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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. 


helomech

Showing 5 responses by digsmithd

digsmithd
913 posts
 

No foam surrounds on atc...i went with atc 11 originally...cause i needed stand mount for smaller listening room...knowing myself i went up the rung to the 19...sound anchor’s stands.I have always wanted to try atc's and have never sat down with them...im nothing but happy I did...

These things are f’in amazing sounding...i dont know who is PR’ing bad press and bs...they must be deaf or have crap gear cause im sold on atc...done.

digsmithd
913 posts
 
Interesting...spenders are a great speaker...look forward to your impressions...
digsmithd
913 posts
 

Cool...good to hear "pun"...spendors would have definitely been a short list...knowing there pedigree...it is something that i would have like to try as well...

Its nice to know right from the start that you have entered into something thats going to be right match for you.

...what model did you end up with?...curious
digsmithd
913 posts
 

Friend had same speaker some years ago...nice choice...alot of "not so little speaker"...should be getting some lowend out of those...Handfull of little English made stand mounts are to beat...

Kind of ashamed to admit I have the atc 19's for some time...until recently I removed the grills thinking that these things aren't clothed and how much difference could it make anyhow since they are perforated...holy shtuff...

Wow...its like a wayyy! different animal...what took me so long...doh

digsmithd
913 posts
 

That’s why i went with atc/no port...lower end im little room way boomy...placement and room treatment is everything...got mine placed as well as im ever going to get...friend came over for a listem his jaw dropped...right from the start he commented that they were placed really well/even toned it sounded...do have bass traps in each corner of the room/no side reflection...thats it since i have axis pointed pretty much right at me...fwiw.enjoy!

Will add that my room is the smallest room (12.5’ by 10’) I have ever had to work with...I was cursing the audio death sentence...much to my chagrin...could not be more surprised.

as it is right now its the best sound stage I have ever had...its all there...really satisfying to nail it as close as I did...

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