Harbeth sound with high wife acceptance factor?


I fell in love today with the Harbeth C7s.

Unfortunately, my wife did not.

She doesn't like speakers on stands, she doesn't like big speakers. But she did like the sound ;-)

Any suggestions for a small floorstander with Harbeth sound and better looks? We listened to the Dali Mentor 6 - the looks were great, the sounds was good, but it was just not as musical as the Harbeth.

Budget is around $3,000 - any suggestions?
ctkeene
How about a pair of Vandersteen 3's. I can't imagine anyone not liking the way those look.
OK the custom stand idea is simply brilliant!

While I can sympathize with the respondants who felt that musical fidelity takes precedence to marital fidelity, I must humbly disagree ;-)

I will check with my dealer and see if he can help with this. Other forums recommend Skylan stands, so I will try them first.

Thank you!
I had the Harbeth Compact 7's. My wife kind of went along. I later went to the m30.1; smaller speaker and better sound. I used Skylan stands with both pairs. I heartily agree that marital fidelity is far more important. Perhaps if she picked the speaker's finish and stands she would be more inclined to go along.
@Valinar - I am going to try your sneaky play. I think the M30.1 will be the right size and let her pick out finish and Skylan stands. I will let you know how it goes!

@Zd542 - the Vandersteens look beautiful but we have a small city house so need something smaller, like 40"h x 12"w x 12"d

@Pops - I will check out the Devore's I have heard good things about them

Thank you Adiogon community - you responded warmly to a newbie question, even better, you made me laugh!