2. amps-preamps
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Which integrated amp with Harbeths?

Looking to put together a very simple 2 channel system around Harbeth Super HL5s, Ayre CX-7e redbook player, and (rarely) play some vinyl. Asking for your reccomendations on an integrated amp that would match well with the Harbeths. I've auditioned the Krell 400xi, and will soon try the Plinius 9100/9200. Budget of $2,500.+/-, used on A'gon. Jazz, blues, folk, standards and especially female vocals are my main point of interest. Thanks in advance for your input.
northwoods_maine
nicksgem10s
98 posts
 
I had a chance to hear the Harbeth Super HL5 speakers with the Nuforce Ref 9.02 at the Audiokarma fest in Southfield Michigan a couple of weekends ago. The Nuforce were used with an Artemis Labs tubed preamp. I liked what I heard enough to audition the Nuforce Ref 9.02 amps in my system which I am doing this week. The combo sounded excellent at the show.
bobheinatz
722 posts
 
I own the Harbeths Super HL5's and drive them with the Nuforce 9.02. They sound great. If you haven't bought
a new amp for the Harbeth's the Nuforce is a must try.
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drubin
3,274 posts
 
I too have had good results with Nuforce and Harbeth.

So what did you end up doing, Northwood_Maine? Curious minds want to know.
northwoods_maine OP
70 posts
 
In this age of instant gratification, you'll probably find it hard to believe that 6 months later I still haven''t purchased an integrated or separates. No one is more surprised than me - well, ok maybe my wife is! I did purchase the Ayre CX-7e two months ago here on A'gon. I have yet to find an opportunity to audition many of the integrateds I'm interested in with the Harbeths. The Harbeth importer's retail store that I was so anxious to get to in May, had made some line changes and didn't offer Nuforce any longer. They also only had one integrated that I could demo at that time. Big disappointment.

I did demo the Pathos Logos, and BAT integrateds while on a trip to NYC, but of course they didn't have Harbeths or anything in that genre of speakers. As a side note, I heard the Pathos driving the Sonics midsized floorstanders and was totally blown away by the soundstage and holographic presentation.

Bottom line is, I'm still listening to my 12 year old Onkyo integrated but out of frustration (and impatience) I'll probably 'pull the trigger' on something here on A'gon soon, even though I haven't auditioned it with my speakers.
northwoods_maine OP
70 posts
 
" As a side note, I heard the Pathos driving the Sonics midsized floorstanders and was totally blown away by the soundstage and holographic presentation."

It was the Pathos Logos by the way. Way beyond my intended budget!
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