Harbeth SHL5 vs SHL5 PLUS

hifipf9 posts07-22-2015 6:10am

I have had both plus and original SHL5.All things being equal the difference I hear are as follows:
1) top end a bit more extended and clearer. Enough so that older model is more forgiving.
2) midrange a bit less fuzzy and a bit more snap.
3) bass is where the Plus benefits MOST.Tighter which address a bit of bloat that would a times be present on original SHL5.
4) drivers are more coherent as a result of improvement’s.
I will not comment on imaging or staging because those aspects are too subjective.
Next stop 40.2. BIG FAN

May I ask the amplifier that was used on both Harbeth SHL5 and SHL5 Plus when you had them?

I have lived with the SHL5 for more than 5 years now. A recent upgrade from the Naim NAC 202 and NAP 200 to the NAC 282 and NAP 250 had caused the sound to be a tad warm. I could actually live with the bass of the speakers but I want a more extended top end and an overall leaner sound. Reading your comments above it looks like the new Plus may be the ticket? A less fuzzy midrange with more snap would suggest that the midrange is more in focus and sounds leaner. A treble that is clearer and more extended may render the predecessor to have rolled off highs in comparison. In short, all the traits you have mentioned above are things I am looking for.

Celo, it is true that I no longer have the SHL5. I upgraded to the SHL5 Plus last year.

Leben CS600 sounds more open than most solid-state amps. I have only heard it with the 40.1.

I guess you need to try few amps to find out how the SHL5 will respond to different amps. I don't share the same experience as the designer (Alan Shaw). Some amps such as Rega Elicit Mk2 and Nait XS sound almost the same with the Harbeth SHL5. I know as I tried both in my system. However, some amps can really transform the speakers. I haven't tried a lot of amps on the SHL5 (and SHL5 Plus) but enough to form an opinion.

Hi Celo,

The C7ES3 and SHL5s are my favourite speakers in the Harbeth line and I could live with either one. You are right, the SHL5 Plus has a bit of the "hi-fi" sound as it’s currently the most lean sounding Harbeth, followed by the warmer C7ES3 and the SHL5 which is even warmer.

Yes, I still have the Naim with the SHL5s. In my experience, you have to spend a lot to get a considerably good sound from the SHL5s if staying with Naim. For this reason, I cannot recommend the Nait 5si for the SHL5. I have used Nait XS, 202/Dual Teddycap/200 and now 282/HCDR/250DR with full loom Chord cabling throughout. The latter is a massive improvement over the other two Naim systems in areas of transparency and openness. In my experience the amplifier forms a crucial link with the Harbeth. With the wrong amp, the Harbeth will sound overly warm, lacklustre and dull. With the right amp, the speakers will come to life and show superb dynamics and transient attack with great articulation and control. The sound will just pour out freely from the speakers with a lot of poise - reduced smearing of notes and improved articulation and refinement. The energy and tonal colour of instruments will sound different even by fiddling around with the cabling in my Naim system.

In summary, I would advise against the Nait 5SI. I do not have experience with this amp but my experience with the higher level Naim tells me that the SHL5 will not show its full potential with Nait 5SI. One integrated amp you can consider is the Sonneteer Orton. Croft pre/power are also reported to be a good match to the Harbeth. The higher range Naim is good stuff but it gets too costly when one is enticed by all the upgrade options. It may be a better choice to stay away from Naim to avoid getting into the upgraditis syndrome.

Good luck.

Celo, sorry for the late response. The SHL5 Plus is basically a more refined version of the non-Plus and an overall cleaner sounding speaker. Sometimes I find the SHL5 Plus to be slightly lean and clean when compared to the lusher and more romantic non-Plus. Having said that, I do not have any doubt that I prefer the sound signature of the Plus over the non-Plus. As for the C7ES3, although I have listened to it many times, it’s not in my own system with my Naim amps. If you ask me to pick two speakers, it would be the SHL5 Plus and C7ES3 for me. However, it’s a matter of preference really as some folks like the non-Plus more than the Plus.

The rhythmic pace and timing of the Naim are a good match to the Harbeth if one prioritize these sound aspects. The NAC 202 and NAP 200 + Hicap are lean sounding amps and match rather well with the warm and fuller sounding SHL5s. In the end the listener has to try and see if the sound suits his taste and listening preference.

A note is the Hicap DR is better than the Hicap 2. However, if one does not compare the Hicap 2 will sound fine on its own.

Celo,

No problem. Sometimes I wished I can have both SHL5 Plus and C7ES3, ideally with one of the Proacs thrown in. However, I have no space for more speakers. I currently run two systems based on the SHL5 Plus and Dali Mentor Menuet.

Similarly when I auditioned the SHL5 non-plus and C7ES3 nine years ago, I preferred the sound of the C7ES3 but actually took the larger SHL5s as I wanted a larger box. Thinking back I should have chosen the C7ES3 as it sounds really special, just the right amount of warmth ie. not overly warm, lush or plodding in the bass as the SHL5 non-plus. It doesn’t sound as sterile and clean as the SHL5 Plus(although I still like clean than warm). All my opinion of course as people hear things differently and has their own preferences to how they want their speakers to sound like. There are few folks who regard the C7ES3 as the best speaker in the Harbeth line for having a balanced attributes, not too small like the P3ESR or too big like the M40.2.

In summary, I can live with any Harbeth speaker but could only pick one that I like best. Variety is good in life.