Dynaudio C-1 or Harbeth-7-es-III

I own C-1's and have owned Harbeth 7 es III and SHL-5's. I have huge respect for both Harbeth models and have enjoyed both of them, though the metal tweeter in the 7 es at times can be metallic. The midrange, however, is sublime.

As noted by Nolitan, the Harbeths are more forgiving and sound quite good with modest gear and if your objective is to kick back and
listen to music without pushing the envelop, the Harbeth's are an excellent choice. The are indeed very musical and satisfying.

The C-1's are on another level in terms of bass energy, transparency, speed and high frequency sparkle. Like most really excellent speakers, they will take work to get it right, but the rewards can be hypnotic. In a small to medium size room, they can achieve a level of realism that is truly amazing for a speaker of its modest dimensions. If you are willing to invest the time and resources, they are among the elite monitors available.

To be clear, yesterday, I did not intend to imply the Harbeth 5's or 7's have a better midrange than the C-1's. Ryder is in the right track by describing them as organic, I would say euphoric, which implies slight coloration, though immensely pleasing.

The C-1's on the other hand, are more neutral in this area and more revealing of the equiptment upstream. Although most people recommend C-1's with high power ss gear, I have had wonderful success with tube electronics, which add a blush of euphoria and warmth, while retaining their transparency and neutrality. Absolute Sound compared them to Wilson Watt Puppy 7's and preferred the C-1's in areas of voice. I have compared the C-1's in my home to Quad 989's with high power Audio Research electronics, and felt it was a horse race in the midrange, but the C-1's being vastly superior in the bass and high frequencies.
I don't believe you can raise the Harbeth's performance to a reference level monitor, as you can with the C-1's.
If you are willing to work on the system, IMO the C-1's offer more potential and a higher level of refinement.

On the other hand, the essential nature of the Harbeth's are so musical, that you can not go wrong with them and with a modicum of effort sound amazing.

Taters, what tube electronics do you have?

Taters,

If you decide on C-1's you have excellent electronics for them to show their stuff, unless you are in an enormous room. A good vinyl setup and good cables also compliment them quite well.

Also the harbeth's should benefit from the quality of your electronics.