Which integrated with Harbeths and Ayre CX-7e


Looking for strong recommendations for integrated amp for use in very simple 2 channel system. To be used with Harbeth Super 5s and Ayre CX-7e. Have been told that my Ayre redbook player won't be optimized unless amp is fully balanced - your thoughts on that? Budget to $3k new/used. Listen mostly to jazz, blues, female vocals. I choose to live 20 miles past the last semblance of civilization so auditioning is limited to out of state business trips and am trying to narrow the field with your recommendations.. I've heard Cambridge, BAT, Lavardin IT, and a couple others. Thanks in advance for your input.
northwoods_maine
I should have mentioned that I'm looking for that deep wide soundstage. Reviewers sometimes use the term "holographic" to describe the soundstage. Not sure I've heard anything I could apply that to, but certainly some offer much deeper/wider soundstages than others.
You are right, we did have that conversation before. ;-)

60 watts is adequate with the SLH5's, though more would be good too.
I have a McIntosh MC2102/C2200 driving SHL5s in a large room (21 x 20) and am very pleased with the sound. Lush vocals and plenty of slam when needed. Since the Mac 2275 (75 watts)is very similar, I would think worth considering if you do not mind changing power tubes every ~3 years. McIntosh has balanced inputs, but not sure if the signal is truly "balanced".
I am using mine with a 15 Watts Leben CS300X and it is excellent. My friend has also the 5HLS and he had the Leben and the Cary 805AE and didn't know wich to keep, since I was in the market for an amp and having the same speakers, I came over and honestly neither could decided wich was the best combination. In absolut terms, the cary has more grunt and bass but to my ears it is only noticeable when the music is very loud. At normal listening levels the difference was not that much. Also the Cary has a better soundstage. I chose the Leben because I live in an apartment and I don`t really need more power, the presentation is very natural and also because it has a feature that lets you add 3 or 5 decibels under 100 Hz. this is an amazing feature specially when you are listening late at night.
Got to second the recommendation for the Ayre AX-7 integrated (or AX-7e if you can find it used). The synergy (with balanced cable) between the CD player and amp is just incredible. There is more than enough power in the Ayre amp, it sounds like a lot more than 60 watts, typical of Ayre. I use this setup with ProAc 1SC's and it is really wonderfully musical, wide soundstage, detail, good bass, everything you could want.