300B and had a 18W Almarro 318B, and to me, they sound fine.  However, I think more power will help, and I never know what I missed until I try it out.  Having said that, I don’t think I need crazy power.  Anything 30-80W is good enough for me.  I am 3m away from the speakers, listen to Jazz at avg 83dB.

i have the following short list:
1) PrimaLuna Evo 400 integrated
2) Leben CS600X 
3) Linear Tube Audio Z40

Which one do people like with Harbeth?  Any other suggestion?

Among all qualities, I value holographic presentation the most.  I really like the feeling as if the singer is floating in front of me, if you know what I mean.  And my current 300B do pretty well in this regards, and I read this is what SET amps are good at.  Will I be disappointed with the above?
Thanks.
gte357s

Showing 1 response by joey54

I have to agree with bassdude. I have owned the 40’s and currently the SHL5+ and tried Quicksilver V4’s, Quicksilver Mono 120’s, and had a long term loaner Audio Research Reference 75 SE Stereo Amplifier and none of them worked well with the Harbeth’s. I owned QS amps for years and they worked great with my Vandersteen's and I still love them.

My Harbeth’s sounded so much better with a Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista integrated amp, with the 40’s, and with the Aesthetix Mimas and the AX7e on the SHL5+. I just don’t think Harbeth’s and tubes mix. To me it sounds like someone threw a blanket over the speakers with any of the tube amps I tried. But this is my personal opinion and YMMV. We all have different listening preferences and only our own ears can tell us what we like. Also, Harbeth uses Quad SS amps to voice their speakers.