Harbelth HL5plus

I owned a pair of SHL5 (non-plus version) and found them to be as you described the "plus" version.  I've since gone back to Harbeth 40.1's as they are full bodied and far superior to the SHL5 in my experience.  If you are patient and ok with buying used, you can find a pair of 40.1's for around $7K.  Another speaker to consider that I've heard at a friends house on several occasions is the Verity Parsifal Encore, which is superior to SHL5's, is full range and can be found for around $6-$7K used. 

I have heard the SHL5+ many times at dealers and shows and they always have excellent bass- punchy and full of impact. Not extreme full range but satisfying nonetheless.
It does depend on many things though including break-in. My Harbeth C7ES3 took almost a year of listening before the bass stopped developing.
In addition optimized room position and quality amplification will be part of the picture but the speaker is fully capable. Look at the Stereophile review, the reviewer noted impressive bass extension.
HOWEVER- if you want a more neutral, more dynamic speaker with really incredible bass check out the Spendor D7. I demoed these a week ago and bought them on the spot. The technology of their dual flared slotted port nails the bass response- near full range deep, very well defined and detailed. Best reproduction of stand up bass I have ever heard in a speaker. Again though- break in, amplification and positioning all matter,
Also IMHO the Harbeth 40.2s bass is wooly and loose.  

I did see the review, but was surprised by what I heard at the dealer; he even had an LFD amplifier driving the speakers.  But they were fresh out of the box.  Definitely will need to hear them again.  Its interesting you mentioned the D7; as I am interested to audition them as well.  Sadly there are not many Spendor dealers nearby; will need to plan a road trip. I hear they pair well with my Leben amplifier.
Thanks for the feedback.
MP