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New speakers but old Rotel Amp

I got the Harbeths 30.2 XDs about a month ago and love them.
I have a PL Evo 300 preamp (an Evo 400 without balanced connectors), have a VPI Prime Signature TT with a Hana ML low output MC cartridge, a Musical Surroundings Phonomena (1st edition) phono stage that will be replaced next year, and my 19 year-old Rotel RB-981 amp.
I'm wondering if I should just get a PL Evo 400 amp, but the dealer I bought the speaker from said I could have done better, and is suggesting a BAT-56 (non SE) or a Rogue, or a Bryston 3B3 amp.
My budget was $5k, but listening to Riders on the Storm my wife heard so many new layers of the music she actually said the speakers were definitely worth the money and was interested in it sounding even better. I didn't tell her the stands were extra. The closest audio dealer is 45 min away and he suggested SimAudio. I was thinking tube amp not solid state.
128x128ctwith3
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
"the dealer I bought the speaker from said I could have done better, and is suggesting a BAT-56 (non SE) or a Rogue, or a Bryston 3B3 amp."


DONT DO IT! Why are these three brands the ones?? I for one do not like the sound from BAT, others really do, this is a BIG decision, I find Prima Luna to be very soft and luxurious sounding if that is appealing to you then I would start by testing out a PL AMP. Manley labs plus Harbeth equals Magic (just saying).


Matt M
ctwith3's avatar
ctwith3 OP
71 posts
 
They're probably the ones because they're what he sells, I would guess.
I have a second Rotel RB-981 I was using for the kitchen that isn't in use, and I was looking at the manual because I always wondered about bridging them. The manual states 8 ohm minimum and my speakers are 6 ohm. Is it really a minimum, or just keep the volume lower?
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@mattmiller

i agree that primaluna amps are luscious sounding

but i would add that the tonality and extension can be managed and altered quite a bit via choice of tubes... one of PL’s design advantages is its flexibility in use of different power tubes as well as triode vs ultralinear operation... using these levers can swing the sound signature a significant amount

also pertaining to my earlier comment on solid state amps and bass control, the PL with the right output tubes (KT88 or stronger) gives very nice bass control for a tube amp

op should know that the monitor 30 is by far the most mid-rangey of the full size harbeth speakers (the mini monitor p3 excepted)... others have significantly more bass response and sparkly treble... in this respect the monitor 30 is more of a true monitor as used for broadcasting etc etc... vocal accuracy/prominence is prioritized
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,617 posts
 
No experience with the 30s but I have the C7s which are plenty *midrangy*.You probably don't want to go with a lusher sounding amp as that would begin to be overly euphonic and obscure detail. If you are happy with your Rogue talk to mrdecible about your idea to bridge them. Something to think about anyway.
I run mine with a 60 watt Aric Audio tube amp and am very pleased with the sound. It won't play at rock concert levels but still really good dynamics and bass,especially with KT150s.
bigkidz
3,381 posts
 
Bang for the buck upgrade the caps and resistors before spending money on another amp that is built the same way.  You will be surprised in the differences for cheap.


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