Audiolab 8000A + Harbeth HL-P3

[Black_Rabbit]

I've been using Audiolab 8000A integrated amp for almost 30 years now and have no complaints.
In the beginning of my honeymoon I connected JBL L-100 speakers and
switched speakers to Harbeth HL-P3 about 15 years ago, and I loved its monitoring sound.
My main system goes Watt Puppy 5.1 on Mark Levinson 26L and 20.6L,
and Audiolab + Harbeth giving me no less sound.
Before I told I'm using the MacMini M4 as a streamer. I'm very happy with it.
And I'm listening to Schiit Modi5 DAC on Audiolab and Harbeth,
and if I change the amplifier, do you have any recommended integrated amplifiers to match Harbeth?

 

[Jiraya369]

if you have the money get a pair of these

Buckeye PURIFI 1ET9040BA Amp Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Buckeye Purifi 1ET9040BA (second generation?) monoblock amplifier. It was kindly drop shipped by a company and costs US $1,295. A single LED adorns the front indicating power on, protection or fault condition. Back panel has all that one would...

www.audiosciencereview.com

your speakers will probably give out before the amp will even break a sweat

 

[Black_Rabbit]

It looks like a really great amp, but it's out of my budget.
Plus, I don't have room for monoblocks. ^^
I'm looking for a good, cost-effective integrated amp.
Anything under $1000 used would be great.
Thanks!

 

[Jiraya369]

It looks like a really great amp, but it's out of my budget.
Plus, I don't have room for monoblocks. ^^
I'm looking for a good, cost-effective integrated amp.
Anything under $1000 used would be great.
Thanks!

buckeye nc502 stereo amp

Buckeye Amps

Buckeye Amps utilizes the most advanced audio amplifier technologies available. Authorized seller for Hypex and Purifi Class D amplifiers. Based in the US. Free shipping and worldwide service!

www.buckeyeamp.com

it has loads of power, half that of the purifi one but still your speakers would probably be the ones giving out first.

ASR has the review for the 6 channel one

Buckeye Nc502mp Review (6 Channel Amplifer)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Buckeye Hypex NC502MP based, 6-channel amplifier. It was kindly purchased and drop shipped to me by our dear moderator, @AdamG247. I don't know what it costs. Not sure what there is to say about the case: Or the back panel: Other than...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Black_Rabbit]

Wow, that's some incredible charisma. I can almost hear its sound just from looking at the photo.

It's American style. It's solid, simple, and performs well.
It has the feel of a 1970s American car.
It's really cool.

But I love a small, charming amplifier with a sophisticated,
British feel that I can enjoy in a small room. Under 100W

 

[Black_Rabbit]

I was unfamiliar with the Buckeye company,
so I did a quick search and found that it's getting mostly positive reviews.
It seems like if I extract the analog signal from the DAC and connect it directly to the amplifier,
I don't need a preamplifier.
Probably have to adjust the volume with software, right?

 

[Miniyouuuu]

Natural descendant for the Audiolab 8000A is the Audiolab 9000A.
I have that amp and I really like the control, the neutrality, and even power delivered for an amp these prize. But there are many other alternatives in the market that could fit.

When I bought the Lintons I was impressed with the Audiolab match. Lintons have upper frequencies decay, relaxed sound and Audiolab precision a control seem a perfect complement. I also hear the Audiolab with a Mission 770 which is a more resolving speaker and I felt in love.

I bought the Mofis SourcePoint and the Audiolab is a bit too dry. Maybe a more relaxed amp for a more resolving amp would be a better match.

I didn’t had the chance to try the Harbeths with my Audiolab, but seem to be in the Mission 770 type speakers, resolving but relaxed, and that could be a nice match.

All the above is pure subjective impressions I got, some colleagues in those sessions got similar impressions, but there is no real argument because almost every amp in that league develop similar neutrality, and is a matter of flavor preference to choose between one or the other.

Nice alternatives… Cambridge Audio EXA100, Musical Fidelity Ms6i, advance Paris A10, Arcam A15, or many Purifi amps. Try them to be sure!

 

[Black_Rabbit]

Natural descendant for the Audiolab 8000A is the Audiolab 9000A.
I have that amp and I really like the control, the neutrality, and even power delivered for an amp these prize. But there are many other alternatives in the market that could fit.

When I bought the Lintons I was impressed with the Audiolab match. Lintons have upper frequencies decay, relaxed sound and Audiolab precision a control seem a perfect complement. I also hear the Audiolab with a Mission 770 which is a more resolving speaker and I felt in love.

I bought the Mofis SourcePoint and the Audiolab is a bit too dry. Maybe a more relaxed amp for a more resolving amp would be a better match.

I didn’t had the chance to try the Harbeths with my Audiolab, but seem to be in the Mission 770 type speakers, resolving but relaxed, and that could be a nice match.

All the above is pure subjective impressions I got, some colleagues in those sessions got similar impressions, but there is no real argument because almost every amp in that league develop similar neutrality, and is a matter of flavor preference to choose between one or the other.

Nice alternatives… Cambridge Audio EXA100, Musical Fidelity Ms6i, advance Paris A10, Arcam A15, or many Purifi amps. Try them to be sure!

That was very helpful. Since my speakers are British, I’m thinking of matching them with a British amplifier. Thank you!
"I asked ChatGPT and he or she? recommended the Rega Elex MK4 amplifier.^^

 

[spookym]

That was very helpful. Since my speakers are British, I’m thinking of matching them with a British amplifier. Thank you!
"I asked ChatGPT and he or she? recommended the Rega Elex MK4 amplifier.^^

If you want to buy from a British company rather than Buckeye, then something from https://nordacoustics.co.uk/

For example, https://nordacoustics.co.uk/product/nord-one-ncx500st-power-amplifier/ fits your budget.

 

[Black_Rabbit]

If you want to buy from a British company rather than Buckeye, then something from https://nordacoustics.co.uk/

For example, https://nordacoustics.co.uk/product/nord-one-ncx500st-power-amplifier/ fits your budget.

Is that the British version of Buckeye?
"It looks like bypassing the preamp and connecting directly to a power amp is a common trend these days."
Just reading the product description gives me a good sense of how amazing this amplifier is

 

[Miniyouuuu]

Purifi is neutrality, I don’t know if British implementation of Purifi philosophy will give that amp a British flavour.

Rega is British and also has that flavour.
I forgot to add the Rega, and I heard that amp with Lintons and It was a nice match. Specially the Aethos amp but is expensive.

I insist. Try them all and see if you get what you expect.

DAC, preamps will provide more colour than power amplification. If you already have a DAC, maybe the power section won’t be that important or noticeable for your gear.

Purifi philosophy is zero coloration. Marantz, Rega, Arcam, Musical Fidelity and Cambridge will lead to a warm coloration; Yamaha, Audiolab and Rotel are drier. But every model has its own character and comparation between amps reflect almost imperceptible differences.

With your harbeths I would choose between Rega Elex(classy) and Musical Fidelity Ms6i (muscular) or Cambridge EXA100 with EXN streamer and DAC or Arcam A35 as the most versatile option with HDMI for TV, Dirac, streamer…

 

[Black_Rabbit]

Purifi is neutrality, I don’t know if British implementation of Purifi philosophy will give that amp a British flavour.

Rega is British and also has that flavour.
I forgot to add the Rega, and I heard that amp with Lintons and It was a nice match. Specially the Aethos amp but is expensive.

I insist. Try them all and see if you get what you expect.

DAC, preamps will provide more colour than power amplification. If you already have a DAC, maybe the power section won’t be that important or noticeable for your gear.

Purifi philosophy is zero coloration. Marantz, Rega, Arcam, Musical Fidelity and Cambridge will lead to a warm coloration; Yamaha, Audiolab and Rotel are drier. But every model has its own character and comparation between amps reflect almost imperceptible differences.

With your harbeths I would choose between Rega Elex(classy) and Musical Fidelity Ms6i (muscular) or Cambridge EXA100 with EXN streamer and DAC or Arcam A35 as the most versatile option with HDMI for TV, Dirac, streamer…

What you're telling me is helping me a lot.
I think there will be a chance to rent Rega Brio Mk7 soon.
Rega knows the turntable is famous, but I found out today that the amplifier is also receiving favorable reviews.
I don't have a passion for audio any more^^ or a realistic condition to get and listen to several amplifiers,
but I don't think there will be a big failure if I buy based on what you tell me.
It's a lot of help what you post it.

 

[Mart68]

The Harbeth speakers are not a tough load, any competent amp will drive them just fine and sound will be exactly the same as it is with the Audiolab.

Harbeth actually say this themselves.

All subjective reviews of amplifiers are favourable, they won't tell you anything useful. Amplifiers don't have 'character'. Save your money, at least until the Audiolab starts to develop faults.

 

[Black_Rabbit]

The Harbeth speakers are not a tough load, any competent amp will drive them just fine and sound will be exactly the same as it is with the Audiolab.

Harbeth actually say this themselves.

All subjective reviews of amplifiers are favourable, they won't tell you anything useful. Amplifiers don't have 'character'. Save your money, at least until the Audiolab starts to develop faults.

You're organizing my wiggle at once. Thank you for saying that. I will follow your advice with gratitude to Audiolab 8000a for giving me the same sound for more than 30 years.

 

[Mart68]

You're organizing my wiggle at once. Thank you for saying that. I will follow your advice with gratitude to Audiolab 8000a for giving me the same sound for more than 30 years.

Here's what Harbeth say (this is back in 2012, no-one ever accepted the challenge as far as I'm aware).

If, in a controlled experiment with all variables accounted for (incl. differences in frequency reponse and within the power range appropriate to the amps) under instantaneous A-B relay switchover, driving any Harbeth speakers, if you can positively identify an amplifier by sound alone, I will give you, FOC, a pair of brand new Harbeth speakers, up to and including a pair of M40.1 in any veneer you fancy.

I am quite confident that under controlled conditions, these fabled amplifier differences disappear and that I will never be parting with my money!

However, I don't have the time to play around. You have to conceive of the test, design the switch over system and bring it to us here and we'll cooperate fully. There are plenty of examples of carefully constructed tests over the past 30+ years to draw on that meet my critera, and every one of them comes to the same conclusion. As far as this 'amp matching to Harbeth speakers' issue goes, it is a non-issue. As dead as the dodo. I cannot comment on the amp matching for other speaker brands. We take care to make our speaker an easy load: other speaker designers may be less consumer-focused.

NO CORRESPONDENCE PLEASE - CALL ME WHEN YOU HAVE THE WHOLE PLAN EXECUTED!

Amplifiers should be selected not for "sound quality" (whatever that is) but for facilities, design integrity, durability, after care and likelyhood of being able to source service parts in 5 or 10 years. Also, if you're really serious, a quick peek at the financial standing of the brand might tell you if they are likely to have the financial resources to weather the economic downturn of the next few years which is effecting the whole consumer electronics sector. Some of the most likely surviving (UK) brands rarely advertise, rarely exhibit, have relatively old-fashioned designs, use standard parts, have been around for a generation and are rock solid businesses. They deserve to be respected and supported because they will be there to look after you in 10+ years.

There are some very difficult times ahead for the consumer industry: now is a time to be cautious.

Alan A. Shaw
Designer, owner
Harbeth Audio UK

 

[Black_Rabbit]

Here's what Harbeth say (this is back in 2012, no-one ever accepted the challenge as far as I'm aware).

If, in a controlled experiment with all variables accounted for (incl. differences in frequency reponse and within the power range appropriate to the amps) under instantaneous A-B relay switchover, driving any Harbeth speakers, if you can positively identify an amplifier by sound alone, I will give you, FOC, a pair of brand new Harbeth speakers, up to and including a pair of M40.1 in any veneer you fancy.

I am quite confident that under controlled conditions, these fabled amplifier differences disappear and that I will never be parting with my money!

However, I don't have the time to play around. You have to conceive of the test, design the switch over system and bring it to us here and we'll cooperate fully. There are plenty of examples of carefully constructed tests over the past 30+ years to draw on that meet my critera, and every one of them comes to the same conclusion. As far as this 'amp matching to Harbeth speakers' issue goes, it is a non-issue. As dead as the dodo. I cannot comment on the amp matching for other speaker brands. We take care to make our speaker an easy load: other speaker designers may be less consumer-focused.

NO CORRESPONDENCE PLEASE - CALL ME WHEN YOU HAVE THE WHOLE PLAN EXECUTED!

Amplifiers should be selected not for "sound quality" (whatever that is) but for facilities, design integrity, durability, after care and likelyhood of being able to source service parts in 5 or 10 years. Also, if you're really serious, a quick peek at the financial standing of the brand might tell you if they are likely to have the financial resources to weather the economic downturn of the next few years which is effecting the whole consumer electronics sector. Some of the most likely surviving (UK) brands rarely advertise, rarely exhibit, have relatively old-fashioned designs, use standard parts, have been around for a generation and are rock solid businesses. They deserve to be respected and supported because they will be there to look after you in 10+ years.

There are some very difficult times ahead for the consumer industry: now is a time to be cautious.

Alan A. Shaw
Designer, owner
Harbeth Audio UK

Thank you for this valuable information. It's a moving piece. I only just learned today how serious and dedicated they are when it comes to audio production. I want to pay tribute to them. Even for me, who has been an audio hobbyist for over 30 years, this piece offers a lesson. Harbeth looks different.