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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?
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dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum
1,402 posts
 
Sizing the speaker to the room is very important. I consider the M40s one of the best speakers out there and could easily live with them forever. That said, I would not go up to the M40's in a room that small. You won't get what they are capable of--not even close. I ran my C7s in a room nearly identical. Worked very well. If you want to try something different the Wilson's or the Vandersteen's would be a good choice. Neither are my cup of tea but they will certainly give a very different presentation from the C7. I'm running my Daedalus Apollo's in a room slightly larger than yours and they are making incredible sounds. For your room I would strongly recommend a pair of Daedalus Studio Muse. They are the little twin brother of the Apollo. You will get everything the C7s give you in terms of accurate tone and realism through the mids AND much greater speed, dynamics, inner detail, and frequency extension. Really awesome speakers and just right for a room your size.
lemonhaze
415 posts
 
Richard Vandersteen's designs are extremely good value and are one of audio's best kept secrets. They are capable of entertaining for extended listening periods with a lovely open and musical performance.

I have not heard any of the Daedalus range but can say with certainty that I would choose Vandersteen over Wilson any day. Wilson to me, like many others, favours detail seemingly above all else. In your face detail, detail that one would not normally hear at a live event. This type of performance is initially impressive but ultimately fatiguing.
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,109 posts
 
good value and are one of audio's best kept secrets.


I'd have to argue that point, If you are even remotely interested in high end audio, Vandersteen is a household name to you.

Oz



soix
9,456 posts
 
Sorry, but I think that the Sonus Faber are very bright.
@decathlon1991 — which SF speakers have you heard? At this level I was implying the Olympica line with my recommendation and not the lower-level Venere or Sonetto lines if that’s what you’re referring to. I’ve never heard anyone categorize the upper-level SF speakers as bright sounding.

ihcho's avatar
ihcho
612 posts
 
I have C7-ES. I thought about upgrading to Wilson Watt Puppy which was (and still is) my dream speakers. I ended up choosing Gershman Grand Avant Garde. As I grow older, being able to move speakers around by myself was a concern, and Wilson was too heavy for me.
Now C7-ES and Gershman sit side by side. There is no comparison. Gershman is every bit better, except Gershman needs more power. C7-ES is just fine to drive with 40W amp, but Gershman needs 100W or more. C7-ES is nice when I listen to a less volume. Gershman shines when you listen to loud.
I still miss Wilson. I might try to have one before too late though.
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