While I have no experience with Totems, I have owned both of the Harbeth models that interest you. I replaced a set of C7ES3’s with Monitor 30.2 XD’s when I found a great deal on the latter pair in late 2020. For the money, the C7’s are a superb value and don’t require subwoofers unless you listen to bass-heavy tunes as a habit. Those speakers are very engaging to listen to. The 30.2’s offer a more refined sound and better treble, although the bass is rather limited, as they are by design monitors. I use a pair of Rythmik F8 subs with my 30.2’s and am quite happy with them, powered by a Modwright KWA 100SE amp and Parasounf P7 preamp. I listen to classic rock, jazz, and movie soundtracks, all on CD. If you decide to try the 30.2’s, follow your instincts and buy used or well discounted demos or an open box pair. I would not pay list price for a new pair of these speakers.
Which Harbeths?
Trying to decide between the the M30.1/2 and the C7es3/XD. I’ve researched it a fair amount and I’m coming up a bid confused. Like most things it seems people have conflicting opinions. I’m coming from using various Totems for the last decade. I also just had a pair of Dynaudio special 40s for a short time before selling. I found the 40s were better at playing louder and had a bit softer top end, but overall just lacked that something special, ironically. What I’m really after is that just rightness I get with Totems. While I find there top end a bit much I’ve been willing to work with it because of the just rightness I personally get from them. My wife likes to say they sing which I think gets the just of it as well. Harbeth has sounded very attractive to me for a while and hope to find another version of a special speaker in them. One that hopefully is a bit smoother in the presence and treble areas while also being very engaging and musical. I use a McIntosh mc302 and C46, so plenty of power for any of the Harbeths I’d think. Anyways, I’d appreciate any feedback in these two models I can get. Anybody who has experience with both Harbeth and Toen I would have particular interest in your take. I live about 4 hours from any dealer and I don’t like to waste their time since I will inevitably buy used anyways.
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I owned the C7ES3 and absolutely loved them- amazing midrange and a smooth rich overall tone with a perfect tweeter that added just the right amount of cymbal sparkle. The 30.2 are very good but can be overly smooth. The choice could come down to amplifier and room size. The C7’s sound best with a more neutral transparent amplifier in a slightly larger room. The 30’s sound good with midrange forward amplifiers in a slightly smaller room. |
I’ve owned TOTEM ARROs and TOTEM FORESTs in prior systems so I know their strengths AND their warts very well. I now own the HARBETH 30.2XD’s . in brief: (1) The HARBETHs are a VERY sonic signature difference than the TOTEMS, with a superior treble, much superior midrange and matched overall silkiness that will be a big step- up in audio performance. BUT ,,,, If you are a bass freak , look elsewhere. HARBETH bass is tight, punchy and crisp, but they won’t necessarily go as low. Personally it’s a better audio presentation without the bass overhang but likely won’t satisfy bass-heads with rock or organ as their fave music genres. If you are married to the bespoke TOTEM sonic signature, look elsewhere .too. FWIW, HARBETHs will easily best the TOTEMs in low volume listening performance and audio,satisfaction. (2) your room size and your listening position from source will dictate which model of HARBETH you will likely consider ….mine are in 17.5 L X 12.5W. The 30.2XD’s are ideal as a comparison point. (3) The new / current HARBETH model XD’s are a worthy upgrade from HARBETH’s prior models with numerous build upgrades first introduced in the “special” ANNIVERSARY models, but are now standard in XD models. This has been well discussed in my (and other) prior posts below. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/harbeth-30-1-30-2-xd?highlight=Harbeth%2B30.1 (4) The better your upstream equipment, the exponentially better the HARBETHs sing. I’ve never looked back at selling the TOTEMs with any wist or regret. |
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