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CJ ET250s or Pass Labs XA30.5 ---for Harbeth 7ES-3

I’m debating between these 2 amplifiers for my Harbeth 7ES-3 speakers. As you know, the Compact 7 is relatively easy to drive but I want the amp to be more versatile so that I can use it for other speakers down the road.

FYI, I mainly listen to vocals, pop songs, jazz, symphony and some rock music and I’m looking for natural, accurate mid-range for vocals presentation, smooth and extended treble and dynamic and weighty bass.

How would you compare and characterize these two amps – one is hybrid and the other solid state, in terms of soundstage, imaging, clarity, noise, dynamics, bass, etc? I also plan to get a pre-amp to match either amp and have the following on my list:

Ayre K-5xeMP

Audio Research LS26 or LS17SE or Ref 3

Conrad Johnson ET-3 or other similarly priced models (CT, Premier 17 etc).

Aesthetix Calypso linestae

Pass labs XP10

If you have any other recommendations, please explain from your experience. Thanks for your feedbacks.
r0817
r0817 OP
55 posts
 
Thanks for your comments. If I’m open to other options, what other pre-amps would you recommend that have a good synergy with Pass Labs XA30.5? Also, how do I make sure the pre-amp’s output impedance matches the input impedance of the power-amp (i.e. the rule of 10 to 15 multiples of pre-amp’s output impedance)?

Pass Labs XA30.5’s input is 30Kohms(for balanced) and 20Kohm s(for RCA input). Any particular brand/model of pre-amps that have good synergy with the XA30.5? I read that Audio Research LS 26, Ayre K-5xe, Aesthetix and obviously XP10 are commonly used with the XA30.5. How about Leben’s tube pre-amp?

I would prefer a pre-amp that is quiet (without much hiss or hum noises from the tubes). Which tube pre-amp is more stable and quieter – Audio Research, Aesthetix, CJ or Leben?

Thanks.
taters
1,149 posts
 
If you want to play it safe use what the Harbeth dealers use.
Leben, Naim, Lfd.
r0817 OP
55 posts
 
Hi guys, I'm leaning towards the Pass Labs XA30.5. Any experience with Conrad Johnson ET3 pre-amp? Will it be a good match?

How would you characterize the sound of ET3? Is it typical tube pre-amp sound?

Thanks.
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,025 posts
 
R0817,

The conrad johnson ET3 is a giant killer, IMO.
Last year I heard it mated w/ the CJ classic sixty driving a pair of B&W 802D, the sound was phenomenal. That little power amp was completely controlling those big B&W floorstanders.
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
6MOONS website has a review of the XA30.5 with a Harbeth speaker.

They liked the combo very much!
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