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SHL5+, Zu, Orangutan?

Hello, looking for advice or at least a good discussion.  I currently own SHL5+ run by a pair of MC275s.  The only source is an Esoteric K-07, no pre.  I love these Harbeths, but I am always wondering what else there is.  Additionally, I used to have them run by a Pass XA-30.8, which I think was probably the best amp for them.  The MC275s seems to run out of gas on very dynamic recordings. Anyway, I heard Zus a few years ago and was blown away by their realism and presence, particularly at low volume.  I have also always been intrigued by Orangutans.  I heard them at APOXNA and they were lovely.  My room is 16'x11' with 9' ceilings, 3 drywall walls and 1 brick.  I listen to rock:jazz:classical.  I am hesitant to start buying and changing and selling etc, but I always have that itch.  Should I try some Zus or the Orangutan?  Will they even work in my room?  Keep the Harbeths and go back to a Pass?  Or just enjoy what I have?  Thank you.
tswisla
ryder
1,687 posts
 
A mention on the importance of the source. I only have a single experience with Esoteric, an SA-10 player. I compared the SA-10 player to my Krell KPS-30i about 8 or 9 years ago and although there is a difference in sound quality, it’s quite marginal. I don’t listen to CDs too much these days as I am more into computer audio. A high quality DAC (apart from the amps) will also transform the level of performance of the system, particularly the SHL5+ speakers.

Good luck in whatever your decision. 
tswisla OP
176 posts
 

@ryder Thank you very much for your thoughtful response.  I am glad you mentioned the upper frequencies.  I used to own Focals and was desperate to get rid of them due to harsh upper frequencies.  This gives me something to really ponder as I definitely do not want to go back to that situation. 

I would love to keep the Harbeths but my budget dictates that if I make a new speaker purchase, they will need to go.

 

noromance's avatar
noromance
9,593 posts
 
How about keeping the Harbeth speakers and changing tubes in the Macs?
tswisla OP
176 posts
 
I read that changing tubes in the MC275s was not beneficial.  Did you have a different experience?
ghasley
2,461 posts
 
YMMV but I have owned 275’s and SHL5’s but at different times. I presently own O96’s.

I was initially drawn to the 275’s because of the texture it imparted and over time that texture subjectively became mildly grainy to me. The SHL5’s are nice (Ive never experienced the plus version). I don’t know if the running out gas impression is the Mac or the Harbeth but I would consider a very nice a or a/b solid solid state amp if its the Harbeth’s you are trying to match to. The upper end on the SHL5 is not their best effort (when compared to, say their 30.2’s). What is it you are trying to build from? The amp or the speakers?


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