What solid state power amp are you using with your Harbeth Super HL5+ speakers?

@routeman21 That's about where my listening level is with my Super HL5 Plus with my 180 watt tube momoblocks.  When I really crank it, it goes to about 3' o'clock on the volume dial.  That's with my Modwright LS 100 preamp, which goes to 11!

There's nothing wrong with that, in fact, it's a good thing, because you have smaller steps between each volume step, allowing you to have more flexibility in setting the volume.  Imagine if you only had to turn the volume to the 9 o'clock position.  The difference in volume levels between each turn of the volume dial would be much greater than they are now, giving you less ability to get the volume level exactly where you want it.

Jjss49, from the list, I have used the Nait XS to drive the SHL5 before. The amp is underpowered in driving the speakers and the result is underwhelming. If sticking with Naim, you need 282/250DR minimum for the SHL5+. Better still 252/300DR or higher but from that point it gets too costly.

The Harbeth SHL5+ sounds great with the 282/250DR a significant improvement over Nait XS. I know since I own the former.

@routeman21

you are conflating input sensitivity with power output, like how far you need to push the gas pedal down in a car to get it to accelerate... a car can have a more sensitive gas pedal... doesn’t make it more powerful at peak output

@ryder

thanks... the lil is naim just used in my system in second system in smaller room... look at the list of amps... if i wanted naim separates i would have them... but i am glad you enjoy yours, naim is wonderful stuff

Isn't midway or just over midway on the volume control usually an optimal position for performance of the pot?

twoleftears,

I don't know. I just assumed that turning up the volume too high (midway and above) gets that much closer to the clipping point of the amp rather than having more reserve to handle the harder to drive Harbeth's. On the other hand, I may be too fussy about the whole thing because if it sounds good, as it does, stop thinking about it.