Another contender might be a pair of used Avalon Ascendants. Might be slightly over your budget but you wouldn't need a sub. They are very musical and don't have an etched high end. I listened to the Harbeth's and liked the tonal signiture of those speakers. The avalons are just more focused, transparent and musical in my opinion.
Harbeth 7es3 vs HL5
Does anyone have a recomendation between these 2 speakers for a Rm approx 20' by 20' opening up to a kitchen and dining rm about the some size. I currently have Dunlavy 4a speakers which are untamingly bright. I have several tube and solid state amps and different speaker wires. The accustics are very difficult to deal with realistically and there is no long wall for the dunlavy's. I guess what am asking is would the 7es3 be too small for this size rm.I do have a sub if absoluely needed but I am no bass addict but am looking for a natural midrange sound. Thanks