Hegel h590 or Accuphase e460 with Harbeth 40.3

I own the Harbeth 40.2 and would caution against the use of an integrated amp with it unless you don’t listen to rock and modern music. Most integrated amps lack a beefy power supply and not till I got 260.8 mono blocks did the 40.2 harbeth provide tight and full bass. I tried an EAR then a VAC integrated then a Pass Int250 and they all were great at moderate volume or for well produced music but not so much for modern music or rock.

Not surprisingly pass labs advised me to get the higher current models and against the xa160.8 that i was more inclined to get.

If you don’t want monoblocks get a high powered stereo amp at least.....

+1 for Accuphase. Last time I heard the current E-480 it was driving Wilson Sasha DAW at an audio show after hours. I thought the combination was more musically pleasing than the featured reference tube gear on display. Seriously well built and great sounding SS gear!

Freediver
Today I heard all in one Hegel 390 with Magico small floor standers with 7 inch woofers and sound was warm and airy. Must me something else causing the dryness you heard with Harbeth like the room acoustics.

Yashu

If your budget allows see if you can listen to the Dartzeel integrated. It's juicy sounding but doesn't have artificial sweetener sound of Accuphase. I just listened to my Harbeths they are a touch dry.

can’t go wrong with either a big hegel or equivalent power accuphase

sound wise they are similar, meaning they are absolutely superb, creme de la creme solid state - treble very similar, midrange accuphase a touch sweeter fuller, bass hegel better tighter deeper

accuphase will have a more jewel like construction, super super japanese luxury tactility, if you value that, whereas hegel has a nordic black minimalistic feel - but you will also pay at least double, or close to triple for accuphase luxury and finish if you buy new ...