2. amps-preamps
  3. 164330-127826

Super integrated vs equivalent +$$ for new main system

Just upgraded my main speaker and would like to upgrade the overall setup, room is a 20’’x30’’, listening to variety of music from jazz, vocals, classic, and a bit of pop. Speaker are M30.2XD and a Rel T7i, Streaming only, Qobuz mainly, and might add a tt later on. I have a lfd and qutest laptop in an other room with the P3s, main was a Uniti atom. Tried the lfd IV with the m30, sweet mids but lack on the lower and composure, dont want to go with a ncse as there is no remote and want something simple. From those of you who did these upgrade. Is it better to go for a super integrated, (thinking of 1: Audio Gold Is 1000 deluxe(150w- 2: Naim nova 80w) or going separate + fuss with cable, keeping qutest, going with a Auralic Aries G1 to stream, and choose an integrated amp class AB, ( choice I looked at and listen to 1: Supernait 3 $, 2: Luxman 507ux ii $$) luxman would stretch my budget but would be a keeper, I prefer a limited number of box if that is possible
nicolascb
nicolascb OP
9 posts
 
I read the other tread and no conclusion came from the discussion, hence my post, didn't want to double post. Will look into Raven and will go back to listening at dealer to test different approach. As I've read Hegel 390 590, luxman 507-509ux, what else should be on the Short list? (Looking at budget equal or lower to 507)
bobheinatz
724 posts
 
I would look at a Pass integrated.   The Pass 60 integrated would drive your Harbeth's just fine.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,682 posts
 
OP: Congratulations on the Harbeth 30.2s. I have the P3esr's and absolutely love the way they sound. You did the right thing by adding a sub to address probably the only shortcoming of the 30s.

My recommendation is to go with something that provides class A output, at least for the first 20-30 watts. If Luxman 590AXII is outside your budget, consider auditioning a 550AXII. IMO, it is better than the 507 as long as you keep your listening within reasonable decibels.

My top 5 picks (in no particular order) based on auditioning several amps a few months ago ...

-Pass Labs INT-60 or INT-25
-Luxman 550AXII (or 590AXII if you can stretch your budget)
-Hegel 390
-Coda CSIB (I have not heard it, but just bought one to drive the P3er's)
-Raven Osprey (lacks the bottom end control compared to other amps on this list, but boy that midrange and three dimensional soundstage is glorious and addictive)

Another amp that was highly recommended to pair with Harbeths is the Belles Aria Signature, but I never got a chance to audition it.
nicolascb OP
9 posts
 
Will definitly try to listen to the Pass Labs, and do a side by side with 507 vs 550s , will definitly look at the 390 but will be harder to audition at home or with M30s, Belles Aria is being added to the short list as well, thaks @
whipsaw
759 posts
 
Gotta love the way Harbeth calls these "easy to drive" even though at 85dB they are virtually impossible to drive. Then someone "on a budget" pays good money only to learn sorry, forget about all the awesome integrated amps, these need a couple hundred watts to sound good.


@millercarbon

200w for Harbeth 30.x series speakers to sound good? How on earth do you come up with that? Surely you've never owned a pair.
More to discover