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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
exley_99's avatar
exley_99
6 posts
 

IMO Harbeth with Nait would be too much of a good thing, i.e., emphasis on the midrange. The Belles is a better choice.

On the Nait forums PMC speakers, which TMR now carries, are very popular. You might give TMR a call about them.

erik_squires
17,537 posts
 

Klipsch Heresy

steveashe's avatar
steveashe
119 posts
 

Well, time for another .02.  

I've had the 30.2xd's for 4 years or so.  I have the itch to upgrade. No sensible reason.  The 30.2's are phenomenal.  For acoustic music, guitar, piano, vocals, etc. in my apartment, within my budget, I haven't heard anything better.  

Maybe I'll give the ATC SCM 19's a try in 2026.  I've heard they are very good, from a couple of audiophile and musician friends.  I moved from the Pass INT25 to a McIntosh MA352 earlier in the year, so now no problem to power almost anything that will fit in my apartment.  The Pass was wonderful btw, just to get that out there. 

clarinetmonster2's avatar
clarinetmonster2 OP
216 posts
 

Steveashe, sometimes I think those who have 2 or more pairs of speakers to switch in and out when they want a change are doing it right…instead of getting on and off this wonderful merry-go-round every few years. 

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,920 posts
 

over the past decade i have owned every harbeth model (p3, c7, super 5, mon 30, mon 40), but since before that time, i have been a proac fan... tablettes, response 1.5, 2, 2s, 3, 3.5, 3.8, d30r’s... all the harbeths have come and gone, i enjoyed them for a time, but there are 3 pairs of proacs that have stayed (1.5, 3.5, d20 r)

but i should mention that if you go to the response series proacs your belles amp may not play nice with them (whereas the ’deader’ sounding harbeths benefitted from the jolt of treble energy that the aria usefully provides, the more sensitive and nuanced proac tweeters need a smoother, sweeter sounding amp, at least up top)

good luck on your next speaker!

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