Harbeth M30 Amp suggestions

Congrats on the M30 speakers.

Too bad you "dumped" the MC275 for SS. However, the SE delivers
greater overall current available to output stage, translating to increased
speed, bass response, resolution and micro-detail/dynamics. The M30 at 6
ohm should get plenty of current to hear the micro-details from cymbals and
percussion.

What is your preamp? Tube or SS.

A bit surprised that the M30 didn't go lower than 50Hz or more something
like 46Hz or 36Hz.

Hi Jon I haven't tried the Modright but I also have the M30s and used to drive them with the MC275.
I now use ( like the Modright) a 100watt SS amp, a Nagra PSA, and noticed all the benefits that Lapierre mentioned without any tradeoffs.
So I'd conclude that 100watts of SS is a good match for the M30s.

hey Guys

I had to sell the 275 for another project. I can do it again if thats the right amp. I am using a Modwright SWLP SE 9.0 as my pre. We all know its fun to try new equipment. The 275 was very good with other speakers in the Harbeth Line as well. What about Bel Canto ? Modwright and Mcintosh are prefered.

Jon

Jon -
for what it's worth, I drove my M30s with a McCormack DNA-1 (full Rev A) and a ss McCormack pre-amp. It made for a very balanced presentation from top to bottom, with good control and grip of the lower end. My only concern with this ss set up is that I think the M30s can sound a little forward and a touch resolving/analytical. Tubes may help add some warmth - admittedly the soft dome tweeter of the M30 is a treat which helps and, distinguishes it from the Super HL5 or the 7-ES.

Btw, there is a DNA500 on Audiogon with the Ultra mods at very, very fair price.

The M30 a great loudspeaker, especially for vocals (my wife loved listening to a Dianna Krall sacd on the M30s).

good luck,
Peter

I really liked the MC275 MKV on my Harbeth M-40.1's. Next to the two VAC amps I own(ed), the MC275 MKV was the best amp I've owned. IME, most tube amps just sound more like music than solid state amps.

I would be looking at integrated amps from the following...

Sugden Masterclass
Accuphase
Rowland

Luxman and Leben are known to work well with Harbeth.

HARBETH ARE DESIGNED TO WORK WITH A WIDE VARIETY OFAMPS.IT'S HARD TO MAKE AN INCORRECT CHOICE. I SUGGEST YOU CHECK OUT THE HARBETH USER GROUP SITE AND READ UP ON ALAN SHAW'S DESIGN PHILOSOPHY. M30'S DO BENEFIT FROM A BIT OF EXTRA POWER. BASS RESPONSE IS NOT REALLY AN ISSUE, IN THE RIGHT SIZE ROOM, AS THEY GO PLENTY DEEP, UNLESS YOU ARE A REAL BASS HEAD, IN WHICH CASE THEY AREN'T THE RIGHT SPEAKER FOR YOU ANYWAY. IN A LARGER ROOM, ADDING A SUB IS AN OPTION. I USE A BAT 300X SS INTEGRATED AMP. SURPRISINGLY, IT WAS WHEN I UPGRADED TO A REALLY FINE SOURCE ( ESOTERIC x03) THAT I COULD APPRECIATE THE M30'S SENSE OF "BEING IN THE HALL." THE M30S ARE GREAT SPEAKERS. CONGRATULATIONS

Jeff, please turn off the caps lock. It makes your post hard to read.

I use a LFD NCSE with my m30's and the results are stunning.