2. amps-preamps
  3. 149515-6055

Suggestions for Harbeth P3ESR speakers

Last year I purchased a used pair of P3ESR speakers in cherry finish for my study. The gentleman from whom I bought the speakers also had a Naim Unitiqute (first version) that he sold to me at a decent price. While I liked the combination, I always felt that the Unitiqute was a little under powered for driving the Harbeths to their full potential. To make matters worse, the digital display (green LCD) on the Unitiqute started to fade and eventually went out after a few months. Searching on the internet revealed that this is a common problem with Naim amps. On one hand, they recommend that the amp be kept on at all times for optimal performance, but on the other hand they use substandard parts for the display. What a shame! So now, while I can still listen to music, I can't really see any information on the amp. Cannot listen to the internet radio, which was a feature I enjoyed, anymore 'cause I can't see the display.

So now, I'm in two minds. Will getting another amp make the Harbeths open up further? Or am I better off selling them and trying something else instead. I already have a pair of KEF LS50 Wireless that I really like and enjoy. KEF has come up with a smaller version (LSX), which is worth a try.

If I decide to stay with the Harbeths, what other amps can you folks recommend? 

Limitations: Have to buy used, under $2000 preferably. Small footprint preferred since it's in my study (10x12x12).

Music: Mostly jazz (including modern), vocals (Diana Krall, Gregory Porter, Nina Simone), soft/psychedelic rock -- Pink Floyd, etc. Sometimes I do listen to hard rock or mainstream pop also. Don't really listen at high volumes mostly but do like to crank it up every now and then.

Lastly, I think adding a small, fast, and musical sub might also help. Recommendations in this category are also welcome
128x128arafiq
mike_in_nc
1,153 posts
 
I agree with @yogiboy that a sub will open up the P3s. Adding a (used) B&W ASW610 to my P3s made a big difference. I chose a sealed-box sub to mate with the sealed-box P3s.

I’m using a powerful amplifier (Marsh A400s), and I like the combination a lot. But it’s not an integrated; I never compared another amp; so I can’t say a lot here. Still, I would avoid any SS amp much under 100 watts or tube amp much under 50. Sealed-box speakers, in my experience, benefit from power.

The LS50 and P3 have fundamentally different sounds. I prefer the latter and find it less fatiguing, despite the many good reviews of the LS50. (On the other hand, I believe the W versions use DSP to improve the frequency response.) I suggest an extended and careful audition before buying.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,681 posts
 
@roberjerman: Thanks for the advice. I actually owned a Peachtree Nova 125 for almost two years. It never really impressed me. It was a bit too sparkly on the top for my taste. Also had some quality issues. Finally replaced it with a Parasound. The difference was night and day. Now admittedly, this was almost 5 years ago. It is possible that Peachtree has made improvements since then.

@yogiboy This is interesting. For some reason I always thought that Harbeths go well with SS. I think even Alan Shaw recommends SS over tubes. But TBH, I've always been intrigued by tubes. Maybe it's worth a try. Thanks for recommending Rogue Audio. I'll check it out. They have several models on sale @ audiogon. Which one would you recommend?
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,681 posts
 
BTW, someone local is selling a Primaluna Prologue Premium integrated for $1500. Has anyone tried it with Harbeth? 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,701 posts
 
@arafiq
You should make an offer on that Atlas Magnum that is listed for $1895. It is a demo with full warranty. It looks like the seller is a Rogue dealer! My friend uses Rogue tube gear with his P3s and I use Quicksilver tube gear with my P3s and both give outstanding results!!
ryder
1,690 posts
 
Although everyone hears differently, the Naim is generally considered to be good match for the Harbeth, only when you go up to the separates. In my experience, the Nait XS and lower range integrateds do not cut it when matched with the Harbeth. In my book, the minimum level for my standard is the NAC 202 / NAP 200 separates. I’ve briefly tried the Nait XS with the Harbeth Super HL5 Plus and it sounded good but mediocre. The Harbeth sounded more poised, open and special with the 202/200 and even more spectacular with the 282/250DR.

The Unitiqute is inferior to the Nait XS so I expect the P3ESR to sound mediocre when driven by that all-in-one. If you would like to hear the P3ESR near to its full potential, do explore other amps such as LFD Zero LEIV or V and Sonneteer Orton to name a few. Or perhaps Exposure 3010S2 at a lower level. Otherwise you may try some tube designs as I am quite sure the P3s will sound much more open and exquisite when driven by some of these select amps. Some Harbeth owners have reported great success matching Leben and Jadis Orchestra Reference to models ranging from P3ESR, C7ES3 to the M40.1.

Based on my experience with the Nait XS driving the Harbeth, I am not surprised that you find the P3ESR and Unitiqute combination to sound lacklustre.
More to discover