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Thoughts about Jadis and Harbeth

I recently acquired some beautiful Harbeth Compact 7 through a good dealer. Currently I am using a Pioneer AVR, VSX-53 as my amp and using Nvidia Shield to play Tidal etc. While it sounds pretty good, obviously I can get way better. 

My dealer like Jadis and I heard them briefly and they do sound great paired with the Harbeth. It has been suggested I go with a jadis orchestra reference. Anyone have experiences with it and thoughts about the match up. I listen to everything really, and my budget at least where I'd like to keep it is 4k.

That doesn't leave a lot of room as I need to update my source. I have no problem paying that for that amp as it is very high quality. I also considered the Rouge II/III as an option as well. I also considered Luxman and a few integrated class d options. Like the NAD m10 as it basically checks off mostly everything for me, and is way cheaper then the less powerful Naim Unity line. If you cant tell I like the display options of these two devices, NAD seems like it would be a good option and use pre outs to Jadis. The only problem it has no HT bypass and that a bit annoying, as I'd like to continue to use AVR for tv. Not sure if using the preout would allow the sub to still work. 

Sorry for the long read, just looking for a little help to get me pointed in the right direction. I wouldn't say im new to the hobby, but in a good place to start buying better equipment and moving away from the HT mode I've been in for years. 
vatoman
joey54
435 posts
 
I am not a fan of any tube amplifier with Harbeth’s though many use tubes and like what they hear. In my opinion you will never hear what the Harbeth’s are capable of with any tube amp that I’ve heard. Alan Shaw uses Quad amps to voice his speakers so you might want to start there. They make separates as well as an all-in-one called the Artera Solus which sounds great with Harbeth speakers. I use an Aesthetix Mimas with my Super HL5+ and previously used an Ayre AX-7e with great success. I have owned Quicksilver V4’s and Silver 88’s and though they were great with my Vandersteen speakers they just sounded dull and boring with my SHL5+. Btw, that is not indicative of the wonderful Quicksilver sound.

i have read a review of the new Parasound Halo integrated amp and from what I read might be a good fit for your needs as well. If you can find a Quad dealer you should go and listen to their stuff though. The match with Harbeth is well known.
austinbob
235 posts
 
I used a Luxman 505ux with great success with my Harbeth SHL5s. I tried other amps including a Primaluma HP and Ayre but the Luxman shined. 
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,569 posts
 
I have heard a used Jadis Orchestra before.  I think it was around 40wpc?  Would that be enough to truly power your Harbeths?  The amp really does sound pretty special although I couldn't comment on their reliability.
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,033 posts
 
I think a Rogue Spinx might be a good match with those Harbeths! SS/Tubed hybrid...Fremer visited a show where thay were drving the M30.1’s via the sphinx. He said they switched out some higher priced gear and drove them temporarily with the rogue sphinx. His reaction was that he would never have guessed it if he was not told. Alan Shaw of Harbeth has made mention that he feels a higher powered amp is a good thing when it comes to the reserve power on hand for when the music demands it. The Sphinx puts out 100 watts/8 ohm, but 200 watts into a 4 ohm load! There is a stereophile review on it, although the review covers the v1 version. The V2 has less noise and some minor improvements overall. 
jsperber
2 posts
 
Hi- I have a pair of Harbeth SHL5+ And am very happily driving them with an Accuphase E-470 integrated.   This combo is very warm, dynamic and resolving.  I just switched to this Accuphase after 20+ years of tune amps and am extremely happy.  I would also highly recommend an LFD amp to drive the Harbeths.  I have one I found used for $1700 and it is a perfect amp for the Harbeths.   Check with Gene Rubin Audio- Gene often has used LFDs.  You won’t be disappointed. 
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