Maybe, but you would be cutting it close for the minimum gain needed if you are still using the Audio Research VSi55 and Harbeth Super HL5's. Really depends on the size of your room, listening position, and volumes that you like to hear.
The AR VSi55 has an input sensitivity of 0.5V. Running the 103R(0.25mV) through Era+EXP Elevator(64dB+) yields 0.396V, or ~2dB too low. This really falls into a grey area of enough or not enough gain. Definitely not a lot of headroom with insensitive speakers.
I ran into the similar problem with my Denon 103D and Grado "The Statement" using the GS Era + EXP with a passive transformer volume control preamp in my system. When using Grado w/ my Art Audio PX-25 (0.7V input sens) SET amp, no problem. For the Denon, I had to use the passive TVC's +6dB gain boost, which resulted in higher noise through my 95-97dB speakers. Not bad, but definitely could hear that I was at the limit of that system. I had to use an active line preamp with any of my other SET amps.
BTW, the GS Era and EXP are incredibly good components, made even better by their price. I put them up against several equal and higher priced phonos, yet always kept the Slees. Be sure to keep them both powered up at all times, or at least turn them on 72 hours before serious listening. It makes a big difference. And since they are solid state and run cool to the touch, there's no need to turn them off.
The AR VSi55 has an input sensitivity of 0.5V. Running the 103R(0.25mV) through Era+EXP Elevator(64dB+) yields 0.396V, or ~2dB too low. This really falls into a grey area of enough or not enough gain. Definitely not a lot of headroom with insensitive speakers.
I ran into the similar problem with my Denon 103D and Grado "The Statement" using the GS Era + EXP with a passive transformer volume control preamp in my system. When using Grado w/ my Art Audio PX-25 (0.7V input sens) SET amp, no problem. For the Denon, I had to use the passive TVC's +6dB gain boost, which resulted in higher noise through my 95-97dB speakers. Not bad, but definitely could hear that I was at the limit of that system. I had to use an active line preamp with any of my other SET amps.
BTW, the GS Era and EXP are incredibly good components, made even better by their price. I put them up against several equal and higher priced phonos, yet always kept the Slees. Be sure to keep them both powered up at all times, or at least turn them on 72 hours before serious listening. It makes a big difference. And since they are solid state and run cool to the touch, there's no need to turn them off.