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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
nolitan
865 posts
 
Harbeths are fairly easy to drive and they are very forgivable speakers.

I've listened to them with a wide array of gears: Krell, Levinsons, Plinius, Bat, Mccormacks, Naim, Manley, and others. They all sound very good. What it boils down to is personal taste.
northwoods_maine OP
70 posts
 
Nolitan - I agree, but I've just not been able to find a dealer that had the Harbeth Super 5s AND an integrated in the $2.5 - $3K range in stock to demo. I listen to jazz/standards/blues and, most importantly, female vocals. I'll keep looking in my travels but will probably end up just buying something here, knowing that if I don't like the synergy I can turn around and resell for a relatively small loss.
nolitan
865 posts
 
Northwoods_maine

You can purchase the SHL5 first & try to see if you can home audition some of your nearby dealers amps. Am sure some dealers will allow it while others wont. But one thing for sure, the Harbeths are forgiving enough that whatever you put in there it will have the Harbeth charm. Its really hard to make the Harbeths sound bad.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
drubin
3,274 posts
 
He's right.
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