2. speakers
  3. 165099-159036

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
cellorover
424 posts
 
@juleman 
I provide concierge service to CJ and can comment on CJ and Harbeth as well as Unison Research S6. Both great amps and options for you.
I have many clients pairing CJ and Harbeth. It is a stunning combination and one I never get tired of hearing.  The Classic 62 and Classic 62SE are the primary amps that I sell that are matched with Harbeth, although recently 2 people went with the CAV 45S2.  The CAV 45S2 is basically the Classic 62 with a volume control and 3 inputs.  I use one as my daily amp when in the office and can listen to it all day long.  I added Sophia Elecrtric EL 34s which took the performance to an entirely new level. Jeff Dorgay at TONE recently did a review of it.
The Unison Research S6 is another sleeper. It sounds wonderful...musical, detailed, engaging.  However, it is 35 watts compared to the CJ 60 means you need to select your speakers correctly. But, it also mates well with Harbeth.
Good luck.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,682 posts
 
@fjn04 
 There was a post I read that says the magic starts at 507. I can't comment on that, but would not discount the 550.

I was the one who made that comment, and realized that I should have included the 550 in the 'where the magic starts' boundary. I agree that the 550 is significantly better than the 505.
juleman OP
40 posts
 
These are all great suggestions (Unison Research, CJ, Luxman 550).  At this time, I have to say that the 550 is very enticing (pure Class A).  

This said, I don't understand the hangup over 505, the build / layout look very similar to the other Class A/B amps in Luxman lineup, damping factor and voltage are in the same ballpark, until you get to the 509.  
cellorover
424 posts
 
The Unision S6 is also Class A.
juleman OP
40 posts
 
Hi Everyone,

Received my pair of P3ESR SE in rosewood yesterday.  So here is a quick report :

- These are just first impressions :

 1) My Creek Evo 50A can drive them but it will not make them sing.  They like power.  Alan Shaw is right they are not a hard pairing, they will play nicely, but if you pair a weaker/cheaper amp you won't get the full performance these speakers can deliver.  

2)  They sound a bit congested, the soundstage is not stable at this point, the bass response is changing right in the middle of a tune. I attribute all that to the fact that they need another 175 hours to break in.

3) The details, at least the ones that are showing up now, are lush, correct, detailed but non fatiguing, monitor-like but not sterile. 

4) They can handle power and provide sufficient volume to fill my space (11 X 14 X 9) with a clean, detailed, lush sound.  They will do this even more effortlessly and better with a class leading amp.

5)  As everybody knows, the mid-range is amazing and voices (I let my wife do the honours and she picked Joni) are life-like with lots of natural detail... some wet eyes followed...

6)  They love to be placed along the long wall of the room, wow ! ... but I need a way to sit in front of the fireplace to be in the sweet spot.

7) They are amazing for near field listening.

8)  These little speakers are worth the investment in better stands and cables. Integrated amps will be auditioned soon.

Best to everyone




More to discover