the_nines
Lunatic Member
If that's the case and the monetary differential is not an issue then the CS600 is the way to go.
In any event, they are both wonderful pieces and I'm sure you'll be happy with either one.
Cheers.
Leben. Thinking something drastic here.
- Thread starter JohnVF
- Start date
If that's the case and the monetary differential is not an issue then the CS600 is the way to go.
In any event, they are both wonderful pieces and I'm sure you'll be happy with either one.
Cheers.
Peter Walker
Well-Known Member
And you'll get excellent back up service. No, I've had no problems with mine but have found both the manufacturer and the Australian importer can't be helpful enough when it comes to answering questions about valve (sorry - tube in your part of the world) rolling and compatibility issues with other components. An old fashioned company that reminds me of how QUAD ran their business decades ago.
Frank Sol
Lunatic Member
The issue is the monetary differential. I wasn't wanting to put any new funds into the stereo - that would be easier to do by selling gear and buying the 300x with the proceeds. But something tells me I'd still want the 600.
Does the Leben have a remote? No remote would put it beyond the pale for me; I do too much gain riding when watching movie discs to do without one.
No remote, Tom. I watch movies on a Pioneer AV receiver and TV on my X202, using the variable volume on the cable box to control volume. This would be music-only. I recently went back to no-remote in this system and it's fine. I need the exercise anyway- sit at a desk all day (and night, lately).
Ahh, too bad, I was considering the thing and my wife, a design nut who loves mid-century was also quite taken with it.
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Interesting...I dug through my closet to find my Eico 2036. This is an EL-84 based integrated amp of about the same power as the Leben CS-300x. This is not the best sounding integrated amp, but it's ok, and it powers the Harbeths just fine, for what I listen to and at the levels I listen to. So perhaps the 300x will be enough?
airframer85
Active Member
These are so far out of my budget its not funny, but if you get that 300 instead the 600 solely because it has "enough" power and a large price difference, you will always be wondering what you're missing. If you think the 600 is better, and this is going to be a "last upgrade" type of situation, then its worth saving for, is it not? I say stop stressing it and do everything you can to make it to sheltie dave's listening session so they will be no doubt.
keithpgdrb
Super Member
has that amp been restored? It would get better.
It has been serviced by a tech within the last couple of years, but not completely restored...its a nice amp, similar to the HF-81 by some accounts. It has a bit too much tubey character for my lasting enjoyment, but I'm surprised at how well it drives the Harbeths.
The choice between the 300x and 600 is not solely one of money, or it being "just enough." A lot of people seem to say that if the 300x can drive your speakers, its the better sounding amp. The question was whether or not it could drive my speakers.
Also..the more I think about this, the idea that this is going to be my last upgrade is delusional on my part. Cubdog kindly pointed that out to me in a thread, and he's right. I like trying new things...but I would LOVE to have a core unit that I'm really really happy with.
ALSO...added twist....I'm possibly acquiring a much more efficient pair of speakers that the CS-300x would play fantastically with (Cabasse Sloops....I love them, and they're affordable from a friend). They wouldn't replace the Harbeths, but would allow me another option. See what a sickness I have? I think most of us have it in one form or another.
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This is just me being selfish here: Maybe if/when you end up with one of the Lebens you would host a small listening party for a few of us local AKers who live vicariously through your stack of impressive equipment? It might even be a chance to sell some of your pieces that could offset the purchase. It's the least you could do for those of us who have indulged your thoughts on these pages 
This is just me being selfish here: Maybe if/when you end up with one of the Lebens you would host a small listening party for a few of us local AKers who live vicariously through your stack of impressive equipment? It might even be a chance to sell some of your pieces that could offset the purchase. It's the least you could do for those of us who have indulged your thoughts on these pages
I would love that. The only reason I haven't initiated listening parties in the past is that the parking situation here is ridiculous and possibly expensive. I live right off of Michigan Ave at the river...there's street parking but its like $8 an hour or something. There may be parking decks that are much cheaper nearby, I'd have to look into it.
I'd love to have some people over. I have a bunch of gear here that would be fun to rotate through. I went through three different amps last night out of my own curiosity, trying to hear what the Harbeths work best with. The EL-84 amp really was surprisingly capable.
keithpgdrb
Super Member
where there is a will, there is a way. train and cab? couldnt be that bad.
Skylab
Watcher of the skies
John if you want to bring speakers out to River Forest, you are welcome to come hook them up to my CS-300.
That would help me a lot, actually, thank you for the offer. I just need to find a free day to do it that would work for both of us.
If I buy these Cabasse Sloop speakers, efficiency wouldn't worry me. I've heard them...seems they're extraordinarily easy to drive for the sound they put out, and not being horns. But I want the Harbeths to work out, as well. That or have them interchangeable with my Quads in another system...but wasn't my point to have less stuff? Somehow that never ends up happening!
Caseworker
Well-Known Member
Wait, now you're looking at another pair of speakers?
I must have missed something. Are those the modern 500 version, or of the vintage variety? Just curious. Better start selling!
I must have missed something. Are those the modern 500 version, or of the vintage variety? Just curious. Better start selling!