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Amp choice for Harbeth (SHL5)

Hi,
I recently purchased the SHL5s. I would like to know what kind of amp you are using with them. 

I am NOT looking for an integrated amp although I know LFD and few other integrated amps are recommended. The only reason is I recently purchased an passive pre.

In this short time having them, what I found out although SHL5 plays good with all the amps/different wattage I have tried (Class D & T, older SS Marantz), they are better with 100wpc plus amp. To me they want that reserved power. 

I would like to take these superp speakers to another level with "that" amp. 

I have never owned tube amps. I would like to try maybe the VAC PA100/100 (can't afford newer models) or something in this $1500 price range but not less than 80wpc in 8 ohms. I am little scared of using/dealing with tubes but don't want to hide anymore. 

Please share your amp suggestions with me. 

Thanks. 


celo
kdude66
1,200 posts
 
The vac would be a great choice and the shl5's need some pwr to play there best.

If you have never had a tube amp you might do some reading about them to learn at least the basics.Ask questions here on these threads.

Best of luck to you,

Kenny.
celo OP
187 posts
 
Thanks Kenny.

I also forgot to add.

I say tubes but also thinking they may make the already warmish Harbeths even warmer. Wouldn’t want too thick sound. I wonder if I make sense when I say this combination?

I say tubes because I am thinking they may add some more air to Harbeth sound. The airy sound is something I love.

I was asked why I am scared of tubes. People say the tubes need biasing, they get hot, you can’t/shouldn't leave them on all the time unlike other amps, etc. this kind of pushes me off. Seems too much hassle but I only go by with others say.
honeyooi
129 posts
 
Playing with tube amp is fun ,only drawback me have is the heat ,on small room feel like heater on ,not comfy listening especially in summer time .
if you scare about self bias,some brand have auto biasing so no need to worry,like primaluna .
VAC is very good amp ,and you right about wattage,try some amps from 30 to 80 and feel right with my harbeth at 80 watt .
im using M30.1 ,little harder to drive then SHL.
but once you try tube with harbeth you'll amazed!!!



lancelock's avatar
lancelock
1,107 posts
 
There is always a few rooms that stick out in my memory when I go to audio shows. One I remember from a few years back at CAF is the Vinnie Rossi room. He was using Harbeth SHL5+ speakers and it was incredible. I remember nothing else from that show but that one sticks in my head. I've never owned any Vinni Rossi gear either.

i would love to have a pair of those speakers so I could try them with my LTA tube gear.
joey54
435 posts
 
When I owned the SHL5 I was originally using Quicksilver V-4 mono blocks (120 watts per channel) to run the them. As much as I loved the Quickie's with my Vandersteen's, I was not happy with the sound they made with the Harbeth's.

I ended up switching to a Primare 30.1 solid state integrated (100 watts per channel) with much better results. I have since moved to the SHL5+ and I am now using an Ayre AX-7e integrated. On paper not a great combo, 60 watts per channel, but in my system it's an amazing combination that brings out the best in the SHL5+'s. The Primare is still my backup. The SHL5+ is a very different speaker than the SHL5 so I recommend you try any amp that you can with them before you buy. 
'
I have not been able to find a tube amp that I like with any Harbeth I have tried. This is just my opinion and YMMV. Good Luck!
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