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
gte357s OP
281 posts
 
I am doing more testing last night and swap the IC.  I only have two pairs of ICs.  One I always feel bright and harsh, has been used between the preamp and power amp.  I swapped it last night and it makes a HUGE difference to both MC275 and Adcom.  But the improvement is bigger on MC275.  For the 275, it becomes more musical and more airy.  For the Adcom, it also sound more holographic, deeper sound stage, and less harsh.

Now, both sounds good, at least sound “right”.  I need to do more listening.  I still feel the SS is more dynamic.  I feel I can hear more background instruments, while the 275 is more dominant by the vocal.  I am also surprised how good the Adcom sound.  
aj523
373 posts
 
I’m not sure about the 40.1, but the newer models, the 40.2 Anniversary and 40.3 XD have an impedance curve that runs about 8 ohms and higher and rarely dips below that, so a pretty easy speaker to drive.  Your only question would be how loud you want it to go which is based on your room, listening position, music you listen to and your preferences.  
decooney
2,105 posts
 
@yogiboy 
Any Harbeth that I have owned sounded great with Quicksilver amps!!
http://quicksilveraudio.com/amplifiers/ 

Hey yogiboy, good to know. Several colleagues with QS and others with Harbeths but not together. Which of the QS amps have you tried with Harbeth 40.1 or 40.2 speakers (if any) and and had good luck? And, stock or upgraded tubes used?  Thanks in advance for your reply. 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,721 posts
 
@decooney
I have the QS Silver 70 that I have used with the M30.1, C7 and P3esr. This is the amp that I have! BTW, I use KT88 type tubes!!
http://quicksilveraudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Silver-70Manual.pdf
decooney
2,105 posts
 
@yogiboy 
Very Nice! Goes to show good tube amps last and can be used with a variety of speakers.  Would love to try my QS Mono 120/KT150 tube amps with some Harbeth 40.2s to contrast and compare to my own custom built speakers.

Will keep my eye peeled for anyone who has paired QS with 40.1 or 40.2s, Thanks!  
More to discover