Location: Glasgow, UK
Posts: 2,077
I'm Tony.
Location: Witney Oxon
Posts: 893
I'm Martyn.
I find that my P3ESRs sound much the same if driven by a Quad 34/303 or an Arcam Alpha 3.
With a very old pair of speakers I restored ( Radford BSLs ) the Quad drives them and so does the Arcam.
This time, though, the Quad definitely sounds the better match.
I cannot explain it fully. The Quad was designed in the days when many ( most ? ) speakers were 15 ohms impedance. It isn't just that, surely ?
I'm sure there are those on this Forum who can give more information on amp./loudspeaker matching...
M Miles.
Location: Deleted
Posts: 6,585
I'm Deleted.
I don't, in fact I think he is entirely wrong. I've directly (level matched) compared many amps with the same source and speakers, differences were obvious and repeatable - the same for speaker stands. The difference between light open frame and heavy pilar designs is equally easy to hear as is the use of spikes to couple the speaker to the stand or blobs of Blutack.
I also don't agree with this whole 'the speakers are the weakest link followed by the room' mantra that seems to be in fashion on the forums at present. I say the above as someone who actually uses both passive and active room correction. Of course room correction makes a big difference (or can do if done right - it can make the sound truly appalling if done badly) but it can't reinvent information lost in the reproduction chain. The speakers being the most important component concept is most usually claimed by speaker manufacturers - no surprise there - or those who struggle to differentiate between qualitative and quantitative differences.
Regarding Shane's rudeness - I note that one of his more ironic recent posts stated that he didn't suffer fools lightly - you've gotta laugh .
Dave, now that you and AS have fallen out does this mean you will be wiring his crossovers in the new year?
Last edited by YNWaN; 16-12-2014 at 07:53.
Account Deleted
Location: Glasgow, UK
Posts: 2,077
I'm Tony.
I've just received my Quad 34 pre & 306 power amp and the P3s sound fantastic with this amp combo, certainly as good as, if not better than, they sounded with the XTZ integrated amp that I was using with them last month.
With the modern Denon integrated amp that I have, which currently in the classifieds, the Harbeths sound brilliant but the sound is flat and upfront with a pretty linear sound stage which runs across the room, one could say the sound is 'harsh' or bright I suppose but the Denon sounds nothing like the Quads or the XTZ amp.
The point is though that the P3s sound great with any of these amps IMO.
Tony
I don't fall out with people, I just leave them alone until I don't care any more. No need for a sarcastic joke either, survival is a serious business, especially when you have a large teenage mouth to feed! By the way, if you're so utterly confident, you could 'win' a pair of Harbeth 40.1's and be a few grand better off if you subsequently sold them on..
I can't go on and I can't go back, I don't feel so matter of fact,
I tried and tried to make good sense, What's the good to try it all again?
Location: Deleted
Posts: 6,585
I'm Deleted.
I'm sorry Dave, I'm aware of the financial issues you have and, as you say, bills must be paid.
With regard to Harbeth, I'm aware of their ridiculous marketing offer. Unfortunately I don't want a pair of their speakers or want to promote their business whilst attempting to jump through the various hoops they have set up to pass their 'test'.
Account Deleted
Location: Witney Oxon
Posts: 893
I'm Martyn.
I have bought them back.
I sold them to finance something else, and quickly regretted it. I was offered them by the buyer, but he sold them to Shane.
I was later in a position to afford them, so I made an offer.
As I spent a very long time building them, with advice from Falcon Acoustics and Stirling Broadcast, they became very personal.
I think Forum members will understand...
M Miles.
Good for you Martyn, the pull is strong when you know something is good,especially so when you've built them yourself,
i hankered over these as i feel they might be something special but i just don't need another pair of speakers.
Frank...made me do it.
Location: Glasgow, UK
Posts: 2,077
I'm Tony.