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
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.
After some additional research this afternoon I dropped the Luxman 505 from the list, I can't see how this betters the Yamaha enough to justify the huge price difference (I suspect Lux are much more affordable in Japan).  The Yamaha is extremely well designed inside. It's a big component with a big 1970s vibe.
 
Did further research on NAIM's product line as well, and the Nait XS3 appears to fit the bill with a price in the right range with excellent phono and headphone stages to boot.  

Also added Belles Aria (it was on the list a while ago), recommendations fuse on the match with P3s, there is also a dealer in my neck of the woods.  

Some bad news though:  I can't seem to track down a new pair of the standard P3ESRs (except in black). Some standard C7s are still available at only a $200.00 dollar difference to the P3ESR XD, making them extremely enticing.  Decisions, decisions.  

Best way to solve this will be to audition some kit (I tracked down a Naim dealer with Harbeth product not too far away).