Harbeth P3's or CS7 easier drive

Very nice Yogi. I really liked my V4's. I bet the Silver 70's sound sublime with the P3's.  I will have to read through the archives a bit. A bit quiet around here. Hmmm...

I have had both the C7s and the P3s.  I do think the P3s require a bit more power and control from the amp than the C7s.  In fact, one time as an experiment I tried a 6.5wpc single ended amp.  The C7s sounded pretty good with it, at lower levels of course.  But the P3s really couldn't be driven with it.  The lower sensitivity and the sealed design probably combine to require more power from the amp.  The Croft is very stable, but it is only 45wpc into 8 ohms and 50wpc into 4 ohms.  These power rating will certainly place limits on ultimate volume, and perhaps that's what you're running up against.

Thanks smrex13. I figured with that 2.5 to 3 db difference the C7's would be somewhat easier to drive. I do feel the Croft does nicely with the P3's, and would have no problem recommending the combo. The C7's remain an interesting option...I also have a friend who has experience with both speakers, and he really liked the C7's.

No doubt the Croft is great with the P3s - I've heard it myself and enjoyed it a great deal.  I thought I was making a step up from the P3s to the C7s.  While I certainly got more bass and better dynamics from the C7s (and the beautiful Harbeth midrange) I missed the clarity of the P3s.  That being said, many others would prefer the C7.  And it would be a great match with the Croft.  You'd be able to really turn it loose.

If you want the clarity of the P3ESR and the efficiency and bass of the C7, I think the M30.1 is what you need.