Amplifier advice for new Harbeth Compact 7s

[JJack]

That sounds like a serious solo bake-off and I'd be fascinated to hear the results. Is it a perreaux 150i? I've heard this with harbeths at planet of sound in Canada and its excellent. However it's very expensive in the uk.

The Perreaux will be (I think) the 80i.

Out of this store audition I'll probably take home two finalists of contrasting takes.

I have to say that I'm intrigued by the Alabaster though, as the price is right, but I wouldn't have a chance to hear that one before I purchased.

I really like this Naim XS I've been auditioning now for a week. Quite possible that I end my search with the XS, but I'll have a bit of fun along the way,listening to other gear.

[audio39]

Let me put it this way: if I gave you my brand-new Harbeth Compact 7es-3s and awesome stands, and then I gave you up to 3000 pounds to buy an amp, what would you buy?

The winning answer will receive most of a pint of Guinness the next time I'm in the UK

A Luxman integrated amplifier!

[DSJR]

Croft is better than Luxman, but not dressed as well. In the UK, we call it "all fur coat and no knickers..."

[Darren]

Hi Rob,
Do you know why Tony eventually settled on Tannoys rather than 'statics?

[Darren]

Please help me to understand the point about earphones producing low frequencies. I understand that low bass signals have substantial wavelengths, so, given that, how can these frequencies be reproduced in such a small space?

[RobHolt]

Hi Rob,
Do you know why Tony eventually settled on Tannoys rather than 'statics?

I think (well I know) that Tony holds the view that no single type of loudspeaker can do everything, so its simply a case of picking the compromise that best fits at the time, so perhaps 'settled' isn't the word. Sometimes that means running more than one system. I hold the same view.

I know he's heard 57s and 989s. I'll be playing some 63s when he visits next week (plus I have 57s here). Be interesting to see what he thinks.

Some loudspeakers are excellent in one or two areas and very competent overall, while others can have one stunning attribute but be quite poor in other areas. The latter group tend to be have the performance dictated by the music genre.

Rob

[Elephantears]

Hi Rob,
Do you know why Tony eventually settled on Tannoys rather than 'statics?

He thought that the electrostats he heard had no bass.

[RobHolt]

That's true - 57s literally have no low bass. That can be a deal breaker and again goes back to music tastes to some degree. I'd put the 57 into the 'stunning and poor' group for those with wide tastes in music.
I've often sat listening to them and thought that reproduction just doesn't get any better than this, only to change music and.... oh dear!

Rob

[Marco]

I think (well I know) that Tony holds the view that no single type of loudspeaker can do everything, so its simply a case of picking the compromise that best fits at the time, so perhaps 'settled' isn't the word. Sometimes that means running more than one system. I hold the same view.

As do I

Marco.

[Reid Malenfant]

Please help me to understand the point about earphones producing low frequencies. I understand that low bass signals have substantial wavelengths, so, given that, how can these frequencies be reproduced in such a small space?

Pressure... The headphone diaphram obviously moves backwards & forwards which increases & decreases the air pressure between the diaphram & the eardrum causing it to vibrate in sympathy. Ok so the wavelength won't fit in the same space but air pressure variations take over.

I guess that's how come you can hear an explosion, after all the wavelength will be incredibly long as it's a one way expanding pressure wave outwards from the point of origin?