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
Luxman 505ux  I was very happy with mine when I had it. Bass is full and has lots of features.
I'm real surprised no one has mentioned a Musical Fidelity M6Si. So please allow me to do. Absolute killer integrated amp with plenty of power at the 3K price point. 
A Primare I30 would be worthwhile taking a look at, 100 wpc,very warm tube like sound.Used you can find one for about 1500$ or so.Very nice integrated amp.You can try it for awhile,if it doesn't work out,you can always get your money back as these have a huge almost cult following.For the money,this is the best sounding integrated I have ever heard. I have one I don't use currently,but it's such a nice little piece,I would hate to see it go.Every time I hook it up ,it impresses me.good luck.
PS I bought an Anthem for the ex, I hated it,she hated it,very bright,run sway.
CJ CA200 can be found on Audiogon occasionally. I Bought one about a year ago. It's amazing. Tube sound. 185 watts/ channel. Best amp buy I ever made. Believe it would be great with the Harbeths.

For your speakers, at that price you are looking (3k) I would try to go power amp, not integrated, and straight for the absolutely unbeatable at such price point; Benchmark AHB2. Near perfect amp for 3k - good power, balance, tones, soundstage, bass control is amazing, & details, details, details... It is small, light, but drives anything!!
Can't recommend them enough.
If you really need to stay with integrated amp, i would go for Cambridge Audio latest XD amps, or better Marantz PM-14 or PM-11