Am I the only one who doesn’t love Harbeth P3esr?

@rambo21, it can be a little disconcerting when you start wondering whether it's the world or you that's wrong.

The Harbeth P3ESRs are almost the cornerstone of the loudspeaker world (at least when it comes to mini - monitors) in the same way that Relativity is the cornerstone of modern physics.

So if they really were seriously flawed where would that leave the rest?  I suspect they're real growers and you're ears are just beginning to relax and mature into their correct signature.

Good to see you're starting to get it. Would be great for us if you keep us updated as to how you get on with them, and also interesting for you given your first impressions.

I was just at a dealer listening to the big Harbeth 40.2 this morning off a very impressive CJ amp combo. Very nice! Actually awesome was the word I used.

I’m sure the P3esrs are very good for their size as well but like most entry level models in most lines these days they were...small and pricey.

I’d have to compare them to say Vanatoo Transparent 1 Encores which are similar size but also active with 4 built in amplifiers, DSP and 1/4 the price for essentially a complete system with similar size speakers. Just add a streaming device like any decent smartphone and you have sound that plays in the big leagues for a small fraction of the cost.

Old school passive speaker design versus latest and greatest bundled and integrated modern technology....who wins?

BTW its confirmed tariffs have had a significant effect on imported European audio product prices.

What height are they at? The tweeters should be at ear level. The designer recommends that you toe in so that the baffles are facing you. Try it. 

When I got my SHL5 Plus the dealer loaned me some stands while my custom stands were being made. The tweeters were above ear level and sounded brighter than when I heard them at a friend’s house. Once I got the correct stands and experimented a little with variations in tilt, things were much better.

My P3ESRs sound even better than the SHL5 Plus in some regards. They are super detailed but not bright. Revealing is a much better word. I love mine.

there is a company that does break in for guitar amp speakers
it takes them 40 hours of playing specific frequencies and testing.
 break in is critical for speakers .after 100 hours you can make a judgment.
the schiit loki (180$) or ifi itube2 (350$) can add bass without dsp or side effects. what preamp are you using? does it have tubes? if so ,late 60's blackburn mullards have the best bass .putting an ifi i purifier 3 before the dac (or jitterbug)also helps
tell us how it went
good luck

Try calling the Needle Doctor. I’ve called many times, only message is that this mailbox is full.
Also don’t answer Emails.
Someone on Facebook from Minnesota said they 
shut down.