Harbeth-7es or Fritzspeakers carbon-7


These are 2 speakers that people always rave about. I haven't heard either. The Harbeths are sold through traditional B&M stores stores so you have to pay the full mark-up. The Fritz speakers are sold direct so you don't pay the dealer mark-up. I'm wondering If these speakers are comparable. The Harbeths retail for 3500.00 and the Fritz speakers sell for 1750.00. I would Imagine the Fritz speakers would retail for about 3000.00 If they were sold through normal distribution channels. If anyone here have heard both I would love to hear your comments.
taters
I own a pair of the Carbon 7s and I think they are fantastic. Fritz came over to my house and spent several hours listening and talking audio. He then delivered them and has followed up several times for my feedback. Great service. I also heard them at the CA Audio show and the room was basically untreated. The Carbon 7s sound much better in my room. Highly Recommended. I previously had the B&W 804s ($4500 new) and the Carbon 7s sound better IMO.
I appreciate all the comments. If anyone out there has compared the Harbeth 7-es to the Fritz carbon-7 I would really appreciate it. Thanks.
I have not heard the Harbeth-7es.I owned a pair of B&W tower speakers that cost $3500 new. As time went on I listened to less and less music because the sound quality was disappointing. I auditioned and purchased the Fritz Carbon 7 speakers. My wife and I now listen to music every day. This speaker is a great value.
I have owned Totem Totts, Spendor S3/5se and Fritz Carbon 7's. I had the good fortune to be able to A/B the Spendors and the Carbon 7's. The Spendor was accurate but "small" sounding and very location dependent. I was expecting that transparent "big room" sound-stage and did not always get it from the Spendors. The Carbon 7, on the other hand, sounded huge at the outset, and only improved with time. The sound-stage remained broad but focused even when I moved off axis. I was using an Audible Illusions M3B pre and a TAD-60 power. Workmanship was absolutely first rate on the Carbon 7's. VERY big sound in a small package. No gimmicks just thoughtful and intelligent design using the best drivers available. I cannot imagine Harbeth's bettering the performance of the Carbon 7's to the degree that would warrant their price differential.