Not sure why your worried about taking the volume knob on the PL past twelve o’clock as it surely doesn’t care and you wont hurt it. If your YBA has a higher than normal input sensitivity then it may be necessary. But if you just want to look at a reasonably priced higher power amp that will work with the Harbeth’s then look at one of Van Alstine’s current higher power models. I own a pair of C7’s and a Van Alstine Vision SET 400 and it sounds really good with the Harbeth’s in concert with a Supratek tube preamp. Frank has multiple other models that will fit the bill all under your limit. All have a thirty day money back guaranty with you only being out the return shipping to Minnesota. The SET 400 is only $2000 brand new. Another good option is the PS Audio BHK 250 on the used market.
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?
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- 29 posts total
- 29 posts total