2. amps-preamps
  3. 170050-13747

Amplifiers in use with big Harbeths (Mon 40 series) that work very well

i thought i would poll harbeth mon 40 owners on what amps they are using with them, and which amps you may have had excellent results with in the past, if you do not happen to have it today...

if you will, please also include, which specific gen of monitor 40 you have (.1, .2, anniv, .3, xd, what have you...), and your listening room and listening triangle dimensions, thanks.

owners only, current or past, please...
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Showing 4 responses by pdreher

pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,184 posts
 
About a year ago, I replaced my 40.1's with 40.2 Anni's and continue to use a Music Reference RM9 MKII with Gold Lion KT88's.  It was refurbished by Roger Modjeski a few years before his passing.  Along with the VAC 70/70, it has been the best sounding amp I've owned in my 20+ years as an audio enthusiast.

In the 8 years I owned 40.1's, I used the following amps:
  • Music Reference RM9 MKII... great amp after refurbishment  
  • VAC PHI 200 (powerful bass, but lacked air and transparency... I was hoping for more out of this VAC amp)
  • VAC 70/70 Signature (130 pound beast, great SQ on vocals, classical and jazz... loved this amp, but a hassle to repair)
  • McIntosh MC275 MKV (fun, gutsy classic amp... recommended)
  • VAC 30/30 MK3 (nice amp with midrange to die for, but could use a more power)
  • Plinius SA-102 in class A (best solid state I've owned)
  • Bryston 4BST (decent value at used prices, but average sound quality)
  • McIntosh MA2275 (too soft and mellow... not recommended)
  • Musical Fidelity M3 Nu-Vista (disappointing... not recommended)

    •  
    pdreher's avatar
    pdreher
    1,184 posts
     
    I used an Aesthetix Calypso with NOS tubes.  

    While the Plinius was the best solid state amp Ive owned, I haven't owned a lot of SS amps as I prefer tube amps.   If I had to use SS, the SA 102 is an amp I could live with.


    pdreher's avatar
    pdreher
    1,184 posts
     

    @yashu check out this beauty just listed...https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisadh92-jadis-electronics-da-50-signature-class-a-integrated-amplifier-c-w-remote-control-demo-tube

    pdreher's avatar
    pdreher
    1,184 posts
     

    @yashu Harbeth's NA Distributor, Fidelis AV, offers in home demo's of their Lab12 Integre4.  It's 65 WPC with KT150's and you can tube roll with EL34's, KT88's, etcetera.   The price is reasonable @ $5K and they recommend it with Harbeth.  

    Other considerations are the Cayin A-88T (designed in Germany), Manley Stingray, as well as several options from Line Magnetic.  

    I've had 40.1's and 40.2 Anni's a combined 9 years and always have preferred tubes to solid state.

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