Need speaker recommendation - after harbeth c7es3?


Hi guys, I currently have harbeth c7es3s. I'm actually very happy with the sound. But my search all started with moving into a new loft and wanting something that sound just as good or BETTER but is more modern looking visually. I know I know. Don't flame me :) I've done a lot of research but figure I'd ask directly.

My current system is weiss dac2/clearaudio performance -> headroom pro pre -> linn klout -> c7es3.

here's what I'm looking for:

1) Something used, as much as 10k-ish.

2) Good looking :) I know it's subjective, but as long as it doesn't look like a box from the 70's.

3) Midrange just as amazing as the c7's, but full range with great slam and rock capability. The c7's seem to get a bit muddled when the music becomes complicated. Maybe the amp? or the room? I feel like the klout should have plenty of grunt.

4) Something not too bright. I heard the 802D's but they seemed a bit bright for me after 20 min where as I've listened to my c7's for hours on end with no issues.

5) Not too physically big, probably a midsized floor stander size.

6) my room is an open loft 15.5x50x9. They will be placed along the long wall at one end of the long loft.

I was thinking maybe magico v2/3? Very curious how they sound. But would my klout be enough amp? I have a second klout; would biamping help that?

Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks!

mike
mikeshaft
Hi Mike,

I had (still do) a pair of Harbeth C7 ES2, which I love, however, I moved them into my second system when I replaced the Harbeths with Magnapan 1.7's in my main system.

I absolutely love the Magnapans in all regards. No they don't give you that last octive of low bass, but otherwise they are hard to beat.

Good luck, and happy listening.

AEW
I just sold my C7's for the same reasons you are giving. Switched to Kudos. For your budget and room size you might look at the C20's.
I had C7's and wanted to move to another speaker for some of the same reasons you cite. I went with Daedalus DA-1.1's. You may want to look into the Athena which is slightly smaller but equally handsome. If you do a search here you will see some of my other ramblings on my search and decision to go with Daedalus. I loved my Harbeth's for all the stuff they did so well. The Daedalus are as good in those areas but add so much more to the picture. Highly recommended!