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Harbeth SHL5

I've been reading a lot of good stuff about Harbeth speakers lately. I have briefly listened to the C7ES-3 and SHL5 and liked what I heard. I am considering a pair of the SHL5 to audition in my home due to the size of my room. Currently I have Gallo 3.1's which I finally have set up well and I do like them, but have been thinking about going in a different direction. My immediate impression is the Harbeth's have a richer mid-range, but the Gallos seem faster.

I've heard that the Harbeth's work very well at low to moderate volumes which is how I listen to most of my music now that I have a 7 month old. The Gallos seem loud even at low volumes. I walk around the house and it seems like they're just as loud in the next room. Must have something to do with the CDT tweeter.

Has anyone spent much time with both the Harbeth and Gallo? I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on how they compare.
128x128johsti
nolitan
865 posts
 
Very different speakers & as what the other posters have advised, best if you can audition both.
I personally have been a harbeth user for years & have never looked back.
ymmv,
jabas's avatar
jabas
15 posts
 
I use the Shl5s with all kinds of music, Rock & Roll, soul, jazz, funk etc ... I'll never get rid of them. Ever. I willl say it took awhile to get them to sound incredible in my room, and with the right gear.

I disagree with those who claim this particular Harbeht only work with certain types of sounds and music. When I first got the speakers I might've agreed. Not now. Besides. the midrange is magic.
extravaganza
373 posts
 
Absolutely agree with Jabas opinion.And I really prefer bass output and quality of SHL5 against many other much more expensive speakers.
johsti's avatar
johsti OP
102 posts
 
I have the SHL5 in my room now. With my limited time with them I can say that the gallo and harbeth are very different from one another. Both sound wonderful, but too soon to tell which one will work better for me in my room. Wish I could keep both pair.

Thanks for everyone's input.
jeffreyds
115 posts
 
Make sure you give the audition plenty of time. When I first changed from the Gallos to the Harbeths, I preferred the Gallos. The Gallos sound more spectacular during short auditions and quick A-B comparisons. On the other hand, you'll be suprised how the Harbeths grow on you over time. Now that I'm hooked on the Harbeth sound, I would never go back.

I'll be interested to see which you stay with.
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