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

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. 

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!

Jjss49 thanks this is very helpful. In the Proac line I was considering the DT8 and D20r mainly. What amps have you had the most luck with partnering with Proac?

I just went through the exact same thing. I had the C7ES-3 XD and replaced them with Graham LS6F floor standers. The Harbeths were great, but the Grahams better them in almost every way. Bigger soundstage, more transparency, and better bass extension; it was not a subtle improvement. My Coda CSiB integrated drives them beautifully. 

miter53 this is good to know. I would love to hear any graham speakers, never had the chance. They are also pretty pricey but I will check into that floorstander and see if it would be possible to swing it.