Help me complete my stereo system (Harbeth, ClearAudio Concept).


Hello Everyone,

I would like your help in completing my new 2 channel audio system.  My room is approximately (11ft X 14ft X 9ft ceiling) or about 42 square meters.  

I value good vinyl playback over streaming and CDs and listen mostly to small group jazz.  

I want to stay within a reasonable budget, so I'm focused on entry level components from high quality companies.  To give you an indication, I own a ClearAudio Concept with the Satisfy arm and MM cartridge.  

As far as speakers are concerned, it will be either the Harbeth P3ESR or Compact 7s.  I have auditioned both with expensive Accuphase amps and was blown away by the P3ESR, especially their natural, open sound and ability to fill a decent size room.  C7s struck me as less dynamic ... but let me know if those would be preferable considering my space and listening tastes.  

I am fairly certain that I will be favouring Solid State to drive the little Harbeth, and car analogy, realistically a well-tuned 4 cylinder turbo rather than a V8 with power to spare.  I plan to add a DAC for streaming and radio, more as a convenience than anything else (serious listening is always vinyl).  An onboard phono is preferred but not a deal breaker.  Speakers and stands to be considered separately.

Thanking everyone for their help and comments. 




juleman
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Great find. Of all the Harbeths I've owned I thought the Rosewood finish were the nicest looking. Enjoy them!
The rogue Sphinx v3 would drive those harbeths nicely. It has both a great mc/mm phono stage built in, as well as a very good headphone amp. Hybrid tube/class d. A herb Reichert favorite. $1500 bucks, but I can get one cheaper, but I cannot tell 😁
Here is Herb’s review:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/rogue-sphinx-v3-integrated-amplifier

Add a musical fidelity v90 dac $299, if you can still find one, and then a Grace Digital link internet radio/streamer with digital and analog out $159 on sale. Two great pieces. All the above for under $2k.

Acoustic sounds sells the harbeth p3esr, they are good to deal with. The cherry and the rosewood are in stock.