Harbeth P3ESR and Croft Series 7

[IHP]

I have the Harbs. above and just bought a used Croft Series 7 Power amp. (completely blind, I do this sometimes !). I've heard that these two components can be a cracking combination and just wondered if anyone had any views ?

I regret selling my Micro 25 pre-amp now !

The pre I have at the moment is the Eastern Electric BBA, a great little unit which I hold in high regard.

[DSJR]

YES, YES, YES!!!!!!! No probs at all :lol:

[Alex_UK]

Harbeth anything and Croft anything are superb in my limited experience of the brands - should be great. :thumbsup:

[hifi_dave]

A match made in heaven.

[IHP]

I must say I'm quite excited by this. The Harbs. have been a bit of an end of the rainbow thing for me and I find that they are sensitive to differing amp. sources. Just lovely with a Quad 99. I understand the Series 7 power amp can accommodate 3 different valve types (ECC83, 81 and another ?). I'll get this confirmed before messing about !

[DSJR]

The designer has tried very hard to make his products usable with the widest variety of amps as possible, so if you can hear loads of differences in amps you've tried, then it may be due to damping factor I suspect - perhaps?

The thing is, as long as there's enough power, any modern amp is ok for use with P3ESR's. Why do you think the Croft will be better, apart from us blathering on about them? - It "should" be, purely because the circuit is so simple, direct point-to-point wiring and keeping things as simple as feasibly possible. Hope you like it :)

[IHP]

The designer has tried very hard to make his products usable with the widest variety of amps as possible, so if you can hear loads of differences in amps you've tried, then it may be due to damping factor I suspect - perhaps?

The thing is, as long as there's enough power, any modern amp is ok for use with P3ESR's. Why do you think the Croft will be better, apart from us blathering on about them? - It "should" be, purely because the circuit is so simple, direct point-to-point wiring and keeping things as simple as feasibly possible. Hope you like it :)

Hi Dave,

On the 'why do I think it will be better' question, I just like to try different amps. really and am particularly enjoy doing so with the Harbs. I generally do this at no loss and generally enjoy it. Truth is, I was influenced by the 'blathering' here. We have to hear for ourselves but there's generally always something in collective ranting ! Anyway, I'll soon know for myself, and that's the main thing ;-)

[DSJR]

Don't mind me, I've had some pretty bad news this morning and am more than usually disorientated right now..

I know many of you like to try out different hings and box swap to high-heaven, but these days, the music takes precedence, the gear just being the "channel" for it. maybe I'm lucky in my choice of ancient gear, as I've known Glenn's amps for more than twenty years now, have known the Crown "D" series and Spendors since the early 70's and think I know how to get good noises from them etc.etc. so now I don't feel the need to swap about too much. heck, even the ton-up Quad 303 has come into its own in the upstairs system.

To my ears, the Series 7 Croft has a very clear, bright and breezy presentation, no stodge, grit or grain at all, just "alive" without ever sounding "bright." very difficult, words, but you'll hopefully know what I mean when you get it. The matching preamp is similar and may be "tunable" by tube rolling perhaps. Regarding cables and suchlike, most decent non-foo ones work fine, but the best suited will sound that much more involving over a long listening session, the others "not quite right" but quite listenable. I personally don't think there's any mystery here as I'm sure much of this can be accounted for (and one good reason eventually for everyone to go "active" as all these variables are removed at a stroke :)), but Glenn's current range isn't fussy and prima-donna-ish at all :)

[IHP]

Hi Again dave,

I didn't mean anything by my response, i'm sorry about your news, whatever it may be. And peace to you too, a nice sentiment often forgotten methinks.

[SteveW]

Big thumbs up for the Harbeth P3ESR's from me.
Got mine early this year from HiFi dave, and they continue to sound amazing. OK, mine are with a Lyngorf 2200 with all the room correction malarky, but I have no doubt that its the Harbeths that allow me to even listen to music streamed to an airport express with delight.

[IHP]

A match made in heaven.

Dave, you are so right, I love box swapping but things really are falling into place with this combination. My word, just jaw dropping.

[Tarzan]

Dave, you are so right, I love box swapping but things really are falling into place with this combination. My word, just jaw dropping.

Ian can you give more details on the sound as this sounds like it could indeed be a match made in heaven:)

[DSJR]

You live in Essex. Go and pay HiFi dave a visit (lazy beggar you :D) and listen for yourself :lol:

I promise that you won't be disappointed - just take your credit card with you (shill, shill, shill..........)

[IHP]

Dave, you are so right, I love box swapping but things really are falling into place with this combination. My word, just jaw dropping.

Ian can you give more details on the sound as this sounds like it could indeed be a match made in heaven:)

Gawd I hate the review bit - just can't do it very well. Ok, I'll have a stab....
Natural, obviously, but as perfect as I've heard in any system I've owned. The detail of an (all) valve amp with the authority of a solid state. Lovely, lovely bass with no boom. Music seems to appear out of the speakers in a way I've not heard it before (I've previously used a Leak 20, Leak 12+, Quad IIs, a Radford 15, a Quad 306 and 99 and an Avondale something or other).

Look Andy, this is turning out to be a bit rubbish, sorry ! I really would emplore anyone with an interest in this combination to listen to it.

FYI I'm using an Eastern Electric BBA as a pre and my room is 12 x 12 feet. I'm going to live with this set up for a while now to further evaluate whilst pondering on selling some of my other amps to get the R power and pre and calling it a day.

I have to say I've been no friend of the dealer (sorry !) and bought 2nd hand, but if I'd have paid £700 for this I'd be just as happy.

[IHP]

You live in Essex. Go and pay HiFi dave a visit (lazy beggar you :D) and listen for yourself :lol:

I promise that you won't be disappointed - just take your credit card with you (shill, shill, shill..........)

Following on, it's a fair call !

[Tarzan]

Following on, it's a fair call !

Too lazy!:lol:

[IHP]

I'm just truly smitten. Looks like this will be going to Glenn Croft for the 'R' upgrade. Can't afford the pre yet but this will happen in time, I'm even selling a pair of treasured Leaks to fund this. For me this amp. is so satisfying.