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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
1,161 posts
 
Honestly, I’d look into a sub first; then change the amp. Even a Boulder amp is not going to give the P3 any low end. Not to detract from the need for more power, but that would be my priority.

What’s important in the sub is to choose a sealed one, to blend with the P3; one designed for music; and one with as much signal processing as you can afford (low-pass filter, adjustable phase, EQ). That stuff help attain a seamless blend.
ryder
1,690 posts
 
Arafiq, I would agree. Similarly I have read about display issues of the newer Naim gear. At the prices that Naim is charging this should not be happening. My Krell KPS-30i is close to 30 years old and the display is still working flawlessly until today. It is fortunate that all my Naim gear do not have displays (NAC 202 and NAC 282).

The lack of power is a valid reason to the underperforming P3ESR. The speakers do respond well to more powerful amps.

A sub will help with the bass by augmenting the frequencies which the speakers fail to reproduce. However, the right amp will not only improve the bass of the main speakers but open up the midrange and treble. The presentation of the Harbeth can be very different with a suitable amp particularly tubes. Some solid-state amps will also produce the results but be cautioned, the P3ESR may not sound much different if you pick the "wrong" amp.
creativepart's avatar
creativepart
154 posts
 
I have P3ESRs with a Rogue Cronus Magnum II all tube integrated and the combination is fantastic. The CM2 is a 100w integrated. They have just come out with a CM3 that's $3,000 so many CM2 have hit the market in the $1,500 price range. And the "2" is very good as it is. The "3" added a few new features, but really the CM2 doesn't need upgrading.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,699 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. At this point, I am quite certain that I will drive down the tube route this time around, followed by a fast, small and musical sub. Keeping an eye on the deals here and local craigslist.

The Rogue Cronus, and Rogue Audio in general, seems like a good choice. Naim is out for good, what a disappointment.

Now I just have to wait for that bonus check to arrive :)
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,699 posts
 
I originally started this thread more than 6 months ago, but had to put aside the purchase because of unexpected expenses. I'm finally ready to pull the trigger on a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnus II, sold by a local seller. A few questions …
1. Has anyone paired the Cronus with Harbeth speakers, specifically P3esr's? If so, how would you describe the sound?

2. Can the amp drive the P3esr's to their full potential? Although, my room is not that big (see details in earlier threads), I want to make sure it is sufficient for future needs. I plan to keep the P3esrs for a very long time.

3. I'm planning to use the Cambridge Audio Azur 851D DAC with the Cronus Magnus. Anyone sees any issues with this pairing? I'm hoping I can bypass the pre-amp function of the Azur and only use the DAC.

4. The seller is willing to sell the amp for $1400, which seems like a good price, especially considering that I save an extra $100 on shipping, since it's local. Do you guys think the price is reasonable?
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