Harbeth 7es3 love a great solid state preamp. The definition really came out when I switched to the c52 with my mc452. The c2200 made the bass to muddy sounding. Imo no to tubed with the c7es3. Also the Atc 19's I found had no bass at all. Try a album with known great bass. Talking Heads Speaking in Tongues is a great album for testing. Bad recordings might sound worse imo. Same with Atc they can expose flaws.
Harbeth C7ES3 vs Spendor SP2/3R2
I recently acquired some beautiful Harbeth C7ES3 stand mount speakers and some Sound Anchor stands.
I normally wouldn't purchase speakers unheard, but I went against my own advice this time and let all the internet hype sway my risky decision.
The Harbeths are currently in the break-in period, and so far I'm not terribly impressed. In fact, the only trait I prefer over my MA Silver 8s is the midrange tone, everything else is inferior thus far.
I realize that comparing some medium sized, metal cone floor standers to BBC style 2-ways is apples to oranges, but I was really hoping the Harbeths would captivate me, if by completely different merits.
I hope that some break-in will change my view in the coming days. However, the dealer I bought these from claims that the Spendor SP2/3R2 might be the better speaker for my room and preferences. The Spendors are another $500 on top of the Harbeths which already stretched my budget.
Anyway, I'm curious if anyone here has compared these two models and can give me some feedback.
I think I'd be very pleased with the Spendors if they offered better bass extension and dynamics over the Harbeths.
I know this is all subjective, but the dealers near me have trouble accommodating in-home trials. They're nice guys but very busy.
I normally wouldn't purchase speakers unheard, but I went against my own advice this time and let all the internet hype sway my risky decision.
The Harbeths are currently in the break-in period, and so far I'm not terribly impressed. In fact, the only trait I prefer over my MA Silver 8s is the midrange tone, everything else is inferior thus far.
I realize that comparing some medium sized, metal cone floor standers to BBC style 2-ways is apples to oranges, but I was really hoping the Harbeths would captivate me, if by completely different merits.
I hope that some break-in will change my view in the coming days. However, the dealer I bought these from claims that the Spendor SP2/3R2 might be the better speaker for my room and preferences. The Spendors are another $500 on top of the Harbeths which already stretched my budget.
Anyway, I'm curious if anyone here has compared these two models and can give me some feedback.
I think I'd be very pleased with the Spendors if they offered better bass extension and dynamics over the Harbeths.
I know this is all subjective, but the dealers near me have trouble accommodating in-home trials. They're nice guys but very busy.