2. amps-preamps
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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
mfm22
10 posts
 
I use a Rogue cronos mag (100 wpc) with Spendor S5e 's and feel it's a sweet match - more than enough power 

I'm quite interested in the Harbeth - sound  not sure if the P3's would work in my area.  15 x 18 ft 

Also have a rogue Pharoah and as mentioned it is a beast . Ran Magnepan .7s with it no problems at all 
the Pharoah has a superb phono section  ! 

nakamaye
15 posts
 
A possible suggestion is the Anthem 225i (250wpc 8 ohm 340wpc 4 ohm), very low noise floor.  While not my normal speaker this integrated works very well with my home made Ls3/5a speakers that I made ca 1980 so it might match the Harbeths.   Current speakers have 93 DB sensitivity so it seems like overkill yet it has great control of the speakers.

sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
Hegel H160 -- a really fine integrated amp that offers some of the most innovative technology available today.
stewart0722
171 posts
 
I would second the CJ recommendation for Harbeths......go on youtube
and find a video of them driving Magnepan .7s at a show to very good levels.......another notoriously hungry speaker.....

I would also suggest you look at replacing the Harbeths.....notoriously inefficient and only 50wpc power handling (program material) according
to two reviews.....of course you can feed them more......

I've owned those speakers and you should look at Ryan Loudspeakers 610 which is about the same price.....86db efficient and 150w power handling.....I've heard these at RMAF and AXPONA and in a home and they will absolutely obliterate the Harbeths in every regard, especially overall musicality and they are not finicky about amplification at all.....

Here they were running them with a 2K or so Musical Fidelity Integrated....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe6WznxBdjQ

Here the bigger brothers were being run from a 2500.00 Aurender 100W Integrated......I heard this in person and it was unbelievably musical.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkX7v5JeJD0

I am buying the Ryan 610s for my office system to augment my headphone rig......I'm leaning toward the Aurender Integrated or the CJ with an outboard DAC......

As far as cartridge recommendation?

Ortofon Quintet Bronze if you like MC, or Ortofon 2MBlack if you prefer MM
entier99
3 posts
 
Scott, I am running an Odyssey amp from Klaus Bunge with my Harbeth C7's.  I went through a few integrated amps (NAD Master Series, Hegel, Plinius) before I ended up with the Odyssey amp.  Klaus builds some of the finest amps for the money, and it comes with a 21 year warranty.  I have paired my amp with a Decware CSP3 preamp.  The C7's just sing with this kit!  If your integrated amp has preamp outs you might want to consider just adding the amp as an alternative to replacement.    
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