Harbeth C7ES3 vs Spendor SP2/3R2


I recently acquired some beautiful Harbeth C7ES3 stand mount speakers and some Sound Anchor stands.

I normally wouldn't purchase speakers unheard, but I went against my own advice this time and let all the internet hype sway my risky decision.

The Harbeths are currently in the break-in period, and so far I'm not terribly impressed. In fact, the only trait I prefer over my MA Silver 8s is the midrange tone, everything else is inferior thus far.

I realize that comparing some medium sized, metal cone floor standers to BBC style 2-ways is apples to oranges, but I was really hoping the Harbeths would captivate me, if by completely different merits. 

I hope that some break-in will change my view in the coming days. However, the dealer I bought these from claims that the Spendor SP2/3R2 might be the better speaker for my room and preferences. The Spendors are another $500 on top of the Harbeths which already stretched my budget.

Anyway, I'm curious if anyone here has compared these two models and can give me some feedback.

I think I'd be very pleased with the Spendors if they offered better bass extension and dynamics over the Harbeths.

I know this is all subjective, but the dealers near me have trouble accommodating in-home trials. They're nice guys but very busy. 


helomech

Showing 1 response by avanti1960

I have the C7s since last May and went through the same thing you are.  
Not quite a year later and NO BODY is taking these things from me. They are speakers for life and amaze me on a daily basis.   Give them some time, the bass does get much better and appreciate what they offer in the mean time- an impressively natural and realistic sound.  
You can read about my trials and complaints here-

http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/new-harbeth-c7es-3-some-questions.536298/