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Which Harbeth Speakers

After a long search, I have decided to buy Harbeth speakers as well as the Luxman 505u and a Luxman dac or cd player. My room is about 12'by 20' wih 81/2 foot ceilings. The speakers will be on the long wall -- I will be sitting about 10 feet from the speakers. I listen to a lot of jazz, Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Stan Getz, classic Blue Note recordings, Brazilian, e.g. Ivan Lins, vocals Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone, Mel Torme, R&/b and Motown and African Music.
Any thoughts about which of the Harbeth C 7, m30.1 or shl5s would work best would be appreciated. Thanks to all who respond.
handsomeck
donjr
1,335 posts
 
I have the C7es3's and although I can't compare them to many other Harbeth's, I would buy the 30.1 if money weren't an issue. Much tighter and articulate. I'm not sure they're worth the extra money. With the C7es3, I preferred the Hegel H200 over the Luxman. It's not as pretty but money was not an issue for me when comparing these two integrateds and the Hegel won fair and square. Just something to consider.
ssos101
10 posts
 
Harbeths lack big time in deynamics. But if you only listen to jazz and vocals, I think they should be ok. For your room size, the P3ESR'S wont do. I suggest looking at the bigger models.
michaelkingdom's avatar
michaelkingdom
153 posts
 
My favorite paring is SHL5 and Exposure 2010s2. It is so clean. I have compared it to 505u, Naim 5ii, MF A5. I have heard the Leben 300 as well which was great but I love the Exposure.
redwineaudio
32 posts
 
I recommend the P3ESR's, or the 30.1s if the bass in your room is under control...
handsomeck OP
28 posts
 
Thanks for your responses. As I expected, the opinions are quite varied. I think the Luxman sound, while not the most detailed, is both pleasing and sufficiently detailed. One point about the SHL5 is curious. Some bloggers have noted that it might be too bass heavy for a room of my size. Others note that of the four speakers considered, it can be listened to at soft volumes and still present much of the musical content better than the other speakers at that volume. I know that both these staments may be true. What do you think?
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