If you can, try a different amp. I noticed a huge difference in performance between a MA252 and a dedicated pre/power amp combo. I had the MA252 w the C7ES3 and when I switched, the speakers really opened up and shined

Quite funny there is no dedicated Harbeth Forum, I am suuree there are a huge number of Harbeth owners in the USA. It would be nice to have Harbeth added to the manufacturer's forum and invite Alan Shaw on board.

Would not be a bad idea to have a Harbeth sub-forum here on AA.

.... and KEF, as well?

Change the Tannoy forum to an English Speaker forum perhaps? Ask Ivan.

^^^

+1

:thumbsup:

Close, not Harbeths but Spendors
 

I drive Spendor S100s (very similar sound and philosophy to Harbeth) with an MC275 and a C2200 pre. Its the best sound I've gotten, and I've had some pretty good systems in the past.

Of course its a matter of taste, but I've found as I've matured in this hobby I've moved from striving for the cool effects and the last degree of detail to something that tonally conveys music.

Mac tubes and good Brit speakers give you such a natural, non-hifi, unhyped but sheer musical presentation that I find myself listening for hours. In fact yesterday it was over 12 hours! With earlier systems I'd have gone to the TV and zoned out on cable news after an hour or two.

I could never go back to Audio Research and their "high definition" take on tubes or to the electrostats or Vandy Model 5s I had before the Spendors.

I've been driving my C7ES3's with a MA252 for close to a year now and have been very pleased with the SQ.

MCD500 player
MC202 amp
C220 pre

In use with Harbeth SHL5+ speakers for the past few weeks.
Previous was Revel f208's but in all honesty the Harbeth's are the best sounding speakers that I have owned and seem to fit my room perfectly.

Driving SHL5s with MC275 & C2300, pure heaven!