2. amps-preamps
  3. 175705-2567

which amp for bedroom system with harbeth 7es-3 XD

I have enjoyed my Art Audio18W set amp in my bedroom for a long time but recently got the Harbeth 7es-3 XD and while excellent sonically do think a little more juice might be better still.  

 

This is for a bedroom system so dont want to spend big bucks so primarily considering the Rogue stereo 100 or the Benchmark AHB2.  I have the benchmark la4 and benchmark dac so leaning towards going all benchmark.  I can say that with my ZMF verite closed headphones I am quite happy with the dac and heaphone amp on the preamplifier.  So I am not considering an integrated amplifier nor a tube preamp.

 

I hesitate with the AHB2 only in that dont need nor would get subterranean bass with the Harbeth in bedroom so perhaps the Rogue would sound better in the midrange.  I do like Herb Reichert reviews and he suprisingly preferred the rogue in ultralinear mode with the smaller still Harbeth 30.2.  I listed to all types of music but want a vocals champ and certainly dont want an amplifier that is forward sounding (although that is hard to do with Harbeth).

 

thanks

 

Michael

radioheadokplayer

Showing 2 responses by ryder

ryder
1,682 posts
 

 

ryder
1,682 posts
 

if you haven’t heard a hegel amp do so before you buy. suffice to say i have not heard one that i liked the sound of, including the H190 driving the C7ES3 and the pairing was as soft as mashed potatoes.

 

That’s a good point. Despite the Hegel endorsement by the Harbeth designer, I don’t buy into it as his views on amplifiers before this have been rather controversial. I disregarded the Hegel as the looks and build quality of the amps don’t quite match up to my expectations. The sound was said to be neutral and on the soft side, so I’m not surprised that you find the combination to sound soft as mashed potatoes. Some folks prefer this sort of presentation though so to each his own. I always prefer a more upfront, vibrant and dynamic amp for Harbeth loudspeakers.

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