easier to drive specifically Harbeth v Vandersteen

If you like we can discuss the advantages of a Harbeth C7 vs the older
Vandersteen C2.
With the understanding that in a smaller NYC apartment enjoying the full range of the music at lower volumes will not be a virtue the Vandersteen will afford you. The Harbeth is much richer through the midrange at low volumes. Next considering your specific listening preferences and room acoustics can help narrow your choice.
Harbeths excel at jazz, strings and classical or folk and are less capable
at heavy rock and saturated volume levels.
They are not particularly sensitive but do not require large amounts of current to bring to life.
In your circumstances they will surpass the Vandy's for listening pleasure at lower volumes and the even the Harbeth P3esr would.

"09-28-14: Fidelisav
If you like we can discuss the advantages of a Harbeth C7 vs the older
Vandersteen C2.
With the understanding that in a smaller NYC apartment enjoying the full range of the music at lower volumes will not be a virtue the Vandersteen will afford you. The Harbeth is much richer through the midrange at low volumes. Next considering your specific listening preferences and room acoustics can help narrow your choice.
Harbeths excel at jazz, strings and classical or folk and are less capable
at heavy rock and saturated volume levels.
They are not particularly sensitive but do not require large amounts of current to bring to life.
In your circumstances they will surpass the Vandy's for listening pleasure at lower volumes and the even the Harbeth P3esr would."

I'm a big Vandersteen fan, but if you are in a situation as described above, there may be some logic to getting a different speaker. I live in NY myself so I can appreciate the circumstances. A lot of the buildings are pre war, making them very difficult for a good audio system. Another speaker that works very well for this type of setting is ProAc. I know several people that use the 1sc and are very happy with them. Also, the small DeVore's are a good speaker to work with.

I'm a big Vandy fan too... But I chose Harbeths a few years ago (NYC apt) because they sound excellent at low volumes - which helps with neighbors...

++ Harbeth. Imaging and midband are fantastic.