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Suggestions for Harbeth P3ESR speakers

Last year I purchased a used pair of P3ESR speakers in cherry finish for my study. The gentleman from whom I bought the speakers also had a Naim Unitiqute (first version) that he sold to me at a decent price. While I liked the combination, I always felt that the Unitiqute was a little under powered for driving the Harbeths to their full potential. To make matters worse, the digital display (green LCD) on the Unitiqute started to fade and eventually went out after a few months. Searching on the internet revealed that this is a common problem with Naim amps. On one hand, they recommend that the amp be kept on at all times for optimal performance, but on the other hand they use substandard parts for the display. What a shame! So now, while I can still listen to music, I can't really see any information on the amp. Cannot listen to the internet radio, which was a feature I enjoyed, anymore 'cause I can't see the display.

So now, I'm in two minds. Will getting another amp make the Harbeths open up further? Or am I better off selling them and trying something else instead. I already have a pair of KEF LS50 Wireless that I really like and enjoy. KEF has come up with a smaller version (LSX), which is worth a try.

If I decide to stay with the Harbeths, what other amps can you folks recommend? 

Limitations: Have to buy used, under $2000 preferably. Small footprint preferred since it's in my study (10x12x12).

Music: Mostly jazz (including modern), vocals (Diana Krall, Gregory Porter, Nina Simone), soft/psychedelic rock -- Pink Floyd, etc. Sometimes I do listen to hard rock or mainstream pop also. Don't really listen at high volumes mostly but do like to crank it up every now and then.

Lastly, I think adding a small, fast, and musical sub might also help. Recommendations in this category are also welcome
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creativepart
150 posts
 
I have P3ESRs with a Rogue Cronus Magnum II all tube integrated and the combination is fantastic. The CM2 is a 100w integrated. They have just come out with a CM3 that's $3,000 so many CM2 have hit the market in the $1,500 price range. And the "2" is very good as it is. The "3" added a few new features, but really the CM2 doesn't need upgrading.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,595 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. At this point, I am quite certain that I will drive down the tube route this time around, followed by a fast, small and musical sub. Keeping an eye on the deals here and local craigslist.

The Rogue Cronus, and Rogue Audio in general, seems like a good choice. Naim is out for good, what a disappointment.

Now I just have to wait for that bonus check to arrive :)
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,595 posts
 
I originally started this thread more than 6 months ago, but had to put aside the purchase because of unexpected expenses. I'm finally ready to pull the trigger on a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnus II, sold by a local seller. A few questions …
1. Has anyone paired the Cronus with Harbeth speakers, specifically P3esr's? If so, how would you describe the sound?

2. Can the amp drive the P3esr's to their full potential? Although, my room is not that big (see details in earlier threads), I want to make sure it is sufficient for future needs. I plan to keep the P3esrs for a very long time.

3. I'm planning to use the Cambridge Audio Azur 851D DAC with the Cronus Magnus. Anyone sees any issues with this pairing? I'm hoping I can bypass the pre-amp function of the Azur and only use the DAC.

4. The seller is willing to sell the amp for $1400, which seems like a good price, especially considering that I save an extra $100 on shipping, since it's local. Do you guys think the price is reasonable?
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,469 posts
 
Having owned four pairs of the P3ESR including the newer 40th anniversary edition I am very familiar with those speakers. My friend uses the original Atlas Magnum 50 watt el34 power amp with the P3’s and they work fine together.
I would say that the 100 watt Cronus in your size room will be fine.
BTW, $1400 for the used Cronus is fine!!
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,595 posts
 
@yogiboy Thanks for your response. I'm really loving the P3esr's at the moment. Initially, I was not impressed by the bass response, but things have improved considerably after around 200 hours of listening. These speakers are definitely keepers. Once you get used to the midrange magic, it's hard to enjoy other speakers. I'm really hoping the Cronus Magnum will take things up a notch or two.
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