Any hi-fi amplifier designed in the last 50 years or so (that's a choice of thousands) and performing as manufactured will partner just fine with your Harbeths. Low power, load-sensitive amplifiers and quirky cables will inevitably alter the sonic balance of the loudspeakers that we so carefully design and optimise and are not recommended. This loudspeaker manufacturer's Forum has ceased subjective discussion and endorsement of audio amplifiers, cables, power supplies, connectors and stands as we do not make these products.
Objectively short-listing high-fidelity amplifiers should start with a look at the amplifier’s output frequency response graphs when it’s driving a loudspeaker load*. If it’s not a very nearly straight line right across the audio spectrum, then that amp will indeed exhibit a loudspeaker-dependent subjective sonic personality (a.k.a. coloration) which some may like and others not. Please refer to the 'A', 'X', and 'Z' lists of amps in use by members to see that there is a vast selection in use.
The tuning of Harbeth speakers to personal taste is outside the remit of this official forum. HUG exists to explore practical, universal solutions applicable to all users for maximising the fidelity potential built into every Harbeth. Careful design and listening, open-minded citizen science, technical measurement, and commitment to QC created our loudspeakers and your listening pleasure. We are suspicious of 'influencers' who promote audio nonsense and stoke audiophile anxiety. We pride ourselves on being independent thinkers.
Audiologists, acousticians, sound engineers, film producers, musicians, actors, composers, orators, whispering lovers, and wailing infants use quantifiable differences in loudness to steer human subjective auditory experience in predictable and repeatable ways. However, differences in replay loudness are rarely controlled during the comparison of audio equipment leading to skewed and reversible perceptions. Beware!
Tolerance and respect for a century of audio science is the backbone of HUG. Contributions deemed combative or disruptive will not appear. The Moderator's decision is always final.
“The real purpose of the scientific method is to make sure nature hasn’t misled you into thinking you know something you actually don’t know.”
― Robert M. Pirsig; Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values. ISBN 0-688-00230-7
Boundaries and Governance for the benefit of all: HUG Terms & Rules for membership and content
Method for identifying truly hifi amplifiers
Working through A-B testing and the issues presented
The Harbeth User Group is owned and run by Harbeth Audio Ltd., a commercial enterprise, and is self-moderated within that reality. With that all said, welcome, enjoy, and absorb.
*Published in Stereophile magazine every month
Revised March 2024
Fidelity First®