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move to a floorstander from Harbeth?

So, I’m pretty happy with my system but I’m getting that itch we all know so well. I’ve had my Harbeth C7es3’s for about 6 years now and still really enjoy them. I’ve gone through a few amps with them and they’ve shown the changes pretty clearly. I’ve used the Croft Phono Integrated, the Marantz PM-KI ruby and now have the Belles Aria. The Belles seems to bring out most of the best of these speakers short of a super integrated. I guess my question is: for a harbeth lover looking to move to a smaller floorstanders, what would likely satisfy and feel like an upgrade. So far:

Spendor A4

Neat Elite Classic

Dynaudio Contour 30 (would likely require and amp change)

maybe a Proac with ribbon tweeter if I can find one in my range…

I don’t have much to complain about with the Harbeths, at their best they are sublime. Would be nice to have a little more transient speed and more a sense of pace as they can feel a bit laid back. I know some of that comes down to amp as well. The only other “complaint” I have is with certain recordings (and some amp combos like the advance a12) I can really be reminded that the c7 have an aluminum dome tweeter, so I am looking for something with a nice soft dome, amt or ribbon. 

Looking up to about $3500ish used. Would love to find something good on TMR as their trade policy is helpful. They also have the Totem Bison Twin Tower and Tower. I’ve read great things but not sure if that would be a good move or a downgrade in some ways. Any other thoughts on this? Recommendations? Others who have moved on from harbeth, was there regret or was it a great move? Just fyi, source is an orchard audio streamer. Thanks for any help.  
 

 

clarinetmonster2
clarinetmonster2's avatar
clarinetmonster2 OP
216 posts
 

Thanks for all the responses. Yogiboy, I have heard the A4 before at a show a few years ago. I think I would like them in my room with my amp potentially - and I have a dealer/friend who would give me a great discount on a pair. I may take my speakers and amp to him and try them back to back there unless he would let me do an in home trial. 
 

Freediver, yes this thought has crossed my mind since I do love the harbeth tone. I haven’t heard any of the xd models so that would be interesting to compare. I’m open to it if I can find something in my price range. 
 

Emil, yeah those Neat Elites intrigue me and the price is good. How would you compare them sonically with harbeth? Do they have very realistic tone in the midrange for instruments and voices? I’m also curious how you would compare the Supernait 3 with the Aria. I had thought about that move as a potential way to improve speed and prat as well but wasn’t sure if I would lose some beauty in the tone at the same time. 
 

 

 

 

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,358 posts
 

The Response DT8 is an often overlooked model by Proac, but might just fit the bill.  A bit over your budget new, you should find it used in excellent condition for your target price,

camiguel
8 posts
 

I had the Neat Elites too. It was bright for me when I connect them to my luxman L 550 AX MK ii which has 20 watts in class A. I got fatigue with them I had to return them. What amplifier you going to use with them?

clarinetmonster2's avatar
clarinetmonster2 OP
216 posts
 

Twoleftears, you are correct I have overlooked that model and wasn’t even sure it was a current model. I’ll look into it. 
 

camiguel, for now I’ll continue with the belles aria. 

camiguel
8 posts
 

Belles are very good! You can’t go wrong with them?

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