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What's next after Luxman 550 AX/II with Harbeth C7

I recently bought and sold the Luxman (class A) 550 for my C7's. I won't waste all of your time with reasons, but let me sum it up with saying the pairing was good, but nothing special. I would go as far to say the Croft phono integrated I had prior engaged me a bit more. I'm now considering the Unison Unico integrated. I know this will sound odd, but the other integrated I'm considering is the Lab twelve integre. The latter cost $5K US, while the Unison is less than half the price of the all tube Lab twelve. No offense to anyone , but I'm not considering any all solid state units. The Unico is a hybrid, so I thought for the money, it would be worth trying. Just to avoid confusion, the Lab twelve actually used the numeral twelve, but it seems that audiogon flags my posts whenever I put in a number. So I spelled it out to avoid the aggravation. Life is hard enough (-: Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. Cheers -Don

fjn04
bjesien
1,322 posts
 

I really enjoyed the Coda CSIB but always end up with tubes longer term. The 550aII was a bit too golden colored imo. I wouldn’t pair it with a speaker on the warm side. Never owned unison but always wanted to hear one. Good luck.

jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

maybe try a linear tube audio zotl40 reference

lot of tube amp upside with few of the downsides

lovely sound, with a superb clarity and drive that works very well with harbeths in my experience

akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,298 posts
 

I paired my new  HARBETH 30.2Xd’s with a REGA OSIRIS integrated amp.

terrfic match that is well worth an audition, 

fjn04 OP
1,561 posts
 

Thanks, my C7's are the ES3, not 40th or XD, so a bit laid back next to the newer XD's from what I understand. I have a friend who used a 22 watt amp ( I believe an Audio Note Jinro) with Harbeth, and had no issues. There are certainly some different opinions as to how much power is enough. Cayin also make a couple of tube amps that are well within my budget. The CS 55A  and 88T...the latter has more power, yet still uses only 4 output tubes. The 88T uses 6SN7's instead of 12 series input/pre tubes. Due to budget and the fact I may have a fair amount of short listening sessions, I'm going to stay away from 211/845 based amps. I'd like to keep the cost $5K US or less. I've heard great things about the LTA. 

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