A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?


Hi gang, hoping for some thoughts. 

I'm very happy at the moment with my system, but getting a slight itch for an upgrade. So many options and directions I could go, but the one I'm pondering at the moment is moving from my Harbeth C7ES-3 speakers to Wilson Sabrinas. (The Sabrina X is now out, which may bring the Sabrina down to my budget... maybe.)

My room is approx. 10'6" x 15'6" with the speakers along the short wall and my listening chair is about 2/3 back from said wall. The C7s plus their stands are just about the right size for this room, and the Sabrinas on their floor spikes are similar in "overall" size, though obviously the speakers themselves are bigger.

Current amp is a Pass Labs XA30.5 which doubles down at 4Ohms (plus lots of headroom) and comes just within Wilson's "recommended" amplifier power. The room is on the smaller side, and I don't listen loud; I've never "wanted" for more power with the C7s. (Though every once in a while I wonder what a pair of XA60.5s would sound like in here, but that's an entirely different thread.)

Eh? Any thoughts?
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xdon_chisholm
I am a Harbeth 40.2 Anniversary owner and although I have no desire to upgrade, I have always been interested in Wilson's.  Since I have never spent any real time listening to Wilson speakers I really can't say what they sound like in comparison, but the owner of a local audio store, who happens to be blind, once told me that Wilson sounds the best to his ears.  As one might only assume, someone who is blind must know, as they use their eyes to "see" in many ways.  
That said, once I got my 40.2's I really haven't had a single thought to make changes in speakers.  They are so right to my ears, and the path to get to them was long and expensive.  I am sure there are other speakers that I would like as well or more, but would probably have to spend a lot more to achieve this.  The Wilson line generally starts where the Harbeth line ends, even when you buy used.  This has been one major prohibiting factor in even thinking about buying their speakers for me.  I could afford them if I moved some priorities around, but when the Harbeths sound so perfect to me I simply cannot give this option a thought.  
Whatever you do, make sure you can audition them thoroughly before you buy.  And please do share your experiences if you go that route.  I am very curious to know what others learn.  
@soix

"What areas would you like to change or improve upon over your current speakers?"


Since any loudspeaker will have necessary compromises, including the C7s and Sabrina’s (though I imagine quite different ones) that must be the key question here before pulling that trigger.

As said previously, a genuine upgrade over the C7ES-3s as opposed to a mere shuffling of compromises, would be the M40s (“Ye cannae change the laws of physics Jim").

Unless the ’compromise’ that most bothers you is one that ALL Harbeth speakers are afflicted with, that would be the safe route.


[If you’re able to hang on to both the C7 and the Sabrina to compare, and of course, satisfy that pesky itch, then lucky you!]
Sounds like you’re not sure what you’d like to improve upon — “upgrade” is too vague at least for me.  So failing that the obvious safe and perhaps smartest bet is moving up the Harbeth line. I would say that given you like the Harbeth sound I’d suggest looking at Sonus Faber over Wilson — a little more rich or warm/musical and less clinical sounding (relatively) than Wilson while possibly adding better 3D holographic imaging over Harbeth if that would qualify an an upgrade to you. Those are my impressions of the house sound differences anyway, FWIW. Hope this helps, and best of luck.
With that amp I would get a pair of Klipsch Cornwalls. I am not a big Wilson fan. My buddy's Watt/Puppy's have not aged well. His Wilson subwoofer is just a coffee table now. Replaced by two JL Audio units. 
They are extremely overpriced. If you want to spend a lot of money get a pair of Sound Labs 545's. They are perfect for that room. 
Great room size. Great Amp. You really have to listen to the Sabrinas.
The Harbeth you have would go nicely with two REL s/510.
The Sabrinas are very different then the Vintage watt /puppys.
Very transparent and open. If you listen to them you will decide quickly if they work with you.