It’s always a wonderful thing when we find something that satisfies for the long haul. Congratulations 👍
Still in love with Fritz's Carbon 7 SE Mk 2 Speakers (not that you asked but...)
Hey all, I know I’ve posted about Fritz’s Carbon 7s before, but after five years with them, I’m simply reporting that I’m still not letting them go! I’ve continued to educate myself about other speakers—some with bigger woofers, some costing significantly more—and the Carbons keep winning out.
For anyone who’s curious, I’d mention again how easily they play with lower power gear (my Dynaco ST-35, my Pass xa25, and my QS tube gear), adapting beautifully to different amplification. They maintain that natural, honest presentation that first drew me in.
What continues to impress me is their versatility across genres. Jazz remains their sweet spot—Jarrett’s piano still has that liquid quality, Porter’s baritone materializes with weight and presence, folk is startlingly in the room. They still manage rock’s complexity (my go to is Steely Dan’s layered arrangements). String quartets and classical piano are wonderful, too.
Their ability to soundstage (and disappear) remains miraculous, and their bass still surprises me given the driver size.
Anyway, I know folks here know how much I liked these early on. I’m just here to report that after living with these speakers through different systems and countless listening sessions, I’m more convinced than ever that Fritz built something special here. His direct-sale model means that Dynaudios, Sonus Fabers, Harbeth’s, and the rest better watch out. If word gets out what you get for (often) the same or less money, they’ll be sweating a bit. And made in the U.S.A., for those who might be wondering.
Still my reference bookshelf monitors. Still irreplaceable. Treat yourself this holiday. It’s been quite a year.
Longer review here:
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/review-fritz-heiler-s-carbon-7-se-mk-2-bookshelf-speakers
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I agree that "Audiogon does not need any more salesmen." Maybe you’re assuming something about me that’s incorrect. As my OP said, I’m following up on initial impressions and reviews I wrote, given new experiences with other gear and speakers over 5 years. Again, the type of thing one would find on a forum. That’s all the rebuttal that "salesman" snark requires, I assume. It’s pretty much refuted, as far as I’m concerned. Giving away my Ascends? Nah – they are doing an amazing job for my HT setup at the moment. Different speakers, different moods, different rooms. But since I have friends who are looking for just one speaker, I have found the Fritz is a great solution for some of them. Again, this is all my "opinion," but I’ve justified it with words, so it’s more than that, really. Oh, and re:
You just promoted your opinion at the very moment you were saying you didn't want to promote it. To live up to your own principles, you should have said, "I have a favorite monitor, too, but I don't believe in promoting it so I won't mention it here." Instead, you engaged in performative contradiction. Good job. |
I don't think you should waste your time justifying yourself to someone that makes comments like dayglow. I did like that he thinks speakers that are over twice as much are better, more affordable options though. I think comments like your original post are very important for people like myself that are on the fence about buying a speaker and are consciously looking for a more cottage company over the big brands. When companies like Fritz have no marketing budget or presence in brick and mortar, they and us buyers, rely on feedback just like this to help form interest in the brand. I relied on comments like this that were plentiful and commonly positive about Frtiz's speakers before I made the jump and bought Carbon 7's myself. I really enjoy them. They are well made, look good even if basic, and sound great to me. |
@freeflowin Thanks for the backup. I was more trying to respond to what seemed (to me) like impugning my motives. Like you, I was lead to Quicksilver, Pass Labs, Fritz (and Salk and Ascend) by intelligent conversation and even some "fanboy" commentary. People who love something can lose perspective but they can also sing an interesting song about what they love and why. I've seen songs sung about Don Sachs, about Quicksilver and Supratek, about many other brands. Sometimes, I can tell that what the poster is saying is not my taste – but that's fine. I knew they were not "selling" their favorite, they were singing a love song. Here's to silly love songs! |
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