Harbeth 7es2 vs Harbeth 7es3

In the Harbeth User's Group, regarding the new C7ES3 vs the C7ES2, Alan Shaw states:

"I think the differences between the C7ES2 and C7ES3 have been documented here or on the main Harbeth web site ....

They are:

C7ES3 has ....

1. A new woofer
2. A new tweeter
3. A new crossover
4. Revisions to the cabinet damping arrangement that would be difficult to retro-fit to ES2 cabinets
5. Longer ports
6. Single wire, not bi-wire terminals

A Compact 7ES3 is the sum of all these parts and any lesser combination is not, technically a Compact 7ES3. At this time, and especially because of item 4 above, there is no upgrade path and we do not want to have a half-way situation between C7ES2 and 3 whereby 1, 2, 3, and 5 are upgraded but not item 4 (the cabinet)."

Based on the above, the C7ES2 and C7ES3 woofers are not identical.

Somebody's fibbing somewhere.....

the 7-2's and 7-3's are somewhat close in overall sound, but the 7-3's have tighter, deeper bass, overall clarity is way up, more detail. If you can find a nicely priced 7-2, not one that has been messed with, you'll be very happy.
I can't imagine the said speaker working properly, different crossover, etc.....I'd pass if I were you.
Good luck!

Personally I would pass on a speaker that has been modified, especially by third parties. Similarly like Chashas1, I would pick an original C7ES2 over a modified speaker. You wouldn't know the quality of workmanship of the modified speaker and the true performance of the originally designed speaker.

Good luck.

I own a pair of C7ES2 and have the upgrade itch. It may just be cabin fever. I was wondering what I would gain by upgrading to the C7ES3.

a much tighter, seemingly lower bass, for one.
also an increase in clarity.
definitely noticeable.