Harbeth P3ESR or Monitor 30?

You didn’t mention the amplifier used but that too makes a difference. As you probably know, Harbeth speakers are easy to drive and sound quite good with most suitably powered amplifiers. This would include certain British solid state integrated amplifiers. I have used the P3 speakers with Naim Nait XS2 and SuperNait2 integrated units. The SN2 added some needed warmth and bass response but I still wasn’t satisfied. I recently tried three other high quality integrated amplifiers, two solid state and one tube. The clear winner was the LFD Zero Mark IV, which had much better bass and PRAT than any other amplifier I have tried. The LFD also had a more natural, mid-hall presentation that sounds as close to real as I’ve ever heard in a stereo system. The LFD/Harbeth combination is truly extraordinary. The lack of remote was initially a turnoff, but I use a Logitech WiFi remote to control my source and it works great.

Interesting that you find the LFD Zero Mark IV to have better bass and PRAT than the Naim Nait XS2 and Supernait2. I have tried the LFD Zero Mark III with the Harbeth and there is certainly a great synergy in this combination. I have listened to the Nait XS with the Harbeth and share the same sentiment that the Harbeth sounds nicer and more sublime with the LFD. Apart from the bass that is more prominent with the LFD, the midrange and highs of the LFD have a certain tube-like glow to it. Somehow the Nait XS didn’t possess the same verve and rhythmic drive when compared to the LFD and took a flatter / monotonous sound. A caveat is I did not have a Hicap connected to the Nait XS when I listened to the amp. Nevertheless, there is no denying the fact that the LFD gives the best of both worlds in combining tube-like warmth with speed, slam and dynamics of solid-state, a rare feat to achieve indeed. In this sense I agree that the LFD/Harbeth combination is unique and remarkable.

I am currently using Naim NAC202/NAP200 + Dual Teddycap with the Harbeth SHL5s and I can vouch for this combination as well. The Naims may not have the wonderful tube-like glow of the LFD but the rhythmic pace (PRAT) is on another level compared to the Nait XS. Music has a certain groove to it as the crescendos from silent passages are all delivered remarkably well (good macrodynamics). After living with the Naims for more than 5 years, I now have an NAC282 on the way after being influenced by the group on the Naim forum just recently. Initially I did not have plans for an upgrade but the enthusiastic group on the Naim forum appears to have succeeded in convincing me to go up the Naim ladder. Maybe I should stop visiting forums so that I can stop buying new gear.

I have just recently come to the LFD-Harbeth match, and I think it's astonishing.  I have the P3esr paired with the LFD LE V and an LFD LE/SE phono stage.  It's hard to believe this is not a tubed system with the dimensionality and tonal purity that it produces.  I am tempted to audition the C7s or the M30.1 to get a little more bass and a slightly higher volume range.  I had the C7s a while back paired with a Naim 5i-2, and it was a wonderful sounding system.  However, it didn't produce much center fill - I was always aware I was listening to two separate speakers.  If nothing else, I have discovered I am a huge fan of the British sound - I have really enjoyed every product I've tried by Naim, Exposure, Harbeth, Spendor, LFD, and Croft.  

Scott

whipsaw.....wondering about your Harbeth P3's and where you're
at with them ? I'm getting close to a P3 purchase after an audition
but have not had a listen to much else   ... my current and long time
speakers are B&W dm303's  w/B&W asw300 sub. Amp is McCormack DNA 1.
 Pre amp Modwright 9.0 swl , ss rectifed.   My room
is 12x20 living room. I actually love the 303's but getting upgrade bug. Any feedback would be appreciated,as would anyone with other
suggestions as well. I've read just about everything available about
these speakers and Harbeth speakers in general . I see yogiboy is a Harbeth guy so would be great to hear from him also.  Thanks 

Hi offnon,

I have been using the P3's for close to two years now, and am very happy with them. As suggested in the original posts, my listening space here in Lisbon is quite poor, yet the Harbeth's have performed really well. 

It's not just the well-documented accuracy and natural sound that they produce, but their openness has helped to mask some of the problems associated with the room. As absurd as it may sound, when I sit at my desk and work on my computer, I am essentially between the speakers, and yet they still sound good! Remarkable, really.

I have upgraded my amp from the Accuphase E-303 to the E-303x, and it was a substantial upgrade. I am still using my EMC 1-UP CD player as the primary source.

I haven't yet been able to place them optimally far away from the back walls, and so the soundstage is compressed to some degree. Nevertheless, I am very happy with them, and look forward to hearing them under more favorable conditions in the not too distant future.

I can't really comment on the B&W comparison, as I haven't owned them. My previous speakers were Green Mountain Audio Calistos, and the Harbeths compare very favorably.

As a final note for now, I do listen to a variety of types of music, including funk and soul. And while the P3's are obviously not going to bring the house down with bass response, I have found them to be impressive in how they punch above their weight.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask!

Cheers,

Tony

whipsaw....thanks for your reply. I'm pretty sure I will buy these
.....just in a bit of indecision limbo. I found a great dealer here
on Long Island who's been super helpful with me. For me it's the usual " is this the right move ? will they be a $2,000 improvement on my speakers ?   etc.   but I gotta jump in somewhere, and 2 grand
is my limit . Anyway,thanks again and I'll get back in here if I do get
them and once I've been listening awhile.