Amplifier for Harbeth 40.2

Radiohead99,

Harbeth 40.2 needed a lot of amp power and REL subwoofers to truly shine for rock music in my room ....

I found my previous VAC 85 watt tube integrated nailed the ballads and some but not all Radiohead music well....

Depending on your room the subwoofer might not be needed but would recommend at least a powerful solid state amp....

Recently heard Luxman and Harbeth at a show and it was love at first listen......

maguiar,

which luxman and harbeth...what music?  

I am a little surprised that an integrated luxman amp or even a stereo luxman has enough power to optimize the 40.2 for all types of music ....am sure excellent for some types of music.....on the other hand no doubt if run the luxman as mono amps would be an amazing but pricey combo

Luxman's, including the integrated amps, are considered very very good with Harbeth speakers.

I have to say though, it's not even close to my ears regarding Pass. I love my Luxman, and couldn't live with Pass.

Point is, this isn't something you should debate online. Go listen for yourself, I am sure you'll find yourself clearly drawn to one or the other.


Best,
E

I initiated this discussion specifically regarding the harbeth 40.2 speakers ...it is helpful when people are specific...

Its less helpful if people just post that they like harbeth and luxman but fail to mention which harbeth and which luxman

I get some people always like luxman just like some prefer pass.....

Most helpful is for people who have actually heard the 40.2 with different amps....

So far have heard thumbs up for mono amps from mcintosh and luxman and Vinnie Lio....

I have not heard anyone with 40.2 not 40.1 recommend non mono amps...

40.2 need a lot of power and doubt most stereo amps can play all kinds of music loud with 40.2...

Obviously everyone has their own opinion and need try for themself but good to get other people down same road give their two cents...

I recently did audition myself the pass monoblock 260.8 and they trounce the pass integrated (makes sense more power beefier power supply...separate preamp)

I bought the 260.8 and dont see any other high powered amps same price range 10K to audition....

Not interested in a moderate power stereo agree probably perfect for much smaller Harbeth SHL5

I dont disagree however that luxman top of line monoblocks costing 40K...maybe dealer gives at best for 25K [still 15K more than Pass mono] might be better or the new Vinnie monoblocks might be good alternative but still pricier and way less power than pass