Harbeth 30.1 or 40.1

@ pdreher

Agreed - My experiences with the 30.1’s and the 40.2’s are similar to yours - especially with a good SS amp that brings out the best in the Harbeths.

I did consider the SHL5+ with the Rel subs - but, decided the 30.1’s or 40.2’s with the Hegel H590 Integrated SS amp - sounds better to me - much richer, organic sound, while having a very clear, detailed and transparent sound brought out by the SS amp.

Though, if I were going to use a lesser SS amp or tube amp... I’d prolly... prefer the SHL5+.

Shl5 (not the plus) or 7.
Find a ML 383 integrated and you are on your way to Music haven. 

I finally received the 40.1 yesterday and had a brief session.  The first impression is that, compared to the Spatial Audio X5, it has much more bass, including mid bass, despite that the X5 has an active subwoofer!  The X5 sounds a bit more live like, probably because of the open baffle design.  The X5 also sounds brighter with more detail.  It is both good and bad.  For some recordings, it can sound fatiguing.  The Harbeth is more warm, and does not sound harsh for those records that sound a bit harsh on the X5.  There are always trade offs.  
Back to the amp, the Almarro can drive it to my normal listening level without problem.  The volume knob is between 10-11 o’clock position.  Even my 300B amp can drive it no problem.

As you know, I never know what I missed until I try it.  But I don’t need louder, I am looking for better sound.  I think people say the bass will be improved with an amp with more power?  What about adding a preamp?  My 300B is custom built.  The schematic is originally a power amp, and I ask the builder to add two volume knobs.  So, if I use it what it originally design as, I can add a preamp.  Which way do you think will give better music?  Buying the 60W, hybrid, McIntosh MA252, or add a Supratek/Coincident preamp to my 300B?

Before buying more equipment trying different tubes,cables, and speaker positions will change the sound radically with Harbeths.Giving yourself some time to optimize what you already have to work with will make it clear exactly where a change is needed.Congrats on your new speakers!

@jtcf  thanks.  Yes, I am not planning to buy it immediately, but be prepared when something comes up in the used market.  Actually, the weakest link in my system now is the DAC, if I judge by the price.  I am using a Audio-gd NFB-3 which is an entry level DAC bought 8 yrs ago.  I originally plan to upgrade that first.  I bought a Topping dx7 pro, it is too bright for the X5 and the Bluetooth keeps dropping so I returned it.  Maybe it will match well with the Harbeth to bring some sparkles.  My Audio-gd now is a very smooth DAC.