Amplifier for Harbeth 40.2

I am sure the luxman sound great but preamp mono combo north of 30K to replace integrated costing me 10K is too steep 

Hi...thanks for additional options....am pretty content now would consider the gryphon integrated otherwise am content...this is second system in living room main sys has dartzeel separates that are my fav...

Hi...update time I added a pair of REL S5/SHO subwoofers and now have all the bottom grip I wanted...........the REL are conservatively set at a low crossover so no midrange overlap....

I am quite happy however I have been offered a ten day trial on pass x260.8 separates and am toying with the idea.....

the advantage of the monoblocks is far more class A power 34W versus 15W and so a bit fuller and warmer sounding which might be the icing on the cake for me......

anybody think I should not bother to try it?

Radiohead99,

Harbeth 40.2 needed a lot of amp power and REL subwoofers to truly shine for rock music in my room ....

I found my previous VAC 85 watt tube integrated nailed the ballads and some but not all Radiohead music well....

Depending on your room the subwoofer might not be needed but would recommend at least a powerful solid state amp....

maguiar,

which luxman and harbeth...what music?  

I am a little surprised that an integrated luxman amp or even a stereo luxman has enough power to optimize the 40.2 for all types of music ....am sure excellent for some types of music.....on the other hand no doubt if run the luxman as mono amps would be an amazing but pricey combo

I initiated this discussion specifically regarding the harbeth 40.2 speakers ...it is helpful when people are specific...

Its less helpful if people just post that they like harbeth and luxman but fail to mention which harbeth and which luxman

I get some people always like luxman just like some prefer pass.....

Most helpful is for people who have actually heard the 40.2 with different amps....

So far have heard thumbs up for mono amps from mcintosh and luxman and Vinnie Lio....

I have not heard anyone with 40.2 not 40.1 recommend non mono amps...

40.2 need a lot of power and doubt most stereo amps can play all kinds of music loud with 40.2...

Obviously everyone has their own opinion and need try for themself but good to get other people down same road give their two cents...

I recently did audition myself the pass monoblock 260.8 and they trounce the pass integrated (makes sense more power beefier power supply...separate preamp)

I bought the 260.8 and dont see any other high powered amps same price range 10K to audition....

Not interested in a moderate power stereo agree probably perfect for much smaller Harbeth SHL5

I dont disagree however that luxman top of line monoblocks costing 40K...maybe dealer gives at best for 25K [still 15K more than Pass mono] might be better or the new Vinnie monoblocks might be good alternative but still pricier and way less power than pass

I have not heard the L2 monoblock with vinnie preamp with 40.2 but its more expensive than the pass 260.8 monoblock and pass preamp combo (pass have steep discount off MSRP) and possess less power......

Furthermore, I am not sure whether people at shows listening to analog as well as digital...if analog often they use a super pricey TT

As to contention wide range of music played with the combo that might have been so But my experience at audio shows is manufacturers play audiophile music or at least album that make their equipment sound best....most attendees bring well recorded music...

At home I play music that range from well recorded to average sounding to poorly recorded to ones decently recorded but too much bass or treble....

It is probably a great choice but not sure the better choice.....

All else being equal I would go with the more powerful monoblock amp
But many roads to rome

People telling me pass 260.8 monoblocks overkill but damn soundwise great makes me kinda curious about the 600.8....