Amplifier for Harbeth 40.2

Luxman's, including the integrated amps, are considered very very good with Harbeth speakers.

I have to say though, it's not even close to my ears regarding Pass. I love my Luxman, and couldn't live with Pass.

Point is, this isn't something you should debate online. Go listen for yourself, I am sure you'll find yourself clearly drawn to one or the other.


Best,
E

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

As I posted earlier, if you listen to them with the top of the line MSB electronics using the top AQ cords and cables and you have a system (expensive) that sounds really great.

A whole lot of people have heard 40.2's at audio shows being driven by Vinnie Rossi L2 monoblocks, which are rated at 75/140 (8/4). All kinds of music used for demos. Many many plaudits and nary a criticism.  That should put pay once and for all to the myth that the 40.2's need almost infinite power to sound their best.

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