System Upgrade

Just sounds like the preamp has lower output to drive your amps at lower volume settings.  No biggie but if you come across another preamp to try out then can see if there is any sound improvement.

Thank you. It was set correctly. I was just experimenting with other settings. I bought the Leben second hand. Will speak to my Harbeth dealer. Thanks again. 

@mdmdwyer



Now we may be getting somewhere. Which tubes are installed? Do you know how many hours/how old they are? Do you have a spare set of the 6cs7’s input tubes or el34/5881/6l6 power tubes?

When you are playing the amp with the harbeths does it sound great up to half volume and then flatten out or does it sound flat all through the volume range? Are you running your dac gain full or is it backed off? Just a stretch but maybe the input is overloaded. I dont know anything about the output voltage of the psaudio.

Something you might consider is plugging your dac into the amp direct rca jacks. Those inputs bypass the pre section and the volume control is active in order to match gain appropriately with the source. BEFORE doing so be certain you have turned the volume on you psaudio waaaay down.

isnt this hobby a blast? LOL. Hang in there, troubleshooting will either be a learning experience or a confirmation. Both will serve you well in the future, regardless of the equipment you have now.. or then. Peace.



 

@mdmdwyer

I saw where you listed your Leben CS600 for sale at a very aggressive price and it sold same day. Congrats.

What amps will you be auditioning to go with your Harbeths? I have read where Alan Shaw is somewhat amplifier agnostic. Depending on what you are after, maybe a pair of Schiit Vidar monobolcks and a Schiit Freya + preamp might meet your power and dynamic needs. They are really overachievers unless you are leaning toward an integrated. They are also incredibly easy to deal with, place, setup and return in the event they aren't your cup of tea. Best wishes and good luck in your search.

mdmdwyer

Saw too that  you sold your Leben, we wish you would have tried some different cables first but that is a different matter.

We also saw you are in New York City. Our shop, Audio Doctor is right across the water from you 3miles away in Jersey City.

We have one of the best selections of gear on the East Coast:

We have a few amplifiers that you might really like, the new Krell K300i at $7k is a 150 watts Class A in power, and is very tube like in its presentation. It is also quite compact. 

We also have the Norma Revo 140 another great intergrated amplifier very open and full sounding at $7k.

We have the Italian Tube line Synthesis A100T which is a $7k 100 Watt KT 66 another stunning sounding tube amplifier.

We also have the Micromega and Naim products. 

Plus Electrocompaniet, T+A. Cary, Conrad Johnson, and a few others.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ

Thank you All. The Leben sold very quickly and I am pleased with the sale - although I hate to see it go because it was a great amp, perhaps not for my setup.

My Dealer is suggesting the Gryphon Diablo 120 or 300 or the Luxman L-509x. Looking at the Forums it seems that the Luxman is an excellent paring for the Harbeths.

Need to make sure that my next Amp is the right fit. 

The Krell K300i is way more tube like then the Luxman if you like the Leben sound you would love the krell, many people who have heard the K300i can not believe just how good it is even compared to much more expensive gear.

The Gryphon is a bit dark sounding however their gear is fantastic.

If you like tubes the Synthesis A 100t is amazing and powerful and an outstanding buy for the price.

If you can bring over your speakers you can hear 6 integrated amplifiers in your price range.

Krell k300i
Norma Revo 140
Naim Uniti Nova
Micromega M100
T A Dac 8/Amp 8
Synthesis A100T

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor

You have only 32 watts at 6 ohms? You are under powered.   I would also change your tubes. That system should not sound flat. Are you 100% sure all your connections are correct ? 

Thank you jepatey, but after considerable and very helpful insights i decided to sell the Leben because it just struggled (for my taste) with the likes of Classical, Opera and Choir music - these were the areas where it became too flat for my ears. I appreciate that many say that this is a wonderful match, but I became increasingly frustrated with the lack of presence when listening. 

To improve the sound to start with bicabling with good cables is not to expensive.I experienced a significant improvement with Van der Hul revelation bicabling.
Anothe but more expensive step is biamplification.This a secure and significant improvement.
Other not expensive investement is the sidecof power supply and goroundung correctly mainly in the preamp.
As well signal cables as MIT is a secure good investement.
About room sonic response is as well a not significant investment.Absortion of fist reflection, bass tramps in the corners and diffusion panels on the laterals and roof as well as on the back.
Assuming you have a correct location of speakers at least 1m fron back and lateral walls and correct location of listening posicion.
I went through all thise steps before passing to biamplification or changing the equipment.But believe me the sonic traitment of the room is key factor.
Hope this help.I do not know your equipment.
Regards
Javier

MIT and biamping Harbeths? Wonders never cease but I still appreciate Audiogon!

Replaced my Leben with a Luxman L-509x and, for my ears, those Harbeth's finally sing. No other changes made to the system - for the moment! Speaker cables, interconnects and a record player are next.

Thank you again to all.

Great!  Thanks for letting us know the good news.

Best regards,
-- Al