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What amplifier for Harbeth HL-5?

I recently bought a pair of Harbeth HL-5, and I think they are just great speakers: great midrange, great (but not excessive) detail, overall addictive. I currently drive them with a Shindo Monbrison preamp and an EAR 890 power amp. I also tried my second system's amplifier, an EAR 859, and despite its low power (13WPC), it drives them very well. Actually, it is hard to tell the difference between the EAR 859 and the Monbrison + EAR 890 combination, except that the former is slightly more forward. But my ears could hear very little difference between the two systems, which is surprising given the significant price difference. Since I think that I will keep them for a while, I would be curious to hear others' experiences with electronics for the HL-5.
ggavetti
ggavetti OP
141 posts
 
Let me make a suggestion regarding stands. I never tried the Skylan and I am sure they are wonderful. But I recently got a pair of custom-made wood stands made by resonantwoods in New Hampshire. They are amazingly elegant and extremely sturdy. The builder really knows what he is doing...and they are not much more expensive than Sylans (I believe 20% or 30% more)
tom_hankins
850 posts
 
I wasnt' a big believer of stands and there improvment to the music until I moved from some Target stands to the Sound Anchors I am using now. They make a model just for the HL5 and 40.1 (around $700-750 a pr.) These have made a believer out of me. More coherent, sharper image, and a little tighter bass.
markus1299
245 posts
 
I am using a Cary SLP05 tube preamp and a Cary CAD120S Amp to power my Harbeth SHL5's and the wow factor is definately there!
tom_hankins
850 posts
 
Markus,
Nice system! Are you running the amps triode or ultralinear?
markus1299
245 posts
 
Ultra linear but switching between triode and ultra linear..I don't hear any difference. Sound is great but I think I need to work on room accoustics more. Highly recommend Cary. I have no affiliation with them but whenever I call with a question or concern, they are right there.
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