Amplifier power for Harbeth P3ESR

AlanM -- Fri, 01/22/2010 - 11:33

A dealer has suggested the Krell S300i integrated amplifier for the new Harbeth P3ESR speakers. The Krell is rated at 150 watts into 8 ohms and 300 watts into 4 ohms. According to its website the Harbeth's impedence is rated at 6 ohms, "power handling": "50W programme" and "Works with a wide range of amplifiers ideally from 15W/channel." Based on this information (or personal experience), is the Krell a good match for the Harbeth? (I've emailed Harbeth twice about this, but received no reply.)

Ryuji (not verified) -- Sat, 01/23/2010 - 08:33

Is your room very large?

AlanM -- Sat, 01/23/2010 - 12:03

No, 17.6' x 11' and the speakers will be on the left side of the long wall.

AlanM -- Sat, 01/23/2010 - 14:58

I should clarify this question. For the integrated amplifier, I must have a balance control. There aren't that many in my price range. (They don't seem popular anymore.) Thus the suggestion of the Krell. The alternative might be an Arcam or something similar.

Ryuji (not verified) -- Mon, 01/25/2010 - 09:28

I don't think you need all this power or spend all this money.
Imho an Arcam A38 can be a good choice.

tozen (not verified) -- Mon, 02/01/2010 - 12:45

I would recommend looking at either the Luxman 505U or the 550A ii. They are both full-featured amps and are very well-matched sonically to the Harbeth range. I think probably both would be better all-rounders that the Krell integrated and you would notice a big step up in quality above the Arcam. The Harbeths are well able to reveal what is going up upstream.

zaki Anderson (not verified) -- Fri, 02/05/2010 - 03:10

Try a Leben amp before you buy anything.

Noli (not verified) -- Sat, 02/13/2010 - 20:09

the lfd int amp sounds very good w/ the P3esrs!
i can imagine the luxman 505u sounding gorgeous with them as well.
These are wonderful speakers!

SundayNiagara -- Sat, 02/13/2010 - 20:43

83.5db/1W/1m, get the Krell!

nolitan -- Fri, 02/19/2010 - 18:04

These speakers are fairly efficient. They can be driven with a 15 w EL84 push pull tube int amp. they sounded marvelous!

SundayNiagara -- Fri, 02/19/2010 - 21:30

83.5db/1W/1m, get the Krell! They are NOT efficient.