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Power amp recommendation for Harbeth 30.2s

It’s not that I don’t like my current setup, it’s just that I wonder whether a more powerful amp would give the music more heft.  I’m running a pair of Harbeth 30.2s through a Prima Luna EVO 300 preamp driven by a vintage YBA Passion SS 400 power amp (purchased second hand from a reputable dealer).  I listen primarily to music streamed  from my FLAC stored collection on my NAS or from Qobuz through a Bluesound Node 2 into a Chord Qutest.   The YBA is very transparent and I love the sound of my system, but sometimes wonder on certain types of music whether a more powerful amp would be an improvement.  I like the idea of a SS or hybrid power amp paired with a tube preamp.  I chose the although  the Prima Luna preamp after listening to a Prima Luna integrated against a Hegel H590 (I had previously owned the Hegel H190) and purchased the YBA at the same time.  My listening choices are varied (folk, jazz, alternative, vocal, rock (not metal), so I’m not looking for ear shattering volume.  I don’t like the idea of a tube power amp due to both cost and how hot they can run.  I’m captivated by the Pass amps, but they are expensive.  I’ve also wondered about the Van Alstine hybrid amps.  I’m throwing this out to the experts because I may be overthinking this and should just be satisfied with the YBA until it finally fizzles (it’s pretty old).  Thoughts?
bfleetwood
avanti1960
1,745 posts
 
I demo'ed the 30.2 with a Luxman L590axii class A and thought the system sounded overly subdued, recessed and rolled off.  

My current system is a Rogue Audio RP-7 tube preamp with a Parasound a21+ amplifier and Harbeth SHL5+. 

Very smooth but highly detailed and dynamic.  The a21+ is a winner.  
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,362 posts
 
In your first post you mention "an improvement" and in the last "better", but you don't specify on what axis or axes that amelioration might be achieved.  You also state there's more than sufficient bass.  If you were using 50W on them I'd say yes, go ahead and try 150W.  As it stands you're intrigued by different sounding amps, and there's a variety of amps that will give different presentations. BTW, if you check out the Harbeth User Group (HUG) you'll find a remarkable range of amps being used with different Harbeth models.  There's no orthodoxy on this one.  I think you need to audition (in store or at home) to make significant headway with this issue.
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,926 posts
 
@bfleetwood

your yba is 125 wpc currently... as i recall yba’s are quite fairly rated, not weak for their stated ratings

so 250 wpc gives you 3 db more headroom, 500 wpc 3 db more

how much do you need?

i think 2leftears hits the nail on the head, you are really asking what amps might sound different... only one way to find that out...

if you want an idea, try a big hegel... alan shaw uses an h360 them to voice his speakers
bfleetwood OP
21 posts
 
I hear what everyone is saying, but I’m trying to understand if the amp pairing with my PL tube preamp is more than just watts.  On the Harbeth site, there are inconclusive discussions about power, gain and dynamic headroom.  I’m certainly a neophyte compared to so many who comment on this site, but getting live tryouts of amps is difficult (too many manufacturers and too few high quality dealers).  The Hegel H30 might be an option, although how well it will pair with my PL is a question.  Also, why not the Van Alstine FET valve 400 or another pure SS amp.  Do all 200 wpc amps provide the same gain and dynamic headroom?  It is clear from following this site that not all amps are created equally.  I’ve been told repeatedly through my decades of listening to hi if that certain components pair better with others.  All these platitudes only leave me more confused.
mike_in_nc
1,250 posts
 
You’ll have to try it to see. Many do like more powerful amps with Harbeths. But to some degree that’s just one factor in choosing an amp that you like with your speakers. The reason the discussions are inclusive is that it’s a matter of taste and preference. I am rather objectively oriented, but I'm always surprised at how different the sound is from different amps paired with a set of speakers.

My own preference is for powerful amps. To me, they give better control of the speakers and better bass. I’m using a Bryston 4B3 now; and the 14B SST I used before sounded GREAT. With my P3ESRs, I’m using a Marsh Sound Design A400s (200 wpc into 8 ohms, 330 wpc into 4).
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