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
decooney
2,167 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!  
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,216 posts
 
I preferred Gold Lion KT 88's with my recently retired 40.1's, then moved to warmer RAM EL34's with my newly acquired, more neutral 40.2 Anni's.
decooney
2,167 posts
 
@pdreher
Have you ever tried or considered a set of well matched Genelex Gold Lyon KT77s?

While I tried the same KT88s and EL34s as you in former amps I owned, several audio friends and members on this site have provided very positive feedback on the KT77s for a particular result and type of sound. Rarely do I see comments someone does not like them. Not as much kick as KT88 yet musical midrange like EL34s too; a blend of sorts, fwiw.  


pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,216 posts
 
@decooney 
I did try well matched RAM Gold Lion KT77's with my 40.1's and just found them to be "okay", as they lacked the bass of Gold Lion KT88's and the warmth of RAM EL34's.  Not my favorite tube for my application... but acknowledge synergy is key when it comes to matching tubes to tube amps and speakers.
decooney
2,167 posts
 

@pdreher ...but acknowledge synergy is key when it comes to matching tubes to tube amps and speakers.

What amp(s) are you using? Are they stock or upgraded amplifier(s)?

The reason I ask is a buyer of my last EL34 (Triode/Ultralinear) amplifier paired it with his Harbeth 40.1s. He called me shocked about how much better it sounds than his former mono amps originally 2x the price of the amp he bought from me. Over a year of messing around, we eventually concluded the upgraded coupling caps inside truly brought the amps/tubes to an entirely new level. Test repeated with four other amps, thus achieving the same results. He's carried that same amp to several buddies homes, surprised at the difference upgrades make.

Now truly hearing each tube difference now, due to the internal upgrades alone. I was stuck years back on tube rotation with little difference. Other upgrades, caps, opened a whole new door of sound. A local 50-year tech mentor helped us a lot. Always appreciate wisdom and experience from those who paved the way... :) 
More to discover