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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
gkr7007's avatar
gkr7007
150 posts
 
I have the LTA reference 40 amp paired with a Don Sachs pre.  Stunning combo.
The entire LTA line is excellent.  Especially for the money.  Beats the snot out of the Prima Luna.
gte357s OP
281 posts
 
Now my search of a preamp begins ...

Actually, I have two options now. Because I also want to upgrade my DAC. I am using an Audio GD nfb3. It is an entry level DAC bought maybe 8 years ago. I upgraded to a Topping DX7 pro but the Bluetooth keeps dropping, so I return it. I taste what a new DAC may bring to me. However, I don’t know how much improvement I will get from adding a preamp.

First option is to get a DAC with a preamp out. The focus is in the DAC. Hopefully the output impedance match better than my current DAC which doesn’t have a preamp out.

Second option is to stick with the NFB3 DAC and get a preamp. Max budget is $2000. I read another threads, and I am seriously considering the LTA MZ2. Or for a similar price, I can get a custom built amp/preamp using 71A tube in push pull.
Which route will give me biggest improvement for now?
montiger's avatar
montiger
1 posts
 
First Time posting in any forum... Anyway I had the Leben CS600 paired with Harbeth Compact 7 for three years and they sound beautiful together... The Leben is Rate for 32 Watts with 6L6 tubes but my ears feel more than that. Is a very good integrated.
aj523
373 posts
 
@gkr7007

Agreed. Mark’s engineering/architecture of Berning’s technology is a sonic marvel amd masterpiece, so much so that I’m going to be running the zotl ref40 as monoblocks controlling my 40.2 A's through the microzotl.

@gte357s

Why not find a used McIntosh tube preamp so you know you’ll have a match.


gte357s OP
281 posts
 
@aj523 actually, I don’t know.  Is it better to matching the brand, or try to find “the best” preamp regardless of the brand?  The McIntosh preamps are expensive too ... because of the brand, I think.  I just feel for the same money I may be able to get something better.  For example, 
- Coincident Line Stage
- Supratek 
- LTA preamp

... or Luxman?  I like the brand.
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