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
dodgealum
1,402 posts
 
Glad to hear that did the trick! Enjoy!!
aj523
360 posts
 
@dodgealum 
Thx!  2 channel analog system complete. Now its time for room treatments and tweaks! 
gte357s OP
281 posts
 
@aj523 can you please elaborate more on what are the improvements?  My MC275 also can be switch to mono @150W.  So, I may buy another 275 down the road, but it is expensive.

alternatively, there is a MA6600 for sale locally with 200W per channel.  However, it is a SS, and i am not sure if I will like the sound.  But I will never know until I try it, I guess.  If it works, I can then sell my MC275.
gte357s OP
281 posts
 
I would like to share my update.

After I bought the McIntosh 275, it improves the bass compared to the 8W 300B. But the sound of the JBL 4344 keep swirling in my head, and I have been trying to see if I can make the Harbeth sounds like the 4344.
I wonder if adding a preamp will “improve” the sound further, I borrowed a Luxman a3300, but I don’t like the sound. I prefer the DAC goes directly into the amp. Then I borrow an Adcom GFA555 SS power amp with 200wpc. It sounds very different!!! It is more musical and more dynamic. It sounds “harder” and dryer. Musical instruments sound very good. I think for classical, I likely prefer SS.  However, for vocal, it is not as sweet, and the sound is less holographic. But I can understand why many prefer to use big power SS amp with Harbeth. I can see a potential, is it possible to find a SS amp that has the dynamics, but at the same time sound more tubey? I don’t think it is only because of bigger power, but also the SS vs Tube sound.

My budget is limited to $2000 since I spent a lot on the 275. I don’t want to sell it until I find something better. I have two thoughts:

1) get a better tube preamp such as Supratek with a cheaper SS amp. The Adcom GFA555 can be had for $500. Hopefully the tube preamp will give the tube sound.

2) get a better, vintage SS, such as a McIntosh, Luxman, Accuphase ... etc. I am looking at a McIntosh MC2155.
Which one will give me the best of both worlds?
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,315 posts
 
You are discovering these chameleon qualities of the 40.1.  It always sounds good, but different amps, tube and SS, high and low powered, bring out further some of its elements.
This may sound harsh but the 40.1 really deserves more than can be bought with 2K.  Perhaps you could find an older McCormack or Belles.
More to discover