Electronics for Harbeths -- $5-10K

I just spoke with an LFD rep, who confirmed that the company’s amps can’t be used with a speaker system that requires a subwoofer. There’s no way to get variable-level output to a sub.

You can use a subwoofer that can take high level (speaker level) input. Many subs today (REL, SVS, Rythmik, KEF etc) have connectors to accommodate both high and RCA line level input. Basically connect the sub in parallel with the main speakers.

yogiboy & akg_ca: I followed up with LFD, and the rep was very clear about its products not being designed for systems that have an external powered sub. Only one variable-level output, intended to drive the main speakers.

mspot, I’m aware that, because sub interfaces have such high impedance, you can connect both speakers & sub to the same amplified output. Some mfrs that make great-sounded, but functionally constrained amps (like ARC) even recommend that owners do so. But I’m sure that LFD would shudder at the thought! These are the guys that refuse to provide a remote because doing so would compromise the purity of their design. Agree or not, you’ve gotta respect their expert opinion on this.

This is all moot, though. I could use the LDF’s tape out to drive an outboard headphone amp, and wire two sets fo speakers to a single set of terminals to power a subwoofer, but there’s still no HT bypass mechanism. That last issue is the dealbreaker, since this amp would, in addition to providing audiophile sonics in a stereo system, be driving the front channels of a multichannel system. I’m sure that these LDFs are spectacular-sounding boxes, but they’re just not a good fit from a functionality/connectivity standpoint.

So the Ayre integrated still seems to be the best choice for my particular application. In addition to Ayre’s reputation for outstanding sound quality and reliability, its preamps and integrateds are one of a very few that do everything I need without compromising sonics.

I’ve never owned an Ayre product, but after a month of excruciatingly deep research into $10,000-ish amplification from Levinson, ARC, PrimaLuna, Nu-Vista, Pass Labs, bel Canto, Hegel, and the rest, Ayre, to my initial surprise, remains the stand-out.

One of the nicest amplifier pairings I can remember with my Harbeth HL3PES was some earlier Naim Audio gear.  I used a Naim NAC72/Hicap/NAP135x2 and a Naim CDi compact disc player. The sound was quite good back in the day (late 1990's).

kennyc: Your last suggestion, on its face, is a logical approach. But you’ve got to understand that I’m not gonna buy a $10,000+ component unless I’m convinced that I’m likely to keep it for a very long time -- not just as a "tryout." 

I was suggesting to try used, then sell if you want to buy a new unit or am unsatisfied.  It's always best to try in ones own audio chain.

kennyc: I understand & thanks for the follow-up.  Everything I've heard assures me that the Hegel would be a fine choice.  The Ayre seemed to be an even better fit, and I think I"m committed to the EX-8 at this point, but I'm sure I would have been happy with either one.