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A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?

Hi gang, hoping for some thoughts. 

I'm very happy at the moment with my system, but getting a slight itch for an upgrade. So many options and directions I could go, but the one I'm pondering at the moment is moving from my Harbeth C7ES-3 speakers to Wilson Sabrinas. (The Sabrina X is now out, which may bring the Sabrina down to my budget... maybe.)

My room is approx. 10'6" x 15'6" with the speakers along the short wall and my listening chair is about 2/3 back from said wall. The C7s plus their stands are just about the right size for this room, and the Sabrinas on their floor spikes are similar in "overall" size, though obviously the speakers themselves are bigger.

Current amp is a Pass Labs XA30.5 which doubles down at 4Ohms (plus lots of headroom) and comes just within Wilson's "recommended" amplifier power. The room is on the smaller side, and I don't listen loud; I've never "wanted" for more power with the C7s. (Though every once in a while I wonder what a pair of XA60.5s would sound like in here, but that's an entirely different thread.)

Eh? Any thoughts?
don_chisholm
don_chisholm's avatar
don_chisholm OP
35 posts
 
Thanks for more comments and thoughts!

I've heard (and had) planars, not interested in going there at this time. Same with open-baffles and "horns" - not my thing. Though "omnis" such as MBL might not be out of the question, that would require some new consideration.

I've heard the Sabrinas numerous times at shows, and a local dealer, where I also recently heard the new Sabrina X. While the new X definitely isn't in the budget, the Sabrina could potentially be, especially on the previously-owned market. An in-home audition prior to purchasing isn't likely an option, but I've rarely had that opportunity, anyway.

As for going from Harbeth to Wilson, I suppose it is a different direction, which is probably the reason for this thread. Again, appreciate the many thoughts so far.
decathlon1991
229 posts
 
soix3,219 posts11-05-2020 11:27amSounds like you’re not sure what you’d like to improve upon — “upgrade” is too vague at least for me.  So failing that the obvious safe and perhaps smartest bet is moving up the Harbeth line. I would say that given you like the Harbeth sound I’d suggest looking at Sonus Faber over Wilson — a little more rich or warm/musical and less clinical sounding (relatively) than Wilson while possibly adding better 3D holographic imaging over Harbeth if that would qualify an an upgrade to you. Those are my impressions of the house sound differences anyway, FWIW. Hope this helps, and best of luck
Sorry, but I think that the Sonus Faber are very bright. I find it brighter than the Harbeth and the Wilson’s. With his components, he can’t go wrong with the Sabrina’s. The Harbeth upgrades are nice as well. Better bottom end with the Wilson. More control and is a better match with Pass Labs Class A amplifiers. It’s about matching the components with the right speakers. You are heading in the right direction. Stay on course, it will pay off. This is no disrespect to the Sonus Faber brand.
decathlon1991
229 posts
 

aj523160 posts11-05-2020 6:07pmGeoff won’t like this but i had two 60-90 minute demos with the Sasha Daw in Manhattan this past July and found the $37k speakers too dry and clinical to my ears. Although on the plus side great soundstage, imaging and super clean as I could hear every lyric (which is a problem for me as I have asymmetrical hearing loss), it just tired me out. It had no soul to me. Meanwhile I wound up with the Harbeth 40.2 Anniversary and absolutely adore their warmth and natural sounding musicality. Vocals are liquid smooth

What was your equipment? Is it the same type of equipment you use in your home? As with any speaker (room size, placement, etc.) and components, it makes a huge difference. I have the original Wilson Max 2’s and the equipment I used with the Cary Audio SLP-05 with the Ultimate Upgrade and Tube Rolling, I’ve used on the Monoblock amplifier side, the Cary Audio CAD805 AE Monoblock,  the Chord SPM6000 Monoblock, Audio Research REF250 SE Monoblock, and now McIntosh MC2301 Monoblock. In mentioning this, trust me, it’s all about matching the equipment with the speaker. Listen with your ears as you try to decide with your eyes.
aj523
385 posts
 
@decathlon1991 was top of the line Audio Research rack and the other was Dan D'agostino momentum line. Is that matching equipment? 
layton64
36 posts
 
My Harbeth 40.2 are now 5 years old. These speakers are a joy to listen to. Something intangible that is beyond description. I have no thoughts about changing or "upgrading". I can relax and enjoy my music collection.
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