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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
timk
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
move the dunlavys around......
ryder
1,689 posts
 
The SHL5s are too small to fill that room. Nonetheless, highs will be a lot smoother ie. less extended or piercing.
timk OP
6 posts
 
Thanks Pdreher and Jaybo Sounds logical to me. I have moved the dunlavys as much as possible given the rm boundries-- still too bright; have tried every combination of amps (4) and pre's (3) also I have the brightness tamed as much as possible but still too bright. I had a previous house with a long wall and the dunlavys sounded complety different and much better. I would think the smaller harbeths might be too small I really do like a simple 2 way design though. I guess its time to sell some audio gear and back off this hobby a little - Still fun though
timk OP
6 posts
 
Ryder Any suggestions as for a high quality audiophile speaker that would not be bright and fatiguing like the Dunlavy's and have a great midrange. Something I could actually listen to for extended periods. The last great speaker I had that fit that bill was the Mirage M1 and those were very hard to drive. There are way too many speakers with too much treble extention.I do have a brighter than ave room.I guess my price range is 5K used. Thanks
ryder
1,689 posts
 
I forgot to add that if you are solely into natural midrange especially voices, there are few that can match the Harbeth. The Harbeth only lacks the resolution and high frequency extension when compared to speakers that are more revealing in nature ie. Revels, Dynaudios etc. or analytical and bright Thiels(sorry). It's all relative. Those who are into speakers that have extended highs will think of the Harbeth being rolled off in the highs.

It depends on the type of music one listens to as well.

To each his own.
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