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
I drive my P3ESRs with a used set of analog Linn Klimax I ran into. After testing and comparing, I selected a Cambridge Audio Azure 851N as source. If the Linn hadn't crossed my path, I'd probably have auditioned the CA Azur power amp as well. That combo would set you back about 3k€, which would make sense given the P3's price. 

I understand that Harbeth general advice for amplification is that they're easy to drive, but you can't go wrong with a decent, beefy solid state amp. 
Yes ¨easy to drive¨ is what is advertised but, as you all note and as is supported by reviewers, Solide State with some headroom in the power department is the way to go (despite the occasional good experience with tube gear).  

On the radar at this point : Yamaha A-S 1200, Luxman (though price is a bit out of whack with the rest of the system, but I'm intrigued), and perhaps NAIM (though their offer is multiple and confusing, I like the minimal aesthetic and perhaps the brit fi factor).    
@juleman -- which Luxman model are you looking at? IMO, their entry level integrated amp (505, 550) is not that great of a value for the money. The real Luxman magic happens at 507, 509, 590 level. Anything below that, you’re better off with Yamaha or Naim. I ran my P3esr’s with Naim Unitiqute for some time. Obviously, it lacked in power but the synergy was quite good. I’m sure the higher level Naim models like Super Nait will be a very good match. Good luck!
Another vote for Belles Aria integrtaed with MM phono.

I drove my C7s with a Belles Soloist 1 and it was great. Harbeths sometimes need some real current to get them to move some air...;-)

I have an Aria Signature Integrated today.