I suggest that you post your question on the Harbeth Users Group - an excellent forum of harbeth users which is run by Alan Shaw, the speaker designer. If you go onto the Harbeth site, there's a link for the usergroup. |
I would suggest you move away from the Naim equipment. I drove my Compact 7's with a 62/HiCap/140 for a number of years and then switched to ARC tube pre and solid state amp combo. Biggest improvement I have ever made to my system. The Naim does not have the power, dynamics and drive to bring out the best in the Harbeths. I believe the Monitor 30's are an even more difficult load than the C7 so your jump will be greater still. Sorry to the Naim crowd--I was one of you once. Hope this helps. |
even upgrading your amp, i think you will find the sonic signiture of the m30's is still going to be quite different than that you are used to. its similar to moving from a rogers ls3/5 to a rogers studio 7. they are simply different. the synergy between the naim and the p3 is a bit on the magical side. completely satisfying. i've owned several different types of bbc derived designs over the last 20 years, and found them to all be remarkable to a degree.some combinations you will find just can't be topped for long term listening. |
just purchased pair of harbeth m30's. using kimber 8tc & 4tc. thinking of upgrading cable (cables) should i go with one (which one) or continue to bi-wire? any thoughts? |
You are describing a typical result of "upgradeitis". You had a product you were very happy with, so assumed that moving up?? the line, spending more money, would get you more happiness. It VERY often does not. I have a pair of HP3's myself, and prefer them to some other more expensive Harbeths. Even though they are all fairly neutral, they do all have their own signature, and react with your room differently. One of the tough things about this hobby is sticking with what works! I would suggest you get another pair of P3's... |
I also suggest that you consider visiting the Harbeth users group.
For what it's worth, I switched from the Spendor S3/5se to the M30s. Whilst there were similarities in the overall sonic signature, I immediately noticed a wider soundstage and dynamic range (deeper and better defined real bass, smoother mids & highs). But there are also similarities.
At the time I was driving both speakers with the stock Unico, cardas neutral reference cabling (non bi-wire). I have since switched to a McCormack pre-pro combo.
Noteworthy, the Spendors were originally mated with a NAD742 AV receiver (digital) and, this combination sounded rather muted and dull before I switched to the Unico. It was like night and day.
good luck! |
The m30s are harder to drive than the P3s for sure.
Suggest you upgrade your cd player first before changing your amps.
The M30s are more revealing for sure than the P3s since they are more upfront sounding.
The c7es3 are easier to drive than the m30s. |
Owning 3 pair of Harbeth speakers (SHL5s, 30, 7s) I have deduced that the 30s need to be treated like monitors....heavy break-in, very careful set up, and to be in close range. They always sound beautiful, but in a normal set-up don't really have that transparent top without being at close range. If you want transparent go with the 7s, which are more transparent further away. The SHL5s are dark and none of them have real bass. so no need to spend the extra bucks. Just get a good and flexible sub. |
I've owned both speakers and the M30's were much better than the P3's. You'll need more power IMO. I had a Cary SLI-80 for awhile, and after that a Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP integrated. Both amps matched well with the M30's.
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I wonder if the OP has figured things out already in the last 15 years. |
Yea 12 years is a stretch but then again bumping dead threads with pertinent information doesn't hurt either as folks still shop for these speakers(or whatever product it might be)..
I myself have been living with M30.1's(Ebony)for the last year,driven by Cayin KT88 tube integrated amp,cabled up with Nordost Norse series in a WELL treated,smallish room.Quite simply I have never had or experienced purer,more colorful or emotional sound in my home in the 40+years I've had a system!If you have M30's & don't like the sound it's either set up,room,cables or amp cause the speakers,in the right room,are truly magical! |
Lol I'm looking at a pair of M30's comparing to Spendor A4's. This old thread was definitely helpful! |
I have a pair of M30.1, and they sound terrific powered by an older Hegel h160 integrated. |
2 years now with my M30.1's & although thanks to Covid 19 I never got the dream amp to drive them,settling instead for a 15wpc.Pure Class A SS Chinese amp,they are still the finest speakers I've ever owned.Over & over again I amazed at their ability to see DEEP into a recording,digging out things like that tiny little dead space BETWEEN the windings of a guitar string as a finger slides along or the resonance of a Gibson LP body compared to a Fender Strat..I really don't see EVER changing speakers again,unless I get lucky with a few stocks then the 40.2's would replace them but for the next year it will be all about saving for that Sugden A21SE that I dream of driving the Harbeth... |
I have the 30.2 and driving them with the Luxman 590AXii. The class A is such a nice match with the Harbeths. I can listen all day to any type of music, I have a very wide taste in music, and enjoy them with every type. |
I have been enjoying a set of M30.1s for several weeks now -- crossed to subs, they handle orchestral music extremely well (along with the expected acoustics, jazz, vocals, and the like). |
