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Power amp recommendation for Harbeth 30.2s

It’s not that I don’t like my current setup, it’s just that I wonder whether a more powerful amp would give the music more heft.  I’m running a pair of Harbeth 30.2s through a Prima Luna EVO 300 preamp driven by a vintage YBA Passion SS 400 power amp (purchased second hand from a reputable dealer).  I listen primarily to music streamed  from my FLAC stored collection on my NAS or from Qobuz through a Bluesound Node 2 into a Chord Qutest.   The YBA is very transparent and I love the sound of my system, but sometimes wonder on certain types of music whether a more powerful amp would be an improvement.  I like the idea of a SS or hybrid power amp paired with a tube preamp.  I chose the although  the Prima Luna preamp after listening to a Prima Luna integrated against a Hegel H590 (I had previously owned the Hegel H190) and purchased the YBA at the same time.  My listening choices are varied (folk, jazz, alternative, vocal, rock (not metal), so I’m not looking for ear shattering volume.  I don’t like the idea of a tube power amp due to both cost and how hot they can run.  I’m captivated by the Pass amps, but they are expensive.  I’ve also wondered about the Van Alstine hybrid amps.  I’m throwing this out to the experts because I may be overthinking this and should just be satisfied with the YBA until it finally fizzles (it’s pretty old).  Thoughts?
bfleetwood
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@bfleetwood

I don’t have your specific PL Evo linestage but I do have a PL Dialogue Premium HP amp... from that piece I would venture to say that your PL unit will sound quite different with different input tubes in the key 2 gain positions (see your manual or the PL site, they specify which positions are key). Are you still running the poor, stock PL-supplied Chinese tubes in your EVO? If so I suggest you get some better, old stock 12au7’s. That will alter the presentation substantially. This is important, as you know, because your PL precedes the power amp, so even a subtle change there is magnified by the YBA...

Another idea, if you really want to hear what Alan Shaw intends the Mon 30 to sound like, is go on USAM and pick up a Hegel integrated... there are several there now... a Rost or a H160 can be had at a bargain... (you can resell it in a jiffy at those prices... like Harbeths, Hegels are always in demand). Then, you take the PL out of the chain, hear the speakers with the Hegel driving... that is your reference, your ’base case’ sound you then vary from with other gear... i promise you will hear more clarity slightly more bass solidity more incisive attack than you are hearing now... whether you will like that sound you can decide


bfleetwood OP
20 posts
 
jjss49, I think your advice no the tubes is a good one.  Where does one go to pick those up?  Regarding the Hegel, your probably didn’t notice that the PL/YBA combo replaced a Hegel H190.  I actually like the sound of my current set-up much better.  I decided on the PL preamp after I compared a PL integrated with the Hegel H590 and concluded that there was no comparison.  Nevertheless, I like having a SS power amp better due to the “heat” issues with running a tube power amp.  At this juncture, I am searching for a more powerful SS alternative to pair with my PL thinking that the added power output will provide bigger sound.  A friend of mine who also has a pair of Harbeth 30.2s runs through a refurbished Conrad Johnson pre, but upgraded a Rogue tube amp to a refurnished Counterpoint hybrid power amp.  When he made the change, I agreed with him that the more powerful Counterpoint was a significant upgrade.  The system sounded bigger (and better).  That is what I’m looking for and hope that others have similar experiences that they would like to share.  Thanks for your help and the tube recommendation.
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@bfleetwood 

ahh i did miss your earlier reference and trial of the hegels... so that box is ticked

as for tubes... 

http://www.audiotubes.com/12au7.htm - brent is very accessible and helpful... tell him what gear and current tube you are running, what sound delta you seek, he will help you choose amongst his vast collection... good news is the 12au7's that the PL runs are still relatively cheap and plentiful tubes... usa made NOS organ stock (as in church choir organ, not your internal organs!) 12au7 marked hammond conn baldwin are plentful and well screened for noise and microphony... they sound great!
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bhvf
211 posts
 
I have 30.1s and have used quite a few amps with them and never thought they ran out of juice.  I used to use them with Quicksilver 40 watt monoblocks. I now use a Yamaha AS2100. Both sounded great.  I'm not sure you could make them sound bad. Dynamics on the other hand may be an amp issue.  They love Quad amps in the Harbeth Users Group (Mainly UK centric so not surprising).  You can get an Artera Stereo with 140 wpc for probably close to $2000 new and quite a bit less used. I would try some sort of used solid state that you know you can sell for what you paid just as an experiment. 
jimmydd's avatar
jimmydd
42 posts
 
I have the 30.1’s and use an Audio Research GS-150 to drive them. I agree that they are lacking in bass but the natural mid’s and high’s are exceptional and uncolored. I have purchased the REL T/7i’s to make up for lost bass. Tho not yet connected, this REL is claimed by other Harbeth owners and REL to pair nicely with the Harbeth as they are very quick in their bass response..so they match well with Harbeth’s. I always prefer a clean and tight bass versus overpowering and boomy bass. Perhaps the best woofers I have ever owned were the KEF woofers in the ESS Translinear II speakers of many moons ago. It offered the tightest, cleanest bass I have ever heard from a speaker.

I happen to like tube amps and pre-amps (use an AR pre-amp) but have heard tfrom other Harbeth owners that they do very well with a good solid state amp.  
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