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Integrated amp recommendation around 3k (I need more power!)

Hi everyone,

Yep, another of those "which amp would you recommend" questions.  My system is settling in very nicely recently.  I've bounced around with speakers quite a bit, but I keep returning to little Harbeth P3esr.  They fit my room well and sound beautiful. However, they have a sensitivity of only 83db.  Right now, my system is comprised of the following:  VPI Traveler Turntable w/Clearaudio Maestro V2 cartridge, Croft RIAA phono stage, and the LFD LE V integrated.  As nice as the LFD is sonically, it just falls a bit short on power 65wpc into 8ohms) with the little Harbeths.

So, I'm looking to move to a more powerful integrated amp.  I'm certainly not a headbanger (or I'd have different speakers), but I would like to have ample headroom and current to maximize the P3s.  I'm looking at a budget of around $3k, used or new.  As I have an all analog 2-channel rig, I don't need a DAC, subwoofer outs, tone controls, balance, etc.  Heck, don't even care about a remote.  Just good, clean, dynamic power. 

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated - thanks!

Best, Scott
smrex13
inna
5,245 posts
 
Just a suggestion because I am not familiar with your speakers.
I understand that you want a refined poweful sound. Older Rowland Concentra and Concentra II, and older Gryphons are hard to find but might do that for you. Gryphon currently has no distributor in the US, I think.
New Redgum from Australia could be quite good too, most likely not as refined as either Rowland or Gryphon, though.
I use old Redgum 120 integrated with warm sounding Michael Green Audio speakers, 89db, and the sound is excellent, quite nice and very dynamic. My Nottingham turntable is happy enough with this combination.
I am sure there are other choices.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
2,678 posts
 
Looks like this would fit the bill. A fet amp would go nice with the Harbeth. See if you can get one used. BTW,there is a new one listed here for $4000. If I was looking for a ss amp I would jump on it!
http://www.conradjohnson.com/It_just_sounds_right/ca150.html
willland's avatar
willland
750 posts
 
Maybe consider one of Yamaha's analog integrateds like the A-S1000, A-S2000, A-S1100, or A-S2100.  All are spec'd at "90w/ch@8ohms" and "140w/ch@4ohms minimum(140w for A-S1000) and I assure you these amps are beasts with the A-S1000 being the lightest at 48.5 pounds.  Prices vary from around $800 refurbished for the A-S1000 to $2200.00 refurbished for the A-S2100.  Used a little lower and new a bit higher.  

Bill
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
Thanks for the recommendations!

@Yogiboy - I should probably trust your recommendation as you were spot on about the Harbeths.  The CJ was on my short list to begin with, so that's a very likely candidate.

The Yamaha is interesting, and I've heard great things about it.  A little concerned that 90 watts might not be quite enough, but from what I've heard it's a pretty powerful 90.

Keep the suggestions coming!  

Thanks, Scott
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