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.
Falcon LS3/5a speakers, made in England, purchased a good number of years ago. It’s been a long while since i rotated them into my smaller system in my cozy little corner of the house. In the winter I much prefer my smaller, warmer room on the second level, not only is it cozy but being smaller it’s got a different sound character and presentation than my much larger main listening room.
One of the things I genuinely love about this hobby is that it is about fresh experiences, new knowledge and slowly gained wisdom. . A few days ago I blew a voicecoil on my Charney/Lowther speakers so in a fit of aggravation I pulled components, swapped speakers and started playing around w/ fresh combinations to get my mind off the potential cost of damage done to my speakers
Being in a foul mood I was not having much success in finding relaxation in playing music so I focused on scouring the Internet for the wisdom and experience of others to give me an idea of what I did wrong and what my next step towards a solution should be when somehow I went down a tangent path and stumbled down rabbit-hole of information on the British LS3/5A speakers of which I own the Falcon silver badge model, and next thing I knew, huzzah I was having fun and entertaining myself again while also experiencing a whole other level of performance I had NO idea these speakers were capable of. I tried them in a fashion recommended by an older more experienced user with great success. I’m so thankful the internet preserves such a great wealth of information and I’m agin even more thankful for the folks who take time to document their experiences for others to stumble upon years later.
Case in point, despite owning my LS3/5A speakers for several years now, I am currently using equipment combinations and positioning I had not tried in the past, gaining a new level of experience, knowledge and respect for old school engineering of 50 years past. There is allot of good and bad information on the internet, I managed to stumble across some very good information which I’m fortunate to have the ability to replicate and enjoy the benefits for myself.
YMMV, it’s been my experience that 10 audiophiles in the same room will give you 10 varied opinions on the same equipment they all just listened to. I’m posting a link to a pair of articles I stumbled upon for the first time pertaining to the famous LS3/5A, in its original 15 Ohm version. I’m personally enjoying replicating the techniques mentioned by the author and further enhancing my own knowledge base and experience w/ these wonderful little old school speakers. If you are fortunate enough to own a pair or looking for info on them someday, the info linked below turned out to be a good resource for me.
Almost forgot, gratuitous sexy photos of some gear
Speaker cables are easy to play w/ in this room and I do like to experiment and actually use the equipment available to educate myself best possible. Thank you for all the equipment you have shared w/ me I so very much appreciate it all!
. A few days ago I blew a voicecoil on my Charney/Lowther speakers so in a fit of aggravation I pulled components, swapped speakers and started playing around w/ fresh combinations to get my mind off the potential cost of damage done to my speakers 
I was having fun and entertaining myself again while also experiencing a whole other level of performance I had NO idea these speakers were capable of. I tried them in a fashion recommended by an older more experienced user with great success. I’m so thankful the internet preserves such a great wealth of information and I’m agin even more thankful for the folks who take time to document their experiences for others to stumble upon years later.
