Harbeth vs JM Reynaud


Hoping for some input. I come from a Spendor perspective (my daughter recently inherited my BC-1s) and currently use Spendor s5e's with a Unison Unico hybrid integrated amp. Sound is wonderful. I have seen all the discussions/reviews of Spendor, Harbeth, Stirling, and ATCs, and I am partial to getting the midrange 'right' (the 'BBC' sound). With a 60th birthday coming up, I've been looking into one last speaker upgrade. With all the rave reviews of Harbeth's, I got to spend some time auditioning the Compact 7's, M30.1s and Super HL5's (not the plus). All sounded great but the 30.1's really seemed like something special. I was able to take a pair home for a weeklong audition, and truly fell in love of what these do. So now the problem. I have recently come across a several reviews of JM Reynaud speakers, including some recommendations on this forum as an alternative to Spendor and Harbeth. These really look like possible option for the BBC sound, but there is no opportunity for an audition, and that's a lot of $$ to buy completely unheard. Can anyone provide some thoughts feedback on how the JMR Bliss Silver or the Offrande Supreme's might compare to the Harbeth 30.1s or Super HL5 plus? My living/listening room is 15 x 25 (speakers on short wall), hardwood floors and plaster walls.
ihor

Showing 5 responses by facten

I have not had Spendors or Harbeths so I can't compate for you against my JM Reynaud Offrande Supreme 2s. I do find the JMRs to offer a very balanced and refined sound with good soundstaging. Purchased them w/o auditioning and never regreted the decision; not saying that you shouldn't but if you are in a situation like me with no audiophile retail stores anywhere near I wouldn't have the anxiety that some have. Original drove them with Ayon Spirit 2 tube integrated and now with Modwright LS100 pre and KWA100SE separates - both have matched well
Pani, I understood that you meant sonically, so tell me what specifically about the Offrande Supremes; and what was driving them when you made your assessment?
I find the Offrande Supremes play back the music as it was recorded, they don't color the sound nor make up for recording deficiencies.

My music takes range from smooth/contemporary jazz e.g. Maysa, Anita Baker, Rippingtons, Four Play, Pieces of a Dream etc. ; Rock, from Zepplin, The Who, Clapton, Santana, to Mettalica, Alice in Chains to Depeche Mode, Prentenders , Elvis Costello etc; R&B/Soul from oldies like the Dramatics, Temptations, Isley Brothers, to Kem etc. I don't find these speakers partial to one genre or another, it plays them all equally well with a combination of authority and aplomb