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Speaker Cables for Harbeth P7ES-3 -where to start?

Hi, I'm in the process of building my hifi system with a pair of Harbeth P7ES-3 and want to get a decent pair of
8'-10' single-wire speaker cables (preferrably factry made with spade connectors). Budget is about $600 new or used. Heard good things about Acoustic Zen Hologram and Kimber 8TC/12TC.

How are the Acoustic Zen speaker cables graded? Hologram, Absoulte, double-barrel, etc? What's the difference?

I'd like the cable to deliver dynamics, tight, fuller bass and midbass; excellent resolution; clarity and smoothness in mid and treble.

FYI, I haven't decided on the power and pre-amp yet (will consider Pass XA30.5 or X150.5; Ayre V-5xe; integrated Tube amp or other good options). For now I'm using a Yamaha receiver as amp and a pair of Audio Note AN-B speaker cables. The source is a very modest Philips CD-player (with Audioquest interconnect).

Thanks for your help.
r0817
crom
19 posts
 
I use Crimson Audio RM Musiclink with the 7es3's. They are within your budget and available for home trial. I agree with Drubin that it would be wise to try cables after deciding on your amplification. You can get some ideas from the Harbeth user group. FYI, I greatly prefer banana's over spades especially with stand mounted speakers.
bgeofft-duplicate-0
174 posts
 
No matter how many times it's been said, here goes again: the 7ES-3's are not picky with what SS or tube amplification you use, and oddles of power are not needed. Fifty watts of output is plenty unless you live in a barn in which case best to look at another speaker system. I've heard the 7's paired with Burmeister, Prima Luna, Moon, Pass, LFD Zero III/LFD NCSE, Pathos Classic, and differences are subjectively minor. But hey, don't take my word for it - spend, spend, spend, or smart move - save on amplification and buy more MUSIC.
dodgealum
1,400 posts
 
I'm a former C-7 owner and agree with what has been said above. I bought mine in England while living there for a year and had them connected to a crappy Japanese receiver with some old Monster cable for a few months before bringing them home--they sounded better than most of what's out there. After I got them home I ran them first with Naim (a little NAP 140) and then with Audio Research (first a 150.2, then a 100.2). Did they get better as I improved the quality of amplification and cabling--yes BUT they sounded darn good back in O'l Blighty. Get yourself a nice amp with decent power (I think 100wpc is plenty) and some good quality cables that won't break the bank (I like Empirical Design or there is a nice pair of Dynamic Design Lotus for sale here for like $400--a steal as far as I'm concerned) and then sit back and enjoy the music.
meiwan
399 posts
 
I own the C7's and have experimented with a few speaker cables. Cardas and Purist Audio are not a great match. I've just switched to all Audience cables, but am waiting for the speaker cables to arrive. In the meantime I've got an old run of Audioquest type 4 cables (about $50 worth), and must admit, they sound pretty good.

My take, stick with a simple cable design. And maybe you don't need to spend a fortune if you've got good stuff ahead in the stream. Audience, Kimber 8tc, stuff like that.

For what it's worth.
dodgealum
1,400 posts
 
I'm a former C-7 owner and agree with what has been said above. I bought mine in England while living there for a year and had them connected to a crappy Japanese receiver with some old Monster cable for a few months before bringing them home--they sounded better than most of what's out there. After I got them home I ran them first with Naim (a little NAP 140) and then with Audio Research (first a 150.2, then a 100.2). Did they get better as I improved the quality of amplification and cabling--yes BUT they sounded darn good back in O'l Blighty. Get yourself a nice amp with decent power (I think 100wpc is plenty) and some good quality cables that won't break the bank (I like Empirical Design or there is a nice pair of Dynamic Design Lotus for sale here for like $400--a steal as far as I'm concerned) and then sit back and enjoy the music.
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