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Harbeth P3's or CS7 easier drive

I'm driving the P3's with a Croft phono Integrated. It's a very nice combo, and I would think very hard to beat for the money. Opinions may vary of course. I can't help but wonder if the C7's would unleash the Croft a bit. I remember the dealer playing the SHL5's for me after the P3's, and they easily sounded more efficient...Played louder with same amp and VC set the same. That was what I had heard about the 5's, so no surprise there. The C7's are spec'd at 86db, while the P3's I believe are 83.5db. However, the Harbeth site suggests an amp with higher wattage (than P3) for the C7's. Cheers -Don
fjn04
fjn04 OP
1,339 posts
 
Thanks smrex13. I figured with that 2.5 to 3 db difference the C7's would be somewhat easier to drive. I do feel the Croft does nicely with the P3's, and would have no problem recommending the combo. The C7's remain an interesting option...I also have a friend who has experience with both speakers, and he really liked the C7's.
smrex13
423 posts
 
No doubt the Croft is great with the P3s - I've heard it myself and enjoyed it a great deal.  I thought I was making a step up from the P3s to the C7s.  While I certainly got more bass and better dynamics from the C7s (and the beautiful Harbeth midrange) I missed the clarity of the P3s.  That being said, many others would prefer the C7.  And it would be a great match with the Croft.  You'd be able to really turn it loose.
willemj
1,036 posts
 
If you want the clarity of the P3ESR and the efficiency and bass of the C7, I think the M30.1 is what you need.
willemj
1,036 posts
 
But all speakers like power, so I use a 2x100 watt Quad 405-2 to drive my P3ESR, and I just bought a 2x250 watt Yamaha P2500s for my son to drive the M30.1s that he is planning to buy.
fjn04 OP
1,339 posts
 
Has anyone tried the baby Leben (300X or XS) with the P3's, or C7's? It would seem like a stretch to think 15 watts would drive them to satisfying levels. Obvious exceptions to the case would be a small room, acoustic music... played at relatively normal listening levels.
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