I have 'em about 34" from the back wall to center of speakers, Avanti, and about 28" from the sides, with a very slight toe-in. Placement will always affect the sound of course, but the Harbeths are not as placement-sensitive as the Legacy Classics I had. I mentioned the Classics had two 10" woofers per side - but one of them was rear-firing, so the wall behind would affect the bass response moreso than with the HL5's. The Classics could move a lot of air and those four woofers in the pair could really rattle the walls, but the Harbeths at similar volume are easier on the ears.
Could be why I like the tilt function on my puffin phono pre at -2, which gives a downward slope. I have ordered a or of 530s, but don't have then for a week or two
Hey everyone! Need a little help. I am currently running 30.2 Anniversaries with stereo pair of Rel T9i. I’m consider selling all of that for a pair of Harbeth SHL5 XDs (no subs). I love what I have now but itching for similar sound with a bit more dynamics. Thoughts? Am I just going crazy from being stuck in the house?
Lol tough call here....shl5+ appear to be my endgame speakers over some more expensive speakers that they replaced...having said that,i do have a subwoofer...not really essential but we never really stop do we?
The 30 is a more intimate speaker. If you do a lot of critical listening, it brings the music closer. The SHLs are not quite as precise or detailed, but they are "bigger" sounding, and arguably better for jazz and rock. Most people prefer the SHLs, but I'd really miss the 30s if I sold them. No right or wrong.
Yes you are going crazy stuck in the house. I love the 30.2's and if you can get the subs dialed in what a great setup!
Being stuck in the house, and having extra $$ in the paypal account is a dangerous thing. About an hour ago I bought a pair of P3ESRs. In my defense though, it's been on my speaker bucket list for a long time, and it's the last one on my list.
Thanks! I’m in love with what I have. I think I need to just sit back and enjoy my music. I listen nearfield and love critical listening. I listen to mostly jazz, rock and hip hop. I’m you experience, you would say the 30.2s have more detail than the SHL5+ XDs?
The subs are so close to perfect I’m scared to even try adjusting them to make them better. lol Once this covid stuff dies down I’ll have you over for a listen.
This was a buy on a whim. Like I said, they were on my list of speakers I wanted to try in my room. Hopefully, they're as mint as the seller says they are so I can resell them in a month or two. There's always the possibility the P3s will wow me enough for me to replace my current speakers and I'll keep them; we'll see. I owned the C7ES-3 and didn't get along with them. Couldn't get the imaging I crave, and other speakers give me. I expect/hope the P3 won't have that problem.
Yes, but instead of "more detailed," I would say the 30s are more "nuanced." "Detail" is about gear and reproduction; "nuance" is where the music lives. The 30s make music.
I fell in love with them. That’s what moved me to to 30.1s and then 30.2s. Harbeth’ s are magical. At least the p3esrs, 30.1, 30.2s are. IME.
Congratulations! Best speaker Harbeth makes (my opinion only.) Which version of the P3ESR's? Regular or XD?
M30 is like a bigger P3ESR. They kinda share the same characteristics. Just that the M30 does it better. I was able to AB the P3ESR n the P3ESR XD. The XD is different. I would say it’s a better speaker. The sound is smoother, like all the edges have been smoothen off and the bass is more tuneful.
i heard the 30.2 and the SHL5 XD. While ultimately how dynamic your current setup sounds and a possible upgrade to the 5XDs depends on your amplification, you can change the tone and transparency greatly. the 30.2 and 5XDs are somewhat smooth and rolled off to my ears. I would go for the "basic" SHL5+ and not the XD model. More transparent and high frequency air, just stunning at times. There is no harm keeping the RELs either, they are an excellent match and complement the sound perfectly.
Good point....I went to Kimber Silver interconnects from CD to preamp, and pre-to power amp. The 30s like a little silver in the signal path-- nicely opened up sound & transparency for me, without added brightness or harshness.
