@OP GHD Prentice's post sums up the amplifiers very well. I would also add that if you like your Harbeths, then you will like the Pass. However, if you predominantly listen to rock music or large scale classical, and depending on your room size and seating position, you might want something with a bit more power - but that needs to be real power and not just watts on paper.
Will an Amp change improve my system ?
My system is WiiM pro ( a great device for $149 !) and a Cambridge CXC V2 CD transport for digital input going into a Schiit Yggdrasil+ DAC going to a Schiit Freya+ preamp into a PS Audio S300 amp into Harbeth 30.2 XD speakers. I am considering replacing the S300 with one of the following: PASS XA-25, Coda S5.5, Benchmark AHB2, or tube Primaluna EVO 400, used Rogers EHF-100 or 200, used Luxman MQ 88uc. I like my current system and wonder if an amp change would improve it significantly ?
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My opinion: run away from benchmark unless you like highly detailed sound! Check out the newer PS Audio amps/integrated amps, much better sounding than their older stuff. In the past, I purchased the top of the line Hegel integrated amps over the pass integrated, the Hegel sounded more natural and had a lot more power. Then when I got bigger speakers I went with the newer BHK PS Audio separate amp. Even the new class D ps audio amps sound very good. |
@yyzsantabarbara If you are from Santa Barbara you might know or heard of my brother-in-law Judge Joe Lodge who passed recently after being the longest serving judge in California history. |
Of the amps you have listed I can vouch for the Coda s5.5 It has 100 amps of high current and should drive the 6 ohm Harbeth easily. It is a very good amp, I love mine. My system is in my user page. What I love about my Coda is it tells you everything that's going on, yet is so sweet and delicate with a midrange tonality I have yet to hear better. (Better than my old VAC amp) I have never heard Harbeth speakers before but I have read that their known for their fantastic midrange. The Coda may work well to bring that out of them for you. Good luck with your search. Reach out to @vinylvalet for info on the Coda if interested, he is a great guy to deal with. |
The above should be ignored at all costs. Just silly advice on any level....
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