speaker upgrade


I would appreciate your advice on upgrading from Wharfedale Jade 3 standmounters.  Current system is Cambridge CXA-81, miniDSP SHD streamer with Dirac Live, SVS sub, lower-end AudioQuest cables, Furman power conditioner and assorted acoustic panels & tube traps.  Room is 12x15x8 with two open doorways, rugs, heavy curtains.  I like the "British" sound - musical, not so bright.  I listen to a lot of vocals of different types, for example Melody Gardot and Sinatra, but also Argentine tango (GoTan Project, Tangetto).  Seldom crank it up too much.

Budget is, say, under $2,000 and used is fine.  I've been thinking of a Harbeth P3ESR, but I haven't heard them.  I may have someone interested in my Jade 3's so I may need to move faster than I might otherwise do.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Ag insider logo xs@2xtreepmeyer

Hmm. The Wharfedales are good speakers. I wouldn't jump ship unless you were going for major changes in presentation like Tekton Double Impact or Martin Logan ESLs etc. The Harbeths are fine but I'm not convinced you'll get the bang for the buck you seek. Floor standing Spendors might get you there.

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I was going to suggest one of the Harbeth models that would fall within your used price range. I do own a pair of the P3ESRXD's (among others) and have been very impressed with them. I should mention that I run them with a pair of REL T/7i subs.

It’s looks like the cut and dried option would be the Harbeth minis.

However, seeing that the Jade’s are no slouches either it might be advisable to try to hear the Harbeth’s first.

That way you could determine whether the P3s would be a sufficient upgrade or not. Also whether you’d need a sub to go with them.

If not, there’s also the likes of Spendor, ProAc, Tannoy, and not to mention, bigger Harbeth’s to explore.

 

Around $2000 does sound like a lot, but at this level the improvements seem come few and far between, and not usually without incurring a few losses also.

 

"Wharfedale’s flawless—and remarkable—Jade 3 punches way beyond its price. In fact, I’d recommend that anyone with a speaker budget of up to $5000/pair consider the Jade 3" (Rob J Reina/ Stereophile).

 

Many thanks to everyone for the advice.  I think for the present I'll keep (and enjoy) the Jade 3s.  And over the next couple of years I'll arrange to audition the Harbeths, but also Spendors, Tannoys, Fynes and ProAcs.  No rush; its part of the fun of the hobby.  Regards.

Avanti1960 - that was quite the glowing review of the Falcon LS3/5a.  There is a silver badge pair on USAudiomart for $1400.  Boy, it tempting.

By the way, is the Avanti reference to the car?  I used to own a '76.  Beautiful!

The Falcon Acoustics LS3-5a has sensitivity of 83 dB and impedance of 15 ohms.  Can I drive them with a CXA81?

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