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 ryder

If you don’t listen to rock or demanding music which has lots of transients and burst of dynamics, or music with a lot of deep thumping bass lines, a low to moderate powered amp would be fine. Perhaps that is the reason you find the flea-powered Almarro amp too be sufficient for the 40.1. What you need is a tube amp that is able to bring the clarity and detail from recordings at low to moderate levels, music which doesn’t have a lot of dynamic swings or demanding bass.

A friend uses the Leben CS-600 on the 40.1 and the midrange to highs show higher levels of clarity and detail. But bass does not too deep or show the same level of punch as the solid state equivalents. It depends on what you want to achieve with your system, apart from musical preference. If you want holographic or 3-dimensional sort of presentation (I like this too), do try the more powerful tube designs if possible. I know most people will say power or current is not important for Harbeth but my experience tells me otherwise. I have used many solid state amps with the Harbeth SHL5+ throughout the years.

In summary, you would do fine with flea powered tube amps with the 40.1s or any Harbeth for that matter if the music isn't too demanding or you mainly listen to mellow stuff. For wider music genres and balance, an amp that is able to provide the dynamic swings at all volume levels would be more appropriate.