Which integrated amp with Harbeths?

The Portal Panache is solid state, 100 wpc, but no remote.

I also have a Plinius 9200 here. Early listening impressions are not favorable, but I'll be giving it another try. I heard Harbeth and Plinius together at CES a few years back and liked it very much.

I think a reasonable amount of power is a good idea with the Harbeths. Also, I have the impression that your Ayre CDP may be happier feeding a balanced design (not sure of that, however), so maybe the Ayre integrated is something you could take a look at.

the krell.....all the BBC derivative models love a krell

If your already using the Ayre CX-7 the Ayre AX7e may be the ticket to get the most out of your CD's (used with balanced interconnects). I am using an Ayre C5xe with an Ayre AX7e in balanced mode. I'm using the integrated to power Dynaudio Special 25's (similar power requirements) and couldn't be happier. Lot's of favorable reviews, especially for the "e" evolution upgrade.

Listen and decide! I also hear great things about Lavardin integrateds but have not had a chance to listen to them.

Thanks for the suggestions, keep them coming. My biggest hurdle in this whole adventure is the lack of dealers within 5-6 hours of where I choose to live. However, the US importer of Harbeth (Fidelis) also has a retail operation 6 hours drive from where I live and I'm headed there in 2 weeks. They carry Lavardin, Nuforce, Plinius, and a couple other brands of electronics. I've blocked out a half day to audition everything they have that's appropriate.

I know I asked for integrated amp suggestions, but has anyone heard the Nuforce 9s driving Harbeths? On paper they would look to be a great match, but then again, my ears aren't made out of paper!

I had a chance to hear the Harbeth Super HL5 speakers with the Nuforce Ref 9.02 at the Audiokarma fest in Southfield Michigan a couple of weekends ago. The Nuforce were used with an Artemis Labs tubed preamp. I liked what I heard enough to audition the Nuforce Ref 9.02 amps in my system which I am doing this week. The combo sounded excellent at the show.