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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
6 responses Add your response
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drubin
3,265 posts
 
Wait until you choose your amp (at least...maybe when the rest of the system comes together as well) as it's the pairing of the amp and speakers that you want to focus on. The Audio Note cables should be perfectly fine for the present. I've owned several models of Harbeths and always felt that they are less fussy about upstream components than most other audiophile speakers. Not that you can't hear differences, just that the differences between components are less noticeable.

I'll add that I think some of the components you are looking at (e.g., Pass separates) are overkill price-wise for your Harbeths. Just my opinion of course.
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
1,398 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
1,398 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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