Amp Recommendation for Harbeth Super HL5+HD

**PMCH** · October 13, 2022, 10:26 AM

After retiring, moving and downsizing my home as well as my primary 2 channel system, I am in the process of purchasing a new smaller and less expensive system. I have new Harbeth Super HL5+HD speakers that are breaking in on Sound Anchor stands with Stillpoints between the stands and speakers which was quite an improvement. My man-cave room is larger 22' x 38' x 9' h but I only am using 15' x 20' of it for my system. I have the speakers set 5' from the rear wall and 8' apart on the 22' wall with my seating position at an equilateral triangle. I listen mostly to C-Jazz and vocals at a moderate volume.
I would like to use an integrated unless it would be a big mistake based on the size of the room.
Some of the integrateds I am considering are:
Hegel 590 - 300 watts and often paired with Harbeth
Luxman 509x - 120 watts
Luxman 590AXII only 30 watts but smooth class A power - is it underpowered for my space?
Pass Labs 250 int - 250 watts
Any other suggestions?

Thanks for any input from you veteran Harbeth owners.

**jmusica** · October 13, 2022, 11:52 AM

Consider adding Boulder 866 to your list. Depends on the sonic characteristics you like.

I listened to the Hegel, one of the Luxmans, one of the Pass integrated but can’t recall which may have been the 250, bunch of others. I like resolving, neutral, fast and dynamic. I prefer the music delivered to the speakers with the least possible amount of coloration from upstream systems. The Boulder suited my preferences more than the others. Seen lots of good press for the Pass Int60, but haven’t heard that particular one.

Depending on your listening volumes and speaker sensitivity I don’t entirely get wrapped up in the “need power” argument. My second favorite amp after the one I ended buying was the one I had - a 23watt Enleum, with not very sensitive speakers. To me sounded amazing, but I don’t listen loud so dynamics never became a big thing; it took an amp costing 4x the Enleum to displace it.

**Q3Di** · October 13, 2022, 12:37 PM

I don't own Harbeth but I am considering to acquire either SHL5+ or 30.2 to pair with my Luxman 590. I think they will be great match. I had the INT250 and pair them with the Revel Studio2. It is one of the best integrated amps I have used in my small living room.

**Mr Peabody** · October 13, 2022, 10:04 PM

For your type of music I'd listen to the Lux or Pass. The 590 is neutral and would be a bit sterile by comparison. The 590 is good just trying to explain the difference in character. Many of us like a neutral presentation.

Have you considered tube gear? VAC has a nice integrated that sounds great. I think tubes are great for vocals and imaging. Not that they sound the same, Pass gets you close to the tube experience in a solid state design.

**Jack** · October 13, 2022, 10:28 PM

Circle Labs A-200 Hybrid Integrated

Circle Labs A200 Integrated Amplifier | REVIEW - Part-Time Audiophile

**Big B** · October 14, 2022, 12:55 AM

I second the Boulder 866

**PMCH** · October 14, 2022, 08:28 AM

Thanks for the input. I am done with tube amps for now at least. Since the HL5's are not at the same level as the 40's, would an amp such as the Boulder 866 be overkill with these speakers or bring out the best in them. The HL5's sound better to me than I thought they could.

**jmusica** · October 14, 2022, 12:40 PM

Isn’t the 866 roughly in the same $ range as the Hegel and Luxmans you’re thinking of? One other consideration for the 866 is you can get it with the DAC option, for not a ton more, and eliminate one piece of hardware/cabling.

End of the day, every one of those amps sounded great to me, but I did prefer the Boulder sound (and look/build quality).

Jay (YouTube Jay) just did a comparison of a few amps and in one of his videos does a pretty articulate description of what you’d call the Luxman “house sound”, so that could help you if you can’t audition.

That said, try to get an audition. I think Suncoast Mike has most of the amps you’re interested in.

**LewL** · October 14, 2022, 06:05 PM

My SHL5+HDs sound great with a McIntosh C2700 and pair of Mc3500Mk2s. And people say tube amps can’t drive Harbeth’s. 😉

**PMCH** · October 14, 2022, 08:07 PM

Looking back i probably shouldn't have sold my McIntosh C1100 and MC2301 monos when I moved. That would have worked. I did get new stands for the SHL5's that sound better than the stools I had when the speakers arrived.
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