Preamp SS to match class D amp

beppep OP

We found your your Belcanto Ref 600M mono’s (that use Hypex NC500 modules and buffer) had a good sound "for Class-D" when they drove a two way speaker that had a Rahl ribbon with very benign 6ohm load and the mid/bass was also a benign load.

Your lucky in that your Harbeth 40.1 are similar, in that they have an impedance load line nearly always above 6ohm, and a -phase angle that is very low, the only time -phase is high is at 55hz but then the impedance is nice and high at that frequency also, so it nulls it out. These speakers are kind to Class-D, if you change speakers look for similar loading.

https://www.stereophile.com/images/archivesart/1008harH40fig1.jpg

As to your preamp question I don't use one, I have a pair of the Hypex NC500's here also but driven direct from the dac to their balanced input stages with no buffer before it, and they also have a huge Linear power supply instead of SMP like the 600m have, they do sound good in my second system that uses speakers again with very benign loading.

Cheers George

@georgehifi very good sense of observation:) and well appreciated advice.indeed I have Harbeth 40.1 and now a Belcanto to match. I read quite a lot on class d and being in contact with engineers who know personally the contributor or the Hypex module not the inventor as many review said. Well there are many customised class d amp with same modules but what make difference is the implementation. You can buy molamola for 14k and I get the same one for 3k, same components i should say but different input. Taking this I decided to invest in well known brand rather than pay half price for the new 1200 Hypex that on paper should overperform the 500 but without implementation is not such a jump in sound (reason why I don’t buy amplifier from assemblers). another valid point I will not change speakers I just buy extra pair if I want something different, but Harbeth 40 is to keep for me. The important is to find a decent pre amp with at least two input to play vinyl and a Dac streamer.

Can you afford an Ayre? :)

Yes, there are producers as well more expensive here is not about affording is about a good one that can last 

The important is to find a decent pre amp with at least two input to play vinyl

The Freya +$899 with Mani$129 phono stage both with 14 day trial period.

Cheers George