Amplifiers in use with big Harbeths (Mon 40 series) that work very well

I first heard the 40.2's at Deja Vu in Washington DC.  There and at the CAF Vu was driving them with high-power CJ tube amplification.  I believe they can do well with both SS and tube. The need for a certain amount of power seems to be the most frequent refrain.  What I'd really like to hear about is someone risking powering them with a Pass XA25 or XA30.8 and then recounting what they heard.

About a year ago, I replaced my 40.1's with 40.2 Anni's and continue to use a Music Reference RM9 MKII with Gold Lion KT88's.  It was refurbished by Roger Modjeski a few years before his passing.  Along with the VAC 70/70, it has been the best sounding amp I've owned in my 20+ years as an audio enthusiast.

In the 8 years I owned 40.1's, I used the following amps:

• Music Reference RM9 MKII... great amp after refurbishment  

VAC PHI 200 (powerful bass, but lacked air and transparency... I was hoping for more out of this VAC amp)

VAC 70/70 Signature (130 pound beast, great SQ on vocals, classical and jazz... loved this amp, but a hassle to repair)

McIntosh MC275 MKV (fun, gutsy classic amp... recommended)

VAC 30/30 MK3 (nice amp with midrange to die for, but could use a more power)

Plinius SA-102 in class A (best solid state I've owned)

Bryston 4BST (decent value at used prices, but average sound quality)

McIntosh MA2275 (too soft and mellow... not recommended)

Musical Fidelity M3 Nu-Vista (disappointing... not recommended)

 

Plinius SA-102 in class A (best solid state I’ve owned)

May I ask what preamp was matched to the Plinius SA-102. I used to own the SA-100mk3 with Harbeth SHL5 and the sound was too warm and thick in the midrange and bass with reduced clarity and detail across the frequency spectrum. I tried about 3 or 4 preamps with the SA-100mk3 without much success. Few integrated amps sound better than the Plinius separates but they didn’t go too low in the bass.

In the end I settled with Naim mid range separates for the Harbeth, now upgraded to SHL5+.

I used an Aesthetix Calypso with NOS tubes.  

While the Plinius was the best solid state amp Ive owned, I haven't owned a lot of SS amps as I prefer tube amps.   If I had to use SS, the SA 102 is an amp I could live with.

The Benchmark AHB2 monos with LA4 preamp, M40.2 Annie’s, 14 x 21 room is stunningly good.  Quietest background I have ever heard, never bright or harsh, balanced top to bottom.  Perhaps not as liquid as some other SS and tube amps but otherwise very impressive.  I think the 40s respond well to 400 w/ch as well.