1. Home
  2. speakers
  3. 196944-91807

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
mashif
471 posts
 

You should be able to find SCM40s used under $5k. There’s one on The Mart right now. 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650271862-atc-scm40-passives-cherrywood/

clarinetmonster2's avatar
clarinetmonster2 OP
216 posts
 

mashif, yes I saw those. A bit above my range, could maybe talk them down. The only thing is I don’t think my belles aria will come close to cutting it with those so I’d be looking at 2 upgrades at once…may be worth it to wait and do that. That’s what I have to figure out - something like the Graham now or wait for something like the ATC when I have enough for an amp upgrade also: 

retiredfarmer's avatar
retiredfarmer
363 posts
 

I own both a set of harbeths as well as meats both levels up from the ones you have as well. A really good friend had a set of atcs and I am familiar with them.  The ATC are a studio monitor and sound just like that accurate but dry. The mid-range on the harbeths is likely better that the others I have the fives. The top to bottom balance is very nice on the meats I really like them but I have them on a home theater system so I have never put them into a really high end system. So in that respect hard to say what you Will find . Also I have another great friend who ran spendors  they are very nice as well they take some power.  Personally all of these speakers are very good but all at the same level. More of lateral move. Also personally if you find the harbeths hot on top you have problems elsewhere. Wire likely I am not familiar with your amp or streamer. But I would first start by trying a power cord. If you want to get a better speaker go up the food chain a bunch. On my big system I did exactly that and was very happy with that change. You are all in about the same level what you are looking at so very small differences. 

joeycastillo
267 posts
 

OP

I would suggest you take a listen on ATC SCM 40 floor standers. if possible, do a long-term listening. you have posted your gear, and you got GOOD ones

the ATC floor standers are very good IF you pair them with a Great amp

I only have atc sm11 powered by Pass amps and all i can say is wow! Have not heard a BELLE amp but the reviews been great. so Yes, I can attest that ATC floor standing speakers are worth its weight BUT only if Powered by an AMP capable of driving it. If you decide to get the scm40 and you think you need more power, then stick by the Pass amps in the 250W or more. the 150 only suites the scm11/19

 

Good luck

clarinetmonster2's avatar
clarinetmonster2 OP
216 posts
 

Had an interesting convo with Gene Rubin (who is one of my favorite people in the industry btw). Was picking his brain about the Harbeth/Spendor/Graham comparison. Obviously this is all subjectively his opinion but he loves the original C7es3 and thinks they are the best iteration - he’s not a fan of the xd’s and feels that they’ve become too bright. I asked him about a couple speakers in question - the Graham ls6f (although i think he was talking about the ls6) and in his mind he felt like it was essentially a lateral move and that the grahams he would point me towards are the 8/1 which are his favorites by far. 
We also talked about the Spendor A4 and he said in his mind it’s another lateral kind of move BUT he’s had a couple customers lately that switched from C7es3 to A4 and they both love them more than the Harbeths and are very happy with the move. 

 

More to discover