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Harbelth HL5plus

I am looking to replace a vintage pair of Spendor SP-1s and have been looking at Harbeth HL5 plus as they seem to be a more modern version of the Spendor.  I listened to a a pair recently and found the imaging and upper end quite beautiful, but found the lower end a bit lacking.  The retailer explained it away as the speakers had not yet been broken in,  Are there any Harbeth owners out there who can comment on the bass response?
Thanks
MP
mpomerantz
fredlobo's avatar
fredlobo
19 posts
 
I own the SHL5+'s and adore them.  They are a bit power hungry, but as long as your amp has enough juice, bass shouldn't be an issue.  That said, I live in an older apt, and rarely crank it up too loud.  But the imagining is phenomenal.
barbapapa
244 posts
 
These British monitors are very interesting and they are probably great. I’ve never gone there because I’ve been told they need to be be played at high spl for giving their best.
jriggy's avatar
jriggy
564 posts
 
These British monitors are very interesting and they are probably great. I’ve never gone there because I’ve been told they need to be be played at high spl for giving their best.

I’ve never heard that about Harbeth. And doesn’t that kinda go against the “British sound”?
That’s what I like about Harbeth, is their ability to be detailed and stay coherent at lower levels—at least in context to the big ones. 

chayro
2,986 posts
 
As you are working with a dealer, a home demo is in order.  That is the only way you will know what kind of bass response you are going to get in your room and with your amplifier.  The Leben is a low-powered unit and may not elicit the bass you need but you have to try.  I believe your amp has a bass boost on it, which may help the situation.  BTW, I owned the SHL5s for several years and found them excellent with my then-Naim setup.  
mpomerantz OP
113 posts
 
Thanks
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