In that price range, I would also consider the Fyne Audio bookshelf speakers, particularly the F-701 and the F1-5. I have the floor standing G-702s, and the sound quality is superb, and the two mentioned should be superb with a subwoofer(s).
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
Have a look at the much more flexible EPOS ES-7N which allow for placement close to a wall or more open placement. I find the Harbeths rather flat sounding. For the past two years the EPOS models have received great reviews and are much less expensive than the Harbeth - https://idc-klaassen.com/en/tests/epos-es-7n-what-hi-fi-award-2025-in-the-gbp1500-gbp2500-bookshelf-speaker-category/ |
My current speakers are Harbeth SHL5+XD on Resonant Woods stands and I love them. Easy to drive and great for the music I listen to - classical, jazz, vocals. Good bass though I do supplement that with an REL sub. My room is 17 ft. wide x 25 ft. long, larger than the OPs, and I do think they benefit from some space. I keep mine 2.5 ft. from the back wall, 5 ft. from the sides and 78 inches between them. I love the Harbeth sound but in a smaller room I might consider the Harbeth C7s. |
- 39 posts total