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Harbeth again…or other speakers for acoustic music?

Hi!

I’ve been without any decent hifi setup for a few years now but lately had the thoughts of investing in a good system again. Let me tell you little about my background and what I’m searching for. I live in a place far from any hifi-stores, I’ve not so much experience of listening to a lot of different systems or visiting hifi shows, but I’ve been playing music myself, mostly jazz, for about 20 years and have been in many performances both as musician and as audience.

About 5 years ago I first bought a pair of Harbeth P3 second hand along with a Rega amp. Pretty soon I wanted something bigger in scale so I swapped the speakers for a pair of 30.1 and the amp for a Croft 25/7 combo. The sound was really really good in so many ways, best sound and midrange I’ve ever heard before! Even though my apartment back then was not optimal with concrete walls the vocals was very lifelike. But after a while I feeling somehow that something was missing. I’m no bass junkie or so but I was tempted to try something that had little more depth and covered the bass region better, so I was started looking at SHL5+ and C7ES3. I also thought about integration some subs but never tried that route. Swapped the 30.1 for C7 but I was immediately disappointed. I never got them to sound good at my place. I thought they lacked the magic I felt 30.1 had.

 

I ended up selling all my gear, but the sound of 30.1 and Croft combo really etched back in my mind. It was more emotional to listen to music as I ever before had experienced. I prefer listen to acoustic music, jazz, small groups ensembles but occasional big band and some lighter pop, but looking for something that excells with vocals and acoustic instruments. It can absolutely be little on the warmer sound, I can’t stand harsh and cold sound.


So now I’m looking for a system again and would like to hear what suggestions you have. I listen to low to modest volumes. No heavy rock or metal. I need something that can play good on low volume. HE speakers and a SET amp would be an alternative but also is Harbeth. I know there’s 30.2 now and XD. Integrating with subs could be Ok. My living room is about 15x12 feet and the speakers cannot be to big and dominant, ex Quad ESL is not an option. There is a few softer walls and I think 1 concrete wall.

 

Happy to hear your thoughts..

128x128philsons
timo62
280 posts
 

philsons,

 

The SLH5+ are great with Jazz and Acoustical ensembles. They do have a different sound compared to the M30.1. The SLH5+ will give you a full range sound with that added lower end extension that you seek.

 I personally found the SLH5+ to be a little too lively, or extended up top for my liking. They sounded great to me at first , but after a while it sounds a little bright to my ears compared to the M30.1s. Results may vary. A lot of owners love them and feel they sound sweet.

I had the M30.1s for about a year and then I upgraded to the M40.2s. Much like yourself, I really enjoyed the M30.1s , but missed that full range sound.

I did not try to add a sub with the M30.1s though. It can be done , but it takes time and patience to dial them in to your liking. I just went strait to the M40 instead.

There are currently a couple of Harbeth Facebook groups that you could inquire about to any of the M30 owners with their experience using subs with them.

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steveashe
113 posts
 

I’ve owned a pair of m 30.1’s for about 4 years. I really enjoy them and I too like jazz, vocals, acoustic guitar, piano etc. Acoustic music with space and realism mixed with artists like Monk, Bill Evans, Billie, Etta, Esperanza, Glenn Gould, Yo Yo Ma, Tommy Emmanuel, etc.). Live when possible. I’ve considered "upgrading" but I wouldn’t want to give up anything about the m30.1’s. I listen at low levels as well.

I made the decision add an SVS Micro 3000 subwoofer to my setup last week and am now experimenting with placement, volume, etc. I simply want to augment the m 30.1’s to fill out the sense of space in my room which btw is similar in size to yours philsons. I read a stereophile review of the SVS Micro 3000 which convinced me to give it a try. From what little I’ve played I think it will work nicely in my system.

jdal
159 posts
 

Harbeths are too colored for my taste.

I agree. I demoed the M30.2’s a few times. Not for me.

There’s a Youtube video where GR Research takes apart the small Harbeths. I couldn’t believe the crossover for a 2 way. It’s is made up of about 30 cheap parts. 

 

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pdreher
1,209 posts
 

I owned 40.1's for 8 years and loved them, but agree your room is likely too small to accommodate Harbeth 40 series.  I had the non + version of SHL5's for about a year... they were just okay, but like @timo62 , I found their top end to be too much for my liking.  The 30 series with a REL subwoofer or two may be a good option, but will take patience on your end to get them to integrate properly... I've struggled to get subs to integrate well in the past, so I stick with full range speakers.  You should consider Audio Note and Spendor SP1/2's.   

pani
1,219 posts
 

Tanmoy or Audio Note speakers with a good 300b SET will be very very good for your listening

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