A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?


Hi gang, hoping for some thoughts. 

I'm very happy at the moment with my system, but getting a slight itch for an upgrade. So many options and directions I could go, but the one I'm pondering at the moment is moving from my Harbeth C7ES-3 speakers to Wilson Sabrinas. (The Sabrina X is now out, which may bring the Sabrina down to my budget... maybe.)

My room is approx. 10'6" x 15'6" with the speakers along the short wall and my listening chair is about 2/3 back from said wall. The C7s plus their stands are just about the right size for this room, and the Sabrinas on their floor spikes are similar in "overall" size, though obviously the speakers themselves are bigger.

Current amp is a Pass Labs XA30.5 which doubles down at 4Ohms (plus lots of headroom) and comes just within Wilson's "recommended" amplifier power. The room is on the smaller side, and I don't listen loud; I've never "wanted" for more power with the C7s. (Though every once in a while I wonder what a pair of XA60.5s would sound like in here, but that's an entirely different thread.)

Eh? Any thoughts?
don_chisholm

Showing 2 responses by don_chisholm

Wow, thanks for the great comments and discussion. In answer to a few queries, I do love the Harbeth "sound" - the natural midrange and overall true timbre. (I'm a musician, and timbre is my #1 concern in any speaker and system.) That said, I have found the Wilsons to be less analytical and clinical that some have suggested, and similarly natural and timbral-accurate. I don't necessarily think they're a complete dichotomy, but perhaps I'll reflect on that a little more.

To address what I don't like about the Harbeths, that would cause an upgrade "itch" to be scratched? It's hard to say - they do from time to time sound a bit "boxy" on big, orchestral stuff. But overall I have no complaints, just... an itch for something different, maybe? Complacency = first world problems! :)

And I think my room is probably a limiting factor for the big Harbeth 40s, though with the overwhelming consensus on those, I may do look at those calculations again. Moving up the Harbeth line does make sense, I just think that's too much speaker for this room, but perhaps it could work? Hmmm...
Thanks for more comments and thoughts!

I've heard (and had) planars, not interested in going there at this time. Same with open-baffles and "horns" - not my thing. Though "omnis" such as MBL might not be out of the question, that would require some new consideration.

I've heard the Sabrinas numerous times at shows, and a local dealer, where I also recently heard the new Sabrina X. While the new X definitely isn't in the budget, the Sabrina could potentially be, especially on the previously-owned market. An in-home audition prior to purchasing isn't likely an option, but I've rarely had that opportunity, anyway.

As for going from Harbeth to Wilson, I suppose it is a different direction, which is probably the reason for this thread. Again, appreciate the many thoughts so far.