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
There's a Harbeth / Luxman dealer not too too far, so I'll be able to audition a wide range of Harbeths and Luxman amps as soon as Covid allows.  

Heard the P3ERS with Accuphase ... blown away. 

While my current room is a relatively small sitting room, I want to make sure that my components are as close to final upgrades as possible so if I move in a few years they are still able to meet room demands.  

Next step will be a cartridge upgrade on my Clearaudio TT.  

I remain curious about Naim but I want to keep components to a minimum and it's very important that the onboard phono stage be able to do MM/MC.  In that respect Luxman may have an edge.  

This system will also have a streamer for internet radio, so there will be a fair bit of background music going and news and talk shows,  so I feel the amp has to be a jack of all trades with enough juice to make Harbeth sing no questions asked and not get too hot !

Naim is quite good, but once you acquire the taste for Accuphase or Luxman, you won’t be satisfied with Naim.