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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
juleman OP
40 posts
 
Yogi,
I've watched that review so many times lately, I find it relaxing for some reason, he makes a great case for the P3s sonic signature and what is so attractive about them.    
Post removed 
juleman OP
40 posts
 
Elliott,
Thank you for your comments/recommendations.  These are all valid points and many of which I've already considered.  Same as mentioned in the De Filios video, I'm not inclined to add a sub. If I feel the bass would not be well served, that would mean going to a bigger woofer, hence why I also have C7s under consideration.

The dilemma with P3esr seems to be that, while they seem like a good bargain, they can't be exploited to their full potential with budget tier amplification. I think the P3s would do a more than adequate job for my space and budget.  If I move and have a larger listening space a few years down the line, I would expect the P3 setup to become either a secondary system or make one of my sons very happy. My budget would move within the reaches of HL5 or 30.1 or the like.   
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,827 posts
 
juleman,
I have owned many speakers including the Harbeth C7 and M30.1. I always return to the P3, I have owned four pairs. I use mine with all tube gear. My friend uses his with solid state gear.
mesch
3,529 posts
 
Yes the P3 would play well into your room and of a quality that responds to quality amplification.  Regarding sensitivity I believe they are much like my Esoteric MGs which are ~87db sensitive and 6 ohm nominal impedance with a min slightly below 4 ohms. My room is 12' by 15' with 8.5' height and well treated with absorption. I drove the MG10s with a BEL 50wpc amp that was 2 ohm stable to very high levels. 

There are many fans of the P3, hopefully they will chime in as to what they use for amplification.

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