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Joseph Audio Perspective2 vs Harbeth SHL5+

I currently own Harbeth SHL5+ and I’m generally very happy with them. I’m driving them with Audio Hungary a50i tube amp (50 watts class A) and don’t feel that the amp struggles at all. I have an opportunity to buy a used pair of Joseph Audio Perspective2 Graphene in excellent condition. Just wondering if anyone has had a chance to compare the JA Perspective2 with SHL5+. From what I understand they sound quite different but I’m not sure how. The Perspectives are obviously quite a bit more expensive than the Harbeths but I understand that this doesn’t automatically imply that they are better. Someone told me that the Perspective 2 is more in Harbeth 40.x league instead of SHL5+.

As good as the SHL5+ are, I do sometimes yearn for a wider and deeper soundstage with bigger bass (although I have a pair of REL S/510s to supplement). I would really appreciate if people who have made the move from SHL5+ to JA Perespective2 Graphene, or vice versa, can share their impressions.

Note: My room is 20 x 15 with 12 foot high ceilings. The speakers will be placed along the short wall. I can pull them out by 4 feet from the front wall and about 2 feet from the side walls. My room is treated with GIK panels. My biggest concern is whether my AH Qualiton a50i will be able to drive the Joseph Audios well.

 

128x128arafiq
callmedre
1 posts
 

Great discussion. I’ve not listened to Joseph Audio speakers but have been a long time Harbeth owner (SHL5s and 30.1s). I found the HL5s were more authoritative, especially in bass range, when I put more power behind them (in my case a Pass Labs X250). May be worth testing more wattage before finalizing a decision. 

arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,695 posts
 

Well I’m going to pick them up in about an hour or so. Will compare them to the SHL5+ in the next few days. Depending on how it goes, you might see either the SHL5+ or Perspective2’s for sale. Keeping my fingers crossed. Appreciate everyone who pitched in. I’ll keep you guys posted. 

vdotman's avatar
vdotman
147 posts
 

Apples vs oranges. The Harbeths favor that British sound typically characterized by a wonderfully clear but slightly mellow midrange while the JA’s are all about speed, transparency and soundstage; not as meaty as the Harbeths through the midband. I had the Perspective2’s and unfortunately I couldn’t get them to work well enough in my room. Subsequently I tried the Pulsar2’s and they were not my cup of tea. I actually like the original Pulsars better, but I’m a British speaker guy at heart so that would make sense. My current speakers, the Graham Audio LS5/9’s, do the trick for me. I compared them head to head with the Pulsar 2’s, and while both have their strengths, at the end of the day I preferred the Grahams, but that’s me. Your taste may differ.

prof
3,479 posts
 

awesome arafiq !

I can't wait to hear whether I'm full of sh*t or not!  :-)

 

prof
3,479 posts
 

vdotman,

What was the problem with the Perspective2s in your room? Bass bloat?

I have the original Perspectives in a 13’ x 15’ room (with a large opening to a hallway). Mine are pulled out about 4 feet from the back wall. I get nice even sound with just the occasional bordering on bass emphasis.

I intend to upgrade to the graphene drivers and my only hesitation has been if the purportedly more powerful bass response may pose a problem in my room, even though the originals have worked great.

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