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Amplifier progression and change

I have Harbeth SHL-5s with vintage Accuphase P-300/C-200 amps. It's a nice combination, but I'm thinking of updating the amplifier with a smaller newer integrated, but is it that easy? My question is this: will new amps from companies such as Blue Circle, Plinius, Luxman, LFD, Accuphase, etc. clearly blow away 35 year old Accuphase separates? Have enough advances been made that a new $2000 - $4000 integrated can best an old amp that was built nearly with a cost-no-object standard? Whether solid state or tube, what would one have to spend to get an amp that is head and shoulders above the P-300/C-200? Thanks!
128x128jtnicolosi
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,926 posts
 
If you live with only 2 sources and no remote, I'd check out the Burson integrated.
I just got the older model and it is stunning. I can't believe it but from what I've read, the newer model is even better sounding.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,760 posts
 
Chech out Rogue Audio Cronus integrated,that will get your foot in the door for under 2k,it is a 50 watt tube unit that will make your Harbeths sing.My friend has a 50 watt Rogue power amp driving Spendors and they sound great!
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
How much power is recommended for the Harbeth's
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I think you can get a heck of a good integrated for your price range, in the $3000 range, I think the Manley Stingray II is well worth looing into. They use EL84 tubes which I really like in one on my amps, and if the triode setting is enough power, all the better.
mmike84
309 posts
 
04-23-10: Pubul57

I think you can get a heck of a good integrated for your price range, in the $3000 range, I think the Manley Stingray II is well worth looing into. They use EL84 tubes which I really like in one on my amps, and if the triode setting is enough power, all the better.

Pubul57 (System | Threads | Answers)

The HL5 is 86 db at 6ohms. Not sure how uniform the impedance is. From the Manley website: "Following the mighty 6414 driver/phase splitter, the trusty EL84 output stage can be switched between either around 20 watts of TRIODE or 40 watts of Ultra Linear mode push-pull operation."

Depending on listening set up, room size, music type(s), and listening volumes I would have some reservations about this combination. I did have HL5's for a bit and I found 55-85 to be a good tube amp range.
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