Help me complete my stereo system (Harbeth, ClearAudio Concept).


Hello Everyone,

I would like your help in completing my new 2 channel audio system.  My room is approximately (11ft X 14ft X 9ft ceiling) or about 42 square meters.  

I value good vinyl playback over streaming and CDs and listen mostly to small group jazz.  

I want to stay within a reasonable budget, so I'm focused on entry level components from high quality companies.  To give you an indication, I own a ClearAudio Concept with the Satisfy arm and MM cartridge.  

As far as speakers are concerned, it will be either the Harbeth P3ESR or Compact 7s.  I have auditioned both with expensive Accuphase amps and was blown away by the P3ESR, especially their natural, open sound and ability to fill a decent size room.  C7s struck me as less dynamic ... but let me know if those would be preferable considering my space and listening tastes.  

I am fairly certain that I will be favouring Solid State to drive the little Harbeth, and car analogy, realistically a well-tuned 4 cylinder turbo rather than a V8 with power to spare.  I plan to add a DAC for streaming and radio, more as a convenience than anything else (serious listening is always vinyl).  An onboard phono is preferred but not a deal breaker.  Speakers and stands to be considered separately.

Thanking everyone for their help and comments. 




juleman
The P3s are replacing my Totem Arros, and these too have great attributes: fast, detailed, tuneful, decent bass.  This said, it was time to try something else after 15 years and the tweeter has never been to my liking especially on the stuff I listen to.  P3ESRs fit the bill.
Update :  the P3 ESRs are breaking in nicely.  My Creek amp can get them to decent volume but I need to try something more powerful to make a final call.  As soon as Covid allows I'll audition some Luxman / Harbeth combos.
@juleman

agree w @mesch

luxman (higher models)
hegel
pass

all are real winners with harbeth, just luscious sound

next tier imho would be
ayre
musical fidelity
naim

finally, an older but lovely one that is highly synergistic w harbeth is the last primare class a/b model... the i-30

tubes CAN work well with harbeths but they need to be very good tube amps with better than average power delivery and damping factor (always a challenge for typical transformer coupled tube amps) - benefit is even more otherworldly luscious midrange, cost is lack of bass control, bloat or too early roll off