If you want Harbeths, I would go with P3ESRs and a sub (or two). If you plan to play things loud, the Compact 7 might be a better choice. I would go for either of those before the two you mentioned. I have owned all the speakers mentioned, except the M30s.
Help me choose: Harbeth 30.2 or SHL5+ XD in a 10 x 13 feet room?
Hello everyone,
Need some guidance on speaker selection. I am primarily targeting Harbeth. Open to others’ opinions. For this discussion appreciate experienced feedback on these two speakers. Sharing my room and audio setup details below.
Room:
Dimensions: 9.7 ft (W) × 12.5 ft (L)
Ceiling: Cathedral, 9.6 ft peak
Floor: Pergo Laminated, 5.5 x 9 ft rug in center only
Speakers: Tontrager Stand on bare floor, not rug
Front wall: LG G5 77" TV + Nakamichi Dragon Sounbar. Butcher Block Acoustics stands and rack.
Rear wall: Window behind MLP, curtained.
Listening distance: ~5 - 7 ft
My Audio SYSTEM:
Main speakers - to be determined. Need your opinion.
Amp: Synthesis A100 Titan (KT66, 100 W @ 6Ω)
DAC: Holo May KTE
Streamer: HiFi Rose RS130
Subwoofer: REL S/510 (planned)
Cables: Audio Note Lexus 96, DH Labs Air Matrix Cryo, Mirage USB
Taste in Music: Vocals, acoustic jazz, classical, opera, Tool/Dream Theater
Given the room volume is small, does it make sense to go with M30.2 or M30.3 and pair it with REL S/510, or SHL5PLUS XD or XD2? Which speakers will be optimal for best outcomes? 90% of the time I listen to vocals, jazz, and Acoustics.
Thanks in advance for your guidance.
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- 39 posts total
I had the 5s and C7ES. The 5 was no sound stage, flatter curtain of sound. I kept the C7 and rebuilt the crossover on oak boards, point to point with great components including the coils. all audio note silver wiring inside. it’s very good sounding now. don’t let the harbeth cult intimidate you; they are very easy to work on and I spent years experimenting with them. I’m going to replace the main driver next, and cutting a baffle on the CNC. it’s similar to how Peter Q evolved the snell design. I think the base C7 design is pretty good.
by the way - I had the tontrager woman make a custom set that I stained myself, but I wasn’t very satisfied with the sound. I got the something solid stands with the carbon fiber puck and the difference was huge. I kept the tontrager as a furniture, cut a marble top for it and has a plant there now. |
@big_greg +1 I have owned every Harbeth minus the 40. I just sold the HL5 40th super plus with Tontrager stands and replaced them with the P3esrXD. In my size room ( 20x15) they are the only Harbeth that do a complete disappearing act like no other speaker that I’ve owned including Spendor, Falcons, KEF, etc.! BTW, in my opinion the other Harbeths that you mention I would say that they are not a good fit for that size of the room that you will be putting them in!! |
- 39 posts total