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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
gte357s OP
281 posts
 
Any idea what are those Conrad Johnson monoblocks?  I went to the web site and can’t see any monoblocks.  Not sure if the ART150 and ART300 are monoblocks or not.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,097 posts
 
No unfortunately. But they were pretty big and looked pretty expensive. It was the alpha setup in the store by a fair margin. Deja Vu does a lot of unique things with tube amps. May not even be a current model or perhaps even customized. You would have to call and ask.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,097 posts
 
I did some fine tuning at home with my gear after that visit. Think I have things pretty close for a lot less but hard to say without an a/b comparison. I don’t think a setup need be nearly as elaborate to get much of the reward. But it always helps to listen to the best “reference” systems out there as a, well, reference. That and live music.


gte357s OP
281 posts
 
You are right.  I hear a pair of JBl 4344 at a friends place.  Oh gee, that sound can’t get away from my head, and it becomes my reference sound.  But I don’t think I can get close to that sound without that speaker.  It is the speaker that makes the most difference.  Each speaker has a different sound.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,097 posts
 
Yes each speaker has a different sound but there are things that can be tweaked/tuned to make key aspects of some more alike, like tonal balance and imaging, as long as the differences are not huge to start with.
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