Harbeth Experts

Great info -Thanks to you both.
I heard the Compact 7es2 at T.H.E. show a few years ago paired with the Plinius 102 and Meitner CD player (I believe).
Thought the sound was stunningly good (coherent to a fault, beautiful timbres, etc.).

I'm just puzzled why they have so many models in the same price class.

Thanks again.

Only the bottom two:

HL-P3es $1850
Compact 7ES-3 $2999
Monitor 30 $4299
Super HL5 $4299

The C7-2s are a bit thick sounding. Wonder how the 3s compare. Interesting that the website claims for the new 3s address exactly the faults I heard in my C7s (which is why I sold them).

I am no expert on these. I did audition the Compact 7's and the HL-5's in my home though thanks to a great local dealer. I did not buy either but was fascinated and every enthralled by the COmpact 7's. I definitely preferred them over the 5's. That said, there is definitely a Harbeth sound -- thery were not far apart.

Tomryan: Can you elaborate the circumstances when the 7-2s sounded "thick"?
I heard them in the nearfield with a small jazz ensemble and in no way was there any "thickness".
Possibly, playing full tilt symphonic at full volume may alter their character.
Please explain.