Spendors comparable to Harbeth C7ES3?

I had a similar situation a few years back with the system in my TV room (second bedroom). The room measures 15 x 10 x 9. I live in an apartment, so playing music at low or low medium volumes is important. Associated equipment is a Prima Luna PL2 tube amp and a Rega Apollo CD player.

I was using bookshelf speakers placed first inside of and later on top of bookcases. Rega Aras did very well in this set-up, whereas Totem Mites did not. I wanted more/ better/ different and thought that increasing my budget from $600 list to $2000 list would do the trick.

I purchased Spendor SA1s without auditioning. Did not work out. Prior to purchase, my impressions of the Spendors were similar to your impressions of Harbeths and there were plenty of reviews around to support these impressions. Turns out that I wanted speakers with a bit more presence, a bit more bass weight than the Spendors offered. I thought that $2000 monitors would bring me nirvana, but in reality the SA1s were not the ticket.

I finally settled on Ascend Acoustic Sierra 1s . I did not audition them. They are direct order speakers. I got most of my money back on the Spendors and $900 was an amount I would comfortably take a gamble on. Ascend makes a floor standing version of this speaker, as well.

Something to consider. I am very pleased with the Sierras. Wish I had some room to accomodate the floorstanders.

Rich

The Majik 140's will sound MILES better than those Ninkas.
You can find them second hand at good prices if you look.
Both the Spendors and Harbeths have their charms but I'm betting you would ultimately find them lacking.

Check out the classic series on Spendor's web site. These are the same - thin walled designs as Harbeth. The A series are more conventional designs.
I own both Spendor (S3/5r2) and Harbeth (C7es3).

Generally, you will find the same great mid-range in both. Harbeth's are voiced a little more forward while Spendors are a little more laid back. I think most of the difference is in the tweeter.

Bmdduck. The sound you describe liking is the Harbeth or Spendors Meiwan noted. I personally own the C7ES3 and I love them. I listen to mostly jazz and female vocals. I'm also the biggest Talking Heads fan on the planet. They sound great too.

Thanks Meiwan and Donjr.

Is it safe to assume that the C7ES3 is more full range than the S3/5R2? The S3/5R2 seems more directly comparable to the P3ESR based on it's size and price.

As you move up the Spendor classic line to the SP3/1R2 and SP2/3R2 the price is more on par with the C7ES3. I guess the Spendors aren't necessarily a better value, but more equivalent with subtle differences the voicing.

WRT the Majik 140s: I'm really looking for standmounts, and to get away from needing 6 or 8 amp channels and aktiv cards to get the best from the speakers.