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Dynaudio, Devore Orangutan, or Harbeth

I have found it difficult to step up to the plate and make a decision on a new (and probably my last) system -- in large part this is because, as most of you know, no dealer carries all the components of choice. Accordingly your advice is appreciated.
I listen mainly to jazz, vocals, Brasilian, R&B, classic rock and world music. My room is 12' by 20' with an 81/2 ceiling. I will be seated about 10 feet from the speakers.
I am most interested in the Confidence C1 speakers, Harbeth P3 (with a Rel Sub), Compact 7 or M 30.1 or the Devore Orangutan 93 (newer smaller version). I had been thinking Naim 202/200 combo. But now I am thinking more of the Luxman integrated (more liquid and with tone control and phono amp) 505ux or 550 with the Devore and with a Luxman CD player - I have a very large cd collectin. Should I go with the CD player or a Luxman Dac and use an Oppo as the transport which will give me better sound?
Your thoughts are appreciated.
handsomeck
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,846 posts
 
I own the P3's and I think they would be a great fit for your
size room. A simple two way sealed is the way to go. You
might be surprised when you hear the bass on them and you
just might forgo the sub.
ohlala
1,243 posts
 
For those who may subscribe to Devore Orangutans, the O96 with SET is the captivating concoction. Devore has showed 93s, 96s, Naim and SETs at shows. I would listen to that before investing in any other combination.
mcslipp's avatar
mcslipp
124 posts
 
Dynaudio, while great speakers lean towards a more analytical sound to my ears. If you're using words like "liquid" & "tone" I think Harbeth and Devore may better tick that box. I traded away my C1's (along with all of my solid state gear) as I found myself listening to my equipment instead of the music. I now run Devore O/96's with a Luxman DA-06 into Shindo Pre & amp and couldn't be happier. But as always go listen as YMMV.
handsomeck OP
28 posts
 
Thanks for all your responses -- they are very interesting and helpful. Respect but not love for Dynaudio. Several questions and comments if I can impose on you nice people again. We have two supporters of Tim at Tone of Music. He is a nice and knowlegeable guy.
On the Luxman Dac vs Cd player, if I am playing cds, will the sound be the same on a Luxman cd player vs the same priced Luxman Dac with an Oppo as a transport?
Mcslipp -- I would only go for the O/93 both from a cost and aesthetics standpoint and probably with all Luxman -- what do you think? And did you ever audition Harbeth as part of your audition process? To my ears, the Orangutans are very beautiful, but rather passive and not very vibrant -- not very exciting if listening to the Temptations rather than Bill Evans (who I love).
One musical recommendation to all if you haven't heard her live or on recording -- check out Cecile Mcloren Salvant -- she is amazing.
peter_s
1,348 posts
 
Very true statements about the Dynaudios singing best with lots of power. I heard them with Gamut monoblocks (sounded great) and I played them with Classe Omega monoblocks. Right now I'm playing the Harbeth C7's with a Luxman 505, and it's an excellent combination. I plan on selling the Luxman though, only because it's a bedroom system and I have a small bedroom with not enough night table space to keep the Luxman. In any case, I'm mostly listening to classical at night, and I find that the Harbeths provide plenty of emotional intimacy.
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