This is all great, really appreciate hearing people’s experience with similar moves. dpac996, what amps have you used in the atc’s? This might be the first time I’ve heard them compared so closely with Harbeth. I’m thinking amp matching with ATC is more critical than with Harbeth?
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.
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The ATCs are not very efficient but not that hard to drive. Impedance doesn't go below 5.5 ohms. They do like power and current but there are plenty of amps that work well with them. From the SCM20 up, there are active versions that have perfectly matched amps. I auditioned the 20s for a few weeks. They sounded great but I prefer a 3 way with that special midrange driver. I'm hoping to score a pair of SCM50 very soon. Likely the last speakers I ever buy. |
@clarinetmonster2 I ran the SCM40s and 50’s with: Audia Flight FLS-9 integrated , SimAudio 641 Integrated, SimAudio 761, Accuphase P4600 and P7500. The passive ATCs are a pretty easy load but will reward solid amplification. It all depends on once’s tastes. They can sound however you want them too, lots of ATC owners run them with ARC tubes (75 wpc and up), Octave Audio tube amps as well. The scm40’s are more easy going and easier to setup and get sounding awesome than the more potent 50’s. The Audia Flight was a nice sounding Italian amp that is somewhat forgiving and makes for a pleasant sound. I am 99% sure a Luxman 509x would sound killer with the 40’s. I honestly can’t remember if I ever tried that pairing but I’ve owned that amp and really like it and know its strengths well. |
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