In Reply to: Standmount recommendation ...up to $4,000 posted by pc123v on March 25, 2014 at 20:45:16:
I currently own both the Harbeth Compact 7ES3's and the Devore 3xl's and I would have to say the speakers are quite different. I listen in near field, about 7 feet from the baffle plane and the speakers are about 6.5' apart. Room is about the same size as yours.
I run the Harbeths primarily with a Hegel H200 SS Integrated (200 watts into 8 ohms). This pairing tightens the lower end, offers an incredible soundstage, and is an improvement in detail and microdynamics compared to when I run the Harbeths with my Cary 300SEI. The bass can get a little loose with the Cary / Harbeth pairing probably due to the lower impedance and efficiency of the Harbeths (about 86db). However, the Harbeths and the Cary are a very compelling offering on vocals, especially female and may work well with your amp provided you are not looking at high db levels. I rarely listen above the high 80's at my listening position.
The Devores pair extremely with the Cary. They are a much better impedance match and their 90db + efficiency presents an easy load. The Devores are very detailed and with the wrong amp will send you out of the room after a short listening session. In my opinion, they are not forgiving and will reveal any harshness in your sources. When you get things right, they are an incredible speaker for jazz, blues, acoustic, piano, and rock at reasonable volumes. They will struggle with large scale orchestral / symphony works if you push them too hard. (I've experienced this driving them with both the Hegel and the Cary.)
Good luck with your search, the quest should be a fun one.
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Follow Ups
- RE: Standmount recommendation ...up to $4,000 - badteacher 03/29/1417:15:33 03/29/14 (1)
- RE: Standmount recommendation ...up to $4,000 - El Monte 15:46:14 04/5/14 (0)