2. amps-preamps
  3. 159356-13968

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.
gte357s
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,746 posts
 
Any Harbeth that I have owned sounded great with Quicksilver amps!!
http://quicksilveraudio.com/amplifiers/
gte357s OP
281 posts
 
Thanks for all the replies.  A lot of good suggestions.  I picked up a McIntosh MC275 IV yesterday.  The reason is that it is a local sale, the price is right, and it has a gain control.  I don’t have fund to buy a preamp now, so, this is a big plus.  I connect my source directly into it.  The McIntosh is more readily available in the used market also.  But definitely will try those other suggestions when something comes up.  I tried it briefly on my X5.  It is pretty good, but also don’t feel much special.  I will try it on Harbeth later today and report back.  
aj523
374 posts
 
@gte357s 

Definitely let us know. Hope this thread keeps going amd includes more user experiences....Harbeths with SS and/or Tube. 

cd318
2,636 posts
 
@aj523,

M40.2 Anniversaries?

Well, that’s certainly one impression of the current state of the art in loudspeaker design!

To be fair Alan Shaw has always stated that despite their seemingly low efficiency, Harbeth speakers do not present a difficult load to drive for any amplifier.


@gte357s,

Yes, keep us posted on how you get on.

The McIntosh MC 275 seems like another solid choice with first rate build quality.

A little more power can never be a bad thing.
gte357s OP
281 posts
 
I watch that video, it is interesting.  But I have a question.  Is it really the speaker drawing power?  I don’t think the speakers draw power, but it is the amp pushing power, right?  
I have a question. if we play the same music, volume knob at the same level, to a more sensitive speaker, will it display that it is pushing the same 750W power?  Of course, the music will be louder pushing the same amount of power to a more sensitive speaker.

On the other hand, What if using an amp with smaller power playing the same song, how will that look like ...
More to discover