Using vintage electronics with Harbeths

[GregD]

Does anyone on the HUG use their Harbeths with vintage gear? Do you find they show up the shortcomings or make the most of the classic kit, with their classic looks and easy-to-drive load?

I know some people use old BBC-type speakers like LS3/5a and BC1 with old valve amps and turntables like Garrard and Thorens, so I wondered what is the experience like with Harbeths on the end?

I'd love to get a Thorens TD124 and Radford STA15 to go with my Nagra preamp and Harbeth P3ESR.

What are your experiences?

[Labarum]

BBC tradition speakers were commonly used with Quad amplification. Quad amps can often be found on eBay. They can be serviced by Quad or upgraded using DIY kits or by a number of workshops.

See

http://www.net-audio.co.uk/

http://www.dadaelectronics.eu/

[Drdennis]

I have used a modified HH Scott 222c integrated with compact 7's with much success. I have recently posted some thoughts on another thread comparing the Scott to a LFD Mk IV. In short, I prefer the Scott for Jazz because of it's warmer presentation. I use a REL B3, that seems to work harder with the Scott. The LFD has more and tighter bass, and its' ability to resolve detail gives it the edge for symphonic music. I have purchased a Marantz 8B amplifier and hope to match it with a Marantz 7 preamplifier soon. While I don't expect it to resolve as well as the LFD, it should be an improvement over the Scott. I have found the 26 wpc Scott sufficient for my 12x12x9 listening room with the help of the sub.

[GregD]

I have used a modified HH Scott 222c integrated with compact 7's with much success. I have recently posted some thoughts on another thread comparing the Scott to a LFD Mk IV. In short, I prefer the Scott for Jazz because of it's warmer presentation. I use a REL B3, that seems to work harder with the Scott. The LFD has more and tighter bass, and its' ability to resolve detail gives it the edge for symphonic music. I have purchased a Marantz 8B amplifier and hope to match it with a Marantz 7 preamplifier soon. While I don't expect it to resolve as well as the LFD, it should be an improvement over the Scott. I have found the 26 wpc Scott sufficient for my 12x12x9 listening room with the help of the sub.

Marantz 8b!? That truly is a treasure. I wish more companies would re-issue their old amplifiers like Quad have done with the Quad II Classic monoblocks. I like vintage kit, but would rather buy re-issue versions with a warranty, modern connections, better build etc.

I have a Quad 306 poweramp in storage and I may get it checked over and give it a run-out with the P3ESR here.

{Moderator's comment: The 306 certainly works with the P3ESR!}

[Drdennis]

Marantz did reissue the 7, 8B and 9. While they were well reviewed, the consensus was that they did not quite come up to the standard of the originals.

[GregD]

Marantz 8b!? That truly is a treasure. I wish more companies would re-issue their old amplifiers like Quad have done with the Quad II Classic monoblocks. I like vintage kit, but would rather buy re-issue versions with a warranty, modern connections, better build etc.

I have a Quad 306 poweramp in storage and I may get it checked over and give it a run-out with the P3ESR here.

{Moderator's comment: The 306 certainly works with the P3ESR!}

Well, I've been using the Quad 306 with my P3ESR for a few months now and I have to agree with the Moderator - it works very well. In fact, not meaning to be too controversial, but it's prompted one of those "Do I really need anything more?" moments of clarity. It seems to fit all the requirements that A.S. has suggested for a partnering amplifier for Harbeth speakers - even the 50 Watt power output seems entirely sufficient. If I was on a tight budget, the Quad 306 is all I'd need.

{Moderator's comment: we have a Q306 in the listening room and at one of our homes. Nice and small. Plenty of power for the P3ESR.}

[Boukman]

i just replaced my technics 1210 (with Jelco 750 arm and ortofon 2m black) which was nice with a Garrard 401, SME V arem and same cartridge. I use Quad valve preamp and Croft valve power amp. What a difference, it truly rocks now.

The Garrard gives it much more drive and far better bass. Some vintage stuff is better than whats out today....

[QChicago]

I have a vintage system with the Super 5s .... MAC Mini > Weiss AFI interface (slave) > modded Esoteric D70 DAC (master) > BAT V-51SE (preamp) > Classe CA400 (amp) > Harbeth Super 5s. The sound is great, very dynamic but detailed with the 5s shining in the ups and mids. With patience, I had a blast putting this together. Steve

[DSRANCE]

The Quad II's in fine fettle also drive SHL5's beautifully at lower volume levels..

The whole point of this (Harbeth's) brand's success in my book, is that as long as the amp is stable, basically a good performer with no significant weaknesses (I think most modern "non-tweaky" amps broadly fall into this category) and is being run well within its limits, you'll be fine, SHL5's just seeming to accommodate the driving system I've found in recent source and amp comparisons. The trouble is, the music being played always takes over after a very few minutes and comparing bits of kit into them soon becomes a boring chore ;)

[hifi_dave]

How is that a 'vintage' system ???

I believe that 'vintage' is more than 40 years old.

I have a vintage system with the Super 5s .... MAC Mini > Weiss AFI interface (slave) > modded Esoteric D70 DAC (master) > BAT V-51SE (preamp) > Classe CA400 (amp) > Harbeth Super 5s. The sound is great, very dynamic but detailed with the 5s shining in the ups and mids. With patience, I had a blast putting this together. Steve

[Zemlya]

I personally run vintage Quad (34/306)

Last year I came to the conclusion that Quad has built and designed some of the most well thought out pieces of audio gear in Hi-Fi history, even by today's (misconstrued) standards.

I desire and demand nothing more then what this beautifully engineered piece of kit offers, even if I could/can? afford more.