Полочная акустика — Harbeth C7ES-3 XD2

The C7ES-3 XD2 is a two-way monitor for stands, designed and handmade in England by Harbeth Audio at Lindfield in West Sussex. It is the current version of the Compact 7 and sits between the smaller P3ESR XD2 and M30.3 XD2 and the larger SHL5plus XD2 in the range. The XD2 revision brings a RADIAL4 cone and a new crossover to the model, while the rubber surround of the mid/bass unit has a softer profile for better damping and the tweeter sits behind an open weave grille.

Key specs that matter

A 200 mm Harbeth-made mid/bass unit with a RADIAL4 cone is paired with a 25 mm ferrofluid-cooled tweeter. Frequency range is 45 Hz to 20 kHz within 3 dB, for free-space conditions and grille in place. Sensitivity is 86 dB for 2.83 V at 1 m on axis, nominal impedance is 6 ohm and power handling is 150 W programme. Harbeth suggests amplifiers from 25 W per channel. The cabinet measures 520 mm high, 272 mm wide and 305 mm deep, grille and terminals adding 12 mm, and each speaker weighs 13.2 kg without packing.

Engineering and use context

Harbeth builds this enclosure on the BBC-style thin-wall approach, where lightly built panels are damped rather than made massive and rigid. Front and rear panels are screwed on instead of glued, so they can be removed. Internal wall damping was revised for this generation, and the port tuning frequency was adjusted to match it. RADIAL4 is Harbeth's newest cone material, developed with changed diaphragm material science and improved moulding over earlier RADIAL generations. The crossover was redesigned with software simulation to improve integration between the two drivers on axis and in the vertical plane, so exact stand height matters less than it did before. Harbeth quotes a smooth off-axis response for the model. Connection is through two 4 mm Harbeth-branded binding posts, so single wiring is the only option. Buyers choose from five real-wood veneers - Rosewood, Oak, Walnut, Cherry or satin Black Ash - and natural veneers vary in shade and grain from pair to pair, so each pair is matched at the works.

Pairing

The response is optimised for placement away from walls, and the tweeter sits 440 mm above the base of the cabinet, so stands should lift it to seated ear height. The easy load means modest valve or transistor amplifiers above the suggested minimum can drive it without strain.

Alternatives

The Harbeth M30.3 XD2 is a smaller stand-mount two-way in the same range, using a RADIAL4 mid/bass unit of the same size in a 460 mm high cabinet rated down to 50 Hz.