2. speakers
  3. 1409514461

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
mcslipp's avatar
mcslipp
124 posts
 
Yes, the appeal for me is the beauty/warmth as you say. I was rock'n out to some Jackson 5 last night and wasn't missing a thing. Not sure if that helps at all, but...
handsomeck OP
28 posts
 
Thanks. What solid state did you use with the Dyns? I think Sim Audio makes for a smooth but dry sound but Naim or Luxman warm it up? Did you get the Devores at In Living Stereo in NY -- they are huge Shindo people.
austinbob
235 posts
 
Mcslipp--would love to hear your system! Sounds wonderful. I think the Luxman 505-ux is a very good match with Harbeths although I have heard the Line Magnetic tube integrateds perform very well with them--I was pleasantly surprised because of the 86db sensitivity of the Harbeths is not particularly high and a 22-watt tube amp sounded just fine! I would have bought the Luxman DA-06 but a little dear--I did get the Line Magnetic DAC and it's pretty special too.
jdoris
972 posts
 
I agree with those who note these are very different speakers. I don't know the Harbeth, but I was underwhelmed by an audition of the C1, and I really like the Devores (and still somewhat regret not buying the RMAF show samples a couple of years back). If "liquid" is your bag, I doubt that is the C1; whatever they do to get some thump out of that tiny box, the result, IMO, is not smooth (lots of people really like them though, this thread notwithstanding).

On 093 v. 096, I'm pretty neutral, and would probably be content to let cost decide.

John D. is a really nice guy by the way, which I care about in buying gear.

As for the digital, I'd get those CDs on some kind of server, and not look back! :)
pani
1,219 posts
 
I have heard and owned many dynaudios and Harbeths. I have also owned naim. They all have different strengths and weaknesses. If you want the best of both and some more, look at the Tannoy Prestige speakers. Especially the Sterling and Turnberry to start with. They are more dynamic than Dynaudios, more liquid than Harbeths and tonality more believable than either. By the way, they are easier to drive than either Dyns or Harbeth too.
More to discover