Integrated amp recommendations for harbeth 30.2 XD

whip -- be sure to clarify if you used the h160 through its onboard dac, or if you listened to the amp section only with other source feeding the 160 through analog inputs - important distinction

h160 dac based on an older gen akm chip now 5-6 years old, can sound a little dull and obscure some subtle details compared to the better dacs out there today (and the refreshed hegel dac sections)

gato is straight integrated, no onboard dac, yes?

cheers

Sorry! No, I have used both through my relatively new Denafrips Pontus II DAC. So in that sense, the comparison is fair, as I was bypassing the Hegel DAC.

This is my first stand-alone DAC, and it has spurred the temptation to upgrade other components, at least to some extent. I am not a serial flipper, though, and when I am happy with a system, I usually stick with it for years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nxdsq451hP0

Gato vs Hegel.  I presume they're played in the order listed in the title.

The luxman or the large accuphase would be good choices for that speaker they will add a new dimension to the sound over the rega.

I own the Harbeth 30.2 and matched it with the Luxman 590AXII, it's wonderful. Very open and revealing, as has been mentioned already. I will say (in my opinion) they did not sound good with my older McIntosh equipment, and although I like tubes, I felt the high-end  SS amps sounded better with the Harbeth's. I went with the Luxman as it has tone and loudness controls for which I like the flexibility when listening at low levels. If you don't want that feature, several folks recommended Hegel, and other high-end brands which I have heard and are great also a great match.