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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
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
5,623 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
3,466 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.

jond's avatar
jond
5,744 posts
 
Juleman I would assume you are auditioning the Harbeth's with Accuphase at a dealer? If so does that dealer have more affordable amplification they can demo for you? You will get lots of different recs here some good some bad but nothing beats hearing something for yourself.
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