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My Harbeth C7ES-3 story...

CKDC said:
Kray, did you consider anything from Primaluna?

They seem a lot more “docile?” than the Line Magnetic (A 22 watt SET amplifier!!!???)

I am interested in your thoughts.
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I did when I was looking at the Rogue but based on everything I read, I leaned towards the Rogue. since they basically run the same tubes and I really liked the Rogue I didn't think about trying the Primaluna afterwards.

If I'm not blown away by the 518 I'd consider trying the Dialogue Premium, if I could find one used.
 
Should be getting the 518 on Tuesday but that means I prob won’t get to play with it until wed/thurs

in the meantime I picked up a pair of Audio Sensibility Statement SE interconnects. I recently bought a used pair of AS Testament speaker cables and love them. I’m a fan of OCC copper, so grabbed a new pair of the IC’S during his holiday sale. I’m really impressed with AS build quality.

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Art K. said:
If I bought a tube amp today it would be a Raven Audio. Period.
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cant afford it and they rarely come up used but also I’ve had lots of different push/pull tube amps, but never had a powerful quality SET like the 518
 
What a beast!!!! Arrived a day early.

unpacking and setting up now. Won’t get to do any critical listening until tomorrow. Dinner and drinks with friends tonight blah! Haha :D

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OK Kray, you are seriously making me very jealous with all these amps passing through your home. Could you just stop? And could you just say after all this testing that your 1970’s Yorx receiver/8 track system sounds as good as anything else you have tried? I would feel much better if you did.....
 
StuartB said:
OK Kray, you are seriously making me very jealous with all these amps passing through your home. Could you just stop? And could you just say after all this testing that your 1970’s Yorx receiver/8 track system sounds as good as anything else you have tried? I would feel much better if you did.....
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I’m only 2hrs in, but I’m 98% sure you’ll get your wish and I’m about to jump off the merry go round for a while and stop with the amp.

it still has the stock 845 tubes and they say the 845B is the sweet spot but OMG this amp is so lush, full and beautiful. :eek:

For my next act..... think I’ll start rotating thru DACs!!! :D

so LFD is up for sale and after new year will be putting the Rogue up for sale too.

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Then there is the 219ia...lol! Best sounding LM amp I’ve heard...but not as good looking as yours.
 
Got a nos Mullard gz34 f31 fat base coming...

thing I love about the Harbeths, feed them a better and better signal and they keep just go up another level.

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Sound Dragon said:
hows the dynamics with the SET? Do you feel like you are missing anything? Just curious.....
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with the 518 I don’t feel like I’m missing dynamics honestly. I’ve read the better 845 tubes (845B, WE845) offer greater range and dynamics but the 845’s it came with seem good to me (Valve Art 845)

I’m also running
2x Telefunken 12ax7’s
2x Tung sol 6L6G’s
1x Philips rectifier (soon to be a very nice old Mullard)

there’s more depth to the music than I’ve ever heard and crazy details (I know the DAC helps with some of that but it’s better with the 518 in the chain)
 
I went to a local dealer today and listened to the Harbeth 30.2s on some massive LM integrated amps. When I got home my LS50s didn't sound as good as usual.

I have Schiit Freya, and Gungnir Multibit, and a PrimaLuna Prologue Five with about 45wpc from KT88s. I have a birthday coming up soon so I'll be going back to listen to the 30.2s and the C7ES-3s. I have a feeling it will be a tough decision.

I hope they'll sound good on my current system, otherwise I'll have to go back for a LM integrated. LOL
 
Rick Z said:
I went to a local dealer today and listened to the Harbeth 30.2s on some massive LM integrated amps. When I got home my LS50s didn't sound as good as usual.

I have Schiit Freya, and Gungnir Multibit, and a PrimaLuna Prologue Five with about 45wpc from KT88s. I have a birthday coming up soon so I'll be going back to listen to the 30.2s and the C7ES-3s. I have a feeling it will be a tough decision.

I hope they'll sound good on my current system, otherwise I'll have to go back for a LM integrated. LOL
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i haven’t heard the 30.2’s but from all the reading it seems the C7’s extend a little lower and seem fuller but the 30.2’s are more “refined”. So depending on room and if you prefer some low end without a sub. I have no desire to add a sub. Is it possible to audition them in your home?

I’d think the Primaluna would sound good as long as the room is not super big (but judging from your current speakers I’d guess your room is not too big)
 
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kray said:
i haven’t heard the 30.2’s but from all the reading it seems the C7’s extend a little lower and seem fuller but the 30.2’s are more “refined”. So depending on room and if you prefer some low end without a sub. I have no desire to add a sub. Is it possible to audition them in your home?

I’d the the Primaluna would sound good as long as the room is not super big (but judging from your current speakers I’d guess your room is not too big)
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Yes, you are correct. My room is only 10 x 12. I have a small sub, but the 30.2s were playing without any, and had a tight and well defined low end. If I end up needing more power, I might try a pair of Schiit Aegirs.

Yes, your C7s have a bit more low end, and are slightly more efficient. I think the 30.2s might be a better fit for my old ears but I'll give both speakers a good listen before I decide.
 
So the battle begins.... when it arrives next week

Current Schiit Gungnir MB vs Audio Note Kits 4.1 Limited Edition

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