Best Tube/SS Amps for Harbeth 7ES-3


Hi, I just bought a pair of Harbeth Compact 7ES-3 - beautiful sounded speakers. Very natural and musical.

Now I need to get an integrated or Pre/Power combo to drive it. Budget is about $3-4K new or used. I read the 7ES-3 is easy to drive. Which amp works better with the 7ES - Tube or SS?

What amps do you use for your Harbeth 7ES? How much power output do I need to drive the 7ES to its full potential?

Would a 20 watt per channel tube amp drive the Harbeth?

Now that I've settled on the speakers, I can focus on getting the amps :)

Thanks.
r0817

Showing 2 responses by nycjlee

I used to own a pair of 7ES3s powered by a Rogue Cronus Magnum 2.  It was a great combo.  I also heard them powered by a LFD and Vinnie Rossi LIO and both were excellent matches.  Also, if you're looking for a tube amp and a step up from something like the Rogue, take a listen to the Leben CS600, it just sounds wonderful.  I was all set to upgrade and buy a Leben and a pair of SHL5+ but ended up going in a completely different direction.  Other amps that many consider a good match include Luxman, Naim, Hegel, Sagden and exposure....just to name a few.  Btw, the best bang for buck in my opinion is a used Hegel. 
@biscorbit - When I was considering the SHL5+ my dealer suggested Belles Aria as amp option as well.   Never heard the combo, but apparently they sound great with Harbeths.  I definitely would also recommend also auditioning a Hegel and the Rogue Cronus Magnum II.  CM2 is more expensive then the Sphinx but well worth the upgrade if you ask.