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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

hilde45
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,994 posts
 

@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!

sifter
100 posts
 

I'm happy you are still enthralled with Fritz's Carbon 7 MK2. I enjoyed them for some time, I believe you and I corresponded about these 2 or 3 years ago. To be ultra picky, I found the high end just a hair, a tad muted, or better put as 'not as prominent' as I like. At the time I believe you understood what I was hearing, nothing bad, just a preference issue. You obviously love the Fritzs and rightly so, they are a very high quality, musical speaker. I think you would very much enjoy auditioning the Acoustic Energy AE500s if you have access to a pair. They are currently occupying for me the place the Carbon 7 MK2s hold for you. Happy listening!

mahgister's avatar
mahgister
15,042 posts
 

We all appreciate reviews and impressions coming after many years...

I was pleased and interested by this thread because these speakers are affordable...

Thanks for the review and happy new year to you and to all ....

 

 

I concur with this post:

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.

secretguy
1,981 posts
 

I'd love to hear these. I'm thinking of starting to downsize/cull the herd.

I'd love for something small to do a little of what my Maggies do,,,  but that's been a futile pursuit for years.

hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,994 posts
 

@sifter I agree about the high end. I alternate them with other speakers, including some large DIY speakers (see my system) with AMT tweeters and I also have the AE500’s you mention. I’m lucky insofar as I have space to move speakers around and also have a couple rooms for listening. For those most interested in the music I mentioned, I find the Fritz hard to beat. For other kinds of music, there are better choices. 

@secretguy  -- We think alike. I love my different speakers, but I sometimes imagine myself with the Fritz, the Pass, and a nice preamp. To make an analogy, no one typically owns just one comfortable leather reading chair but if one moves to a smaller place and has to choose what to keep, they know what puts them in a "happy place." That’s how I feel about Fritz.

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