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Moon 340i and Speakers

I recently replaced my Arcam FMJ A32 integrated amp with a Moon 340i in my home office.  This is driving a pair of B&W 685 bookshelf speakers and a REL T3 sub.   It's hard to articulate the difference between the Moon and the Arcam, but lets just say its obviously a different beast .... I'm lovin' it.  Anyway, the only issue is that it does easily "overpower" the B&W's which is not too big of deal except with some recordings  I have to turn the juice down a bit to keep the high end from breaking up.  I am working on some room correction issues but I wondered if anyone had any experience with that amp in terms of speaker compatibility.  I live a long way from any brick and mortar retailers plus I have very little discretionary time  so it is difficult to audition equipment.   My limited research leads me to believe that Harbeth, Sonus, or Dynaudio might have products to consider.  My budget is around 2K, and they would need to be bookshelf or stand mounts due to limitations of the working space.    Thanks!

dafazz57
big_greg
6,623 posts
 

Thank you all very much.  That was exactly the type of information I was looking for.  I wonder if anyone has any experience with smaller Harbeths.  Even though I have never even seen any in real life, much less heard them, I have an unexplainable curiosity with them.  Who knows,  maybe the name?!? 

I have Harbeth P3ESR SE speakers paired with a Simaudio 600i integrated along with a small subwoofer and it's a great combination.  It's in a fairly small room and perfect for the room.  I've gone through many speakers in this system and my main system, but these are unlikely to ever leave this system.  

freediver
1,155 posts
 

That is a WORLD CLASS amplifier,the speakers are in NO WAY worthy of such a fine front end...
Your going to get recommendations all over the board...IMO,simply choose ANY new or gently used speaker from one of the 3 manufacturers you already mentioned,or newer Spendors & you'll be HIGHLY satisfied...
 Try to stick with speakers made in the last 2 years..ALL of those recommendations moved from a slightly bass heavy,mid/high lean tone to a balanced,detailed,relaxed & almost lush tone..
 Harbeth P3 & similar size Spendors will be slightly bass lite...Similar size Dynaudios(Evoke 10)will be just a bit better balanced as Dynaudio has an amazing knack for coaxing more bass from similar size drivers & cabinets...
 The Fritz Carbon 7SE Mk.II is a decent speaker BUT I felt they had just too much of a dark chocolate tone compared to Dunaudio,Harbeth or newer Sonus Faber...
 

dafazz57 OP
7 posts
 

Thanks everyone again.  I'm motivated to make the move ... this is going to be fun!

chayro
2,983 posts
 

Totem is a good match with Moon. And it you can use a stand mount speaker, you can fit Totem Hawks or Forests, which take up no more floor space. Both great speakers as is the Model 1. Also a Fritz fan as well. I had a pair of his tribute to the Model 1, which I think Fritz called the Mini. I had them at the same time as the Totem and I thought the Fritz were better. The guy who bought them also has a pair of the Fritz Carbons and likes the Mini better. But the Totem Model 1 is very good as well. 

waytoomuchstuff's avatar
waytoomuchstuff
1,100 posts
 

The "600 Series" B&Ws are a value-driven, high bang-for-the buck speakers that compete very strongly in their price class. What you are experiencing is not so much a "tweeter" issue, but the aggregate of good, but not great, crossover components, signal path, etc. The CM series is a major jump in sound quality with point-to-point wiring, better components, and cabinet integrity. The 800 series takes this up a notch with a great deal of attention on refraction(s) and parts quality upgrades throughout.

At your price range, new CM series would get you there, or used 800 series. I’ve also auditioned Totems in this price range and found them to be very musically satisfying.

Good luck in your search. Have fun.

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