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Tube Integrated Pairing For Harbeth Monitor 30.1

Looking for advice to help a friend who is building a system around a pair of Harbeth Monitor 30.1's. His room is medium/small (14 X 16 X 8)and his listening habits mostly chamber music, jazz and acoustic singer-songwriter with some occasional rock and big band. He wants an integrated tube amp under $3-4K. It will need to have enough power to drive the M30.1's which are 86db sensitive but a fairly easy amplifier load. I'm thinking Cayin or Jolida and would be interested in hearing from those that have used these brands with the Harbeth line. I'd also like to know which models within these brands provide the best value for money and ease of use (i.e. he doesn't want to have to bias the tubes periodically, wants excellent build quality and reliability, etc.). I'm open to other brands but the Jolida and Cayin seem most appropriate from the little research I've done. Your input is appreciated.
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chayro
2,983 posts
 
As someone who owned both the Monitor 30’s and the SHL5’s, I think your friend is limiting himself by not considering SS as well as tubes. IMO, amps like the Supernait or even a used Naim 202/200 combo would work very well with the Harbeths. In fact, there is a very nice 202/200 combo up for sale now for about $3500 for the pair.  Takes up no more room than an integrated if you stack. 
larryi
3,969 posts
 
My local dealer shows both the 30.2 and SHL5+ with only tube amps.  The store does not sell any solid state amps, so the speakers all must be tube friendly.  He considers the Harbeth line to be tube friendly.  The line of integrated amps he most commonly pairs with these speakers are from an Italian company Synthesis Audio.  I like that line of tube amps--most of their gear is not expensive.  


ricwa
23 posts
 
+1 for the Rogue Cronus Magnum. Excellent sound, reasonable price. Made in USA and you can even call them and speak with the designer. I have the 30.1s paired with the Rogue ST-100 and the combo is very satisfying. You do have to bias the tubes every few months but the process is quick and simple.
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