C7ES-3 versus the 30.3

[Randy Myers]

I am trying to understand the difference in these two models. If anyone could enlighten me that would be great. From my research it appears that both models use the same drivers. The C7 is almost 2.5" taller and just over an inch deeper. To be fair the 30.3 is 5mm wider. The tweeter is set about 2" or so higher in the C7, mainly because of cabinet size.

The impedance is rated the same, the power handling is rated the same. The C7 actually is rated as slightly lower in bass response, 45hz versus 50hz for the 30.3. Both appear to use the same quality hand made cabinets.

The C7 model has always been considered Alan Shaw's "baby". I guess I am confused as to why the 30.3 is considered a higher model and is retail priced at $1500 more than the C7. By the way, I absolutely love my new C7s. I am simply trying to understand the lineup. Anyone have any insight?

 

[Randy Myers]

The admin at the Harbeth forum replied that the M30.3 have 50% thicker cabinets, and use a different tweeter and crossover. They cost more to manufacture and this accounts for the price difference.

I am surprised that the M30.3 is using a 50% thicker cabinet when the C7SE-3 is actually heavier.

The C7SE-3 is listed at 13.2kg each, while the M30.3 is listed at 11.6kg each. The C7SE-3 is about 3.5 pounds heavier, each, which is fairly substantial when the admin claims that the 30.3 use 50% thicker cabinets.

I certainly understand the tweeter and crossover being of higher level. However, the drivers are listed as C7SE-3 having 1 x 200mm Harbeth-made RADIAL4 mid/bass unit and 1 x 25mm ferrofluid-cooled tweeter while the M30.3 are listed as 1 x 200mm Harbeth-made RADIAL4 mid/bass unit and 1 x 25mm ferrofluid-cooled tweeter. Their website does not mention anything about a difference in the tweeters used in the two models.

 

[Mr Peabody]

C7 I would say plays lower due to larger cabinet.

 

[Randy Myers]

As it turns out, that gentleman that I was talking to was actually Mr. Shaw himself. Therefore the differences are that the M30 has an upgraded tweeter and crossover. The M30 also has thicker cabinets, which I still don't understand because the C7 are heavier .