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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
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. 

erik_squires
16,303 posts
 

I just looked at the measurements from What HiFi.

Those speakers need close rear wall support to have decent bass, and an overly lively room will accentuate the treble in comparison.

I suggest, if you haven’t, get them closer to the wall or use the absolutely fabulous tone controls in the Luxman.  The loudness control is also very very good.  Try those and see if you can avoid swapping out more gear.

jimmy2615
440 posts
 

The best amp I’ve heard with my Harbeth M30s is the Line Magnetic 845ia.  I have some other tube and SS amps here (all more powerful), with separate competent line stage, and still prefer the overall sound of the LM integrated.  I went to hear the Luxman 595 integrated with the Harbeths and on a whim listened to the LM (I’m generally not a tube guy) and preferred the LM.  Definitely worth an audition if you can !  Not sure how it would sound with the C7.  

ryder
1,690 posts
 

I have used many amps on the Harbeth SHL5 before, currently own the SHL5+ and Luxman L-590AXII, Sonneteer Orton and Naim NAC 282/NAP 250DR. The Naim sounded best with the Harbeth to my ears and preferences. The Harbeth sounds a bit dull, flat and uninspiring with all other amps, including the Luxman. Having said that, I noticed there are few people who matched the Harbeth with Luxman without any issues.

I do not have experience with Unison Unico, LTA or other tube amps with the Harbeth.

FWIW, the Luxman sounds wonderful when matched with Marten Dukes in my main system. In this system, the Naim is outclassed by the Luxman. Synergy (and/or maybe listening preferences) is key.

Good luck with the amp search.

rareace
113 posts
 

I have LM 805ia with 30.1’s and they are phenomenal.

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