Harbeth HL5 vs M30

Mike, that really is a matter is system integration, but bright electronics will sound bright on Merlins, they play what is fed them, I've never heard them sound bright with tube equipment. That is the plus and minus of highly resolving gear, no place to hide. I do love the sound of the Harbeth's I have heard, and they do appear to be more easily matched to a wide range of amplification compared with the Merlins. Which is better? I actualy like them both.

Pubul57
Just for point of reference I heard the Merlins with Dehavilland gear...they are just not my thing. Jim, I have talked to 3 dealers, basically getting different answers from each. If I had to tally up votes from dealers/ agoner's/reviewers, it seems like it's heavily in favor of HL5. I would prefer the M30's because of their size and soft dome tweeter, but I also do not want a speaker that is analytical sounding or strongly lacking or off putting in some area that would compromise musical enjoyment. All of the reviews I have read about the HL5 Loved it. In 2 of the M30 reviews they REALLY disliked that speaker. They wrote about all the things that make me think the M30 could be a mistake, even though that is the speaker I would prefer to get. I have noticed that the resale on M30's is not that great....leading me to believe its not that desirable. While the HL5 holds its value very well..yet I understand it's probably a more versatile speaker than the M30. Mike

Mike, which version of the 7's did you own? the most current model?

Chashas1,

It says above, it was the most current model.
Thanks
Mike

I guess it's just typical of this "hobby" everyone has a different opinion, even on a topic this narrow.
I have read countless threads and reviews, talked to 4 different dealers and everyone has a different opinion. Two of the 4 dealers thought the M30 was the best and thought the hl5 was aggressive and not as good of speaker. Two of them thought that the hl5 was the clear winner of the 2 speakers. If all makes my head hurt. I might as well flip a coin.....very interesting to me. Thanks to all that responded, that's the cool thing about this site at least folks try to help. Thanks Mike