New Harbeth compact 7's... Quite good

I did too. Funny, I liked the Shl5's more. In a word, the 7es3's simply *sounded* smaller to me. Better imaging and low-end extension with 5's. They also cost more, which wasn't so pleasing.

 

I own the Harbeth HL P3ES-2 and the Compact Model 7ES-2.
I listened to the the Super HL5 and should have bought it straight away, but I opted for the smaller models due to room accomidations (15'x17'). The Super HL5 does everthing the 7 does but on a slightly bigger scale. The model 7 is the first box speaker that I really enjoy totally. I am listening to the music more and the system less. For a box enclosure loudspeaker the Harbeth line is the only one that gives my other speaker system (Martin Logan CLSIIZ) a run for the money. Check out the Harbeth users group on the net. My next speaker system will be the Super HL 5. If you want to know what other speaker system I've owned/audiotioned just ask. Hope this helps you in your quest.

 

It really depends upon the room. The Compact 7 has always been one of the best speakers available if you're listening in a fairly small room. The Monitor 30s, which are smaller than the Compact 7s, actually need a bigger room because their presentation is much more forward. Same for the HL5, which needs a larger room as well.

In a little room, the Compact 7 will sound the best of all Harbeths. (BTW, Monitor 20s and HL-P3s will excel in a small room, too.)

 

What is the definition of a small room?

Mine is about 13 x 14.

 

Great wordsmithing! Now, I'd really like to hear a pair.

 

My current room is 16X13, although it is open on one side. I tend to think this is a fairly small room, considering my last room was 16 X 20, with a slanted open beam ceiling. I also placed my system diagonally, which opened the sound up even more.

So you're dealing with a small room, IMO.

 

Harbeth HL-P3s for you!

 

I use McIntosh MC 30's with Compact 7's and they will play louder than I would EVER listen. Granted my room is not that large, but the volume knob on my MX 110 never gets past 11 o'clock

 

Thanks, Tom, for commenting. My room is smaller than yours, so I wonder if I could get away with the smallest ones. What would be really nice is if they have a trade-up policy.

 

Would they play well with McIntosh 6900? I mean they are 6 Ohms and I have 4 or 8 Ohms autoformers. As documented in other threads I'm thinking about upgrading Spendors 2/3 to a bassier model. I actually thought about Spendors 1/2 but maybe I need to consider Harbeths. How do they compare to Spendors 1/2?

 

Just try the two taps and see which gives you better sound, particularly tighter bass. That's the one you go with! My MC275 works best with the Harbeths on the 8 ohm tap.

 

I've heard the midrange is magical on these speakers.

 

But you haven't actually HEARD them....

 

I did! I can confirm they're magical.

 

From McIntosh:

"If the impedence of your loudspeakers is in-between the available connections, use the nearest lower impedence connection."

 

It's always case by case, even when you have 4 or 8 ohm speakers. Sometimes one combination sounds better than another, regardless of what's on the back of your speakers.....

 

I have a new pair of Compact 7ES-3 speakers on order to use with my MC275 (when it works... I'm having trouble with it right now and it may need repair). Is it safe for the amp to use either 4- or 8-ohm output taps on the amp for the 6-ohm Harbeth load? Would using one set of taps "stress" the internal components of the amp more than the other, perhaps reducing it's lifespan?

Sorry if this is a rudimentary question... I'm a tube newbie. Please take it easy on me!

 

It will be fine either way. You won't stress anything, one will give you just a bit more dynamic range and a bit more natural high end...

I use my 275 with the Harbeths on the 8 ohm tap and have had the best results there, but it is pretty close. See which one you prefer! It may be a bit different, depending on what cables you use too.

No worries either way!

 

Jeff, did this review ever come out?

 

What happened to the review???????????????

 

Jeff -- TONE AUDIO GUYS-- Anybody .......review?????

 

What can we say? It's coming! We have a lot of gear on hand!

Would it help you to know that Jeff loved them so much that he bought them? If he hadn't, I would have. They're awesome speakers!

 

oh OK thanks for the info.

 

I heard them at the Heathrow show a couple of months ago. The only pair apparantly demmed by Howard Popcock , apart from Quad 2905 they are the best speakers I've heard yet.