Tested on my Spatial Audio X5, the 8W one sounds more dynamic.Naturally- SETs make distortion in such a way that the distortion sounds like 'dynamics' to our ears. But I get your point- we have a lot of Harbeth owners as customers and somehow they seem to work quite well together.
What tube amp for Harbeth 40.1
I am looking for a tube amp for Harbeth 40.1. I know many suggest SS amp such as Accuphase, Luxman, Hegel, McIntosh ... etc for Harbeth, but I decided to keep it with tube. I also don’t think I need a lot of power. I currently have a 8W custom built 300B and had a 18W Almarro 318B, and to me, they sound fine. However, I think more power will help, and I never know what I missed until I try it out. Having said that, I don’t think I need crazy power. Anything 30-80W is good enough for me. I am 3m away from the speakers, listen to Jazz at avg 83dB.
i have the following short list:
1) PrimaLuna Evo 400 integrated
2) Leben CS600X
3) Linear Tube Audio Z40
Which one do people like with Harbeth? Any other suggestion?
Among all qualities, I value holographic presentation the most. I really like the feeling as if the singer is floating in front of me, if you know what I mean. And my current 300B do pretty well in this regards, and I read this is what SET amps are good at. Will I be disappointed with the above?
Thanks.
i have the following short list:
1) PrimaLuna Evo 400 integrated
2) Leben CS600X
3) Linear Tube Audio Z40
Which one do people like with Harbeth? Any other suggestion?
Among all qualities, I value holographic presentation the most. I really like the feeling as if the singer is floating in front of me, if you know what I mean. And my current 300B do pretty well in this regards, and I read this is what SET amps are good at. Will I be disappointed with the above?
Thanks.
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- 121 posts total
I have a PrimaLuna Evo 400 Integrated for the past three months. It is an incredible amp. 38w Triode and 70w Ultralinear. And if you need more power, you can roll tubes (KT88, KT120 and KT150) with the auto bias, no calibration required. I listen to 50's and 60's jazz and it is extremely sweet, detailed and creates a very special atmosphere. I'm upgrading my whole system to Audionote (amp, speakers, dac, etc) so the amp is available if you are interested. |
A few reminders may be necessary before making the jump to tubes. 1 Alan Shaw himself is unlikely to recommend a tube amp. @paulfolbrecht asked earlier, 'Have you seen the video where and where A. Shaw demonstrates that the big Harbeths easily pull 500W on transients?' In that video Shaw himself was shocked at just how much current his M40 speakers were drawing on certain transients. Yes, a peak of 750 watts! [Not recommended viewing for anyone with low power tube and low efficiency speakers]. How Much Amplifier Power Do I Really Need? https://youtu.be/Y3WpRY-EtX8 2 No tube amp is likely to have the same dramatic bass punch as a powerful SS amp will. That's not why people buy tube amps. Having got that out of the way, if you still want a tube amp then I'd also suggest the Leben CS600. There are many accounts of satisfied owners using them with Harbeth speakers. See the Harbeth forum for more details. Furthermore, the Leben amp is such a gorgeous work of art in itself that it should always bring you pleasure before you even switch it on. |
- 121 posts total