Recommend an integrated amp for my Harbeth 40.1's


I'm considering simplifying my system (and banking some cash) by selling off my separates (Aesthetix Calypso pre & McIntosh MC 275 MK V) and replacing them with a solid state or hybrid integrated amp.

I don't want to spend over $2,500 and would love to find something for less if it performs well... maybe vintage? I want something that has a good support network in case I ever need repairs, so obscure/chinese brands are not being considered.

I hear good things about Luxman, Naim and Accuphase with Harbeth, but will need something with enough horsepower to control the Harbeth M-40.1's 12" woofer. Naim is intriguing, but I don't understand how it's connections work and I don't want to change my IC's and speaker cables.
128x128pdreher

Showing 4 responses by ryder

With the 40.1's you do need a fair bit of power to control the 12" woofer despite claims on the easy load of the Harbeth, especially if one listens at moderate to high volume levels. I believe the choice of going with either Luxman, Accuphase or Naim is dependent on the listener's preference. All of them are good solid units built to a high level, especially the Luxman and Accuphase.

If choosing the Naim, you have only one choice, that is the Supernait which is the most powerful integrated available. As Lindisfarne has mentioned, the new Naim amps have more flexibility in the provision of RCA phono inputs, hence you can hook up your CD player to the amp using your existing interconnects. There is no balanced though.

As Egoss has aptly pointed out, going up the Naim ladder is a costly affair. Having said that a Harbeth C7ES3 user located in Minneapolis MN is using Naim NAC252/250/Supercap to drive his speakers. Arcam is great but I don't think the integrateds have the juice to power the 40.1's. Also, the Arcam's house sound is a little sterile and clean which is the opposite of Naim's lively with a lot of PRaT and boogie factor. Both sound pretty different.

Although I have not listened to both Accuphase and Luxman, I wager both will sound smoother than the Naim with a more liquid top end and texture in the mids. However, they won't have the PRaT and toe-tapping factor of the Naim especially when it comes to rock music. An SHL5 user "Denjo" used to own an Accuphase E450 but switched to the Naim Uniti as he prefers the PRaT qualities of the Naim more. The Accuphase and Luxman will probably/most likely sound closer to your Aesthetix Calpyso/Mcintosh MC275MkV combination though.
Do update this thread once the MF Nuvista M3 is hooked up to the system. I would be interested to hear your initial impressions on the unit. The amp is certainly built like a tank and shares an almost similar resemblance to the new Pass Labs X-series amps.

Cheers.
At least you've tried the Musical Fidelity and figured out yourself it doesn't suit you. If you don't try you would never know.

It is good to hear you have set your priorities right now knowing what you want to achieve in your system. I hope the McIntosh MA2775 would live up to your expectations.
Once a tube man always will be. Congratulations on getting back on track with the MA2275.