In the general speaker thread, I shared, “Depending on what sound you are looking for, I think the C7s move slightly away from the BBC sound. It was the first speaker Alan Shaw created for Harbeth and maybe the last one to be updated. If you are interested in C7s, I would recommend looking for used 40th. Much of the innovations in the 40th were worked into the XDs, but with lesser binding posts. If you have the room, I think you’ll want a sub. Yes, 87db efficiency is something to consider.” The guy I sold my C7s 40th repurchased them and promptly put up his Davore O/93 on USAM. Cool dealer who specializes in finding gear for clients. Not saying one is better, but he’s had many speakers and that’s the one he wanted.
30.2 40ths maybe the way to go. The finish is Silver Eucalyptus which look great.They dont come up very often. FWIW, the guy I sold my C7s 40th was specifically looking for the 40ths.
Yes, this will be identified on the back with a “B stock” brand. Like a cattle brand. They are sonically good, but cosmetically have minor defects. I imaginge for the price difference you’d be better off waiting for a used non-b stock at your price point.
The Syland stands are designed for the Harbeths. They set the tweeter at ear level which is recommend by Allen Shaw or if it is your end game speaker you could go with Ton Trager. This can be considered down the line if you go this route.
One more thing, Harbeth only services speakers for that country’s market. I know they are significantly cheaper in Canada. Not that youll have a problem, but again something to consider.
Is the consensus that all harbeth scale with the front end or only certain models?
I’m using a set of the p3esr xd with the Riviera levante and keep tossing up an upgrade but at the same time enjoy what the p3’s are doing.
Moving from the Riviera aic to the levante brought out alot more low end from the p3’s and sounds were more controlled.
I do find however at times the p3 sounds like it’s distorting or pushed to the limits when listening at 75db in nearfield (on desk) as the mid or sub bass becomes muddy and sounds less tight/defined/clear but this could also be the impact of the room.
When auditioning Harbeth speakers, i heard the p3s, c7s, and 30.2s with two diffent chains. Although the P3s scaled up as you mentioned, at some point the speakers hit their limits. Not a fair comparison for a monitor against bookshelf speakers in a listening session. It was a while ago. We did push them, but not sure how loud. Maybe some isolation feet will help out.
It looks like Resonant Woods makes stands specific to Harbeth’s line of speakers. My mistake. Im not sure which of the three mentioned are the best with isolation, but these seem like they are worth checking out.
I have them on stands on my desk, there is a thin piece of rubber between the stands and the desk and then rubber blocks between the speakers and the tops of the stands but I’ll keep an eye out for some cheap pucks or similar to do it properly.
For use on a desk the depth of the P3 makes them very unique.
Good to hear. I was glued to my desk during the pandemic for 10+ hours a day and didnt have time to listed to my main 2 channel. I wish i was more into quite quitting back then. No sourdough baking for me. Lol. I build a simple chain around the P3s and have found them very enjoyable in a nearfield setup. It just won’t rock out with the refinement they provide at lower listening levels.