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Are Harbeth Super HL5 XD right for me?

I am feeling like despite being very happy with my current speakers, I am missing something because they are by far the least expensive part of my system. I recently replaced my Large Advents with a pair of the new KLH Model 5s and I love them, despite being about 5% of my systems cost.

I am thinking about the Harbeth Super HL5 XD as a final upgrade. It’s a big chunk of change though and my biggest concern is that they can only be 12” away from the rear wall. They’ll be essentially open on both sides and I’ll be sitting about 8’ from them. This is fixed in stone. I’ll be driving them with a pair of Luxman MB-3045 tube amps and an ARC SP-14 playing 98% (or more) vinyl. Mostly jazz, classic rock and classical. I live in an apartment and never play very loud, and have reached the point where I really don’t have much desire to anyway.

So… Is it worth taking the chance given my situation or am I just setting myself up for disappointment and better off sticking with what I am really very happy with?

TIA

jdougs
vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

Perhaps AXPONA would be worth the time/expense.

jeffstrick's avatar
jeffstrick
176 posts
 

What so you can listen to speakers in an acoustically challenged hotel room? 

mike_in_nc
1,166 posts
 

Once your system is such that you love it (or part of it) -- as you said you do -- it’s pointless to buy any new component without an extended trial (several days or weeks) in your own listening space. The key to doing that, of course, is finding a good dealer to work with. A new component will cost more than a used one, but a home trial is the only way to know if a component will be an improvement to an already good system. Avoiding a costly and troublesome mistake is, in my opinion, worth the premium. That way, your money goes to making your system better and better, not to churning through components that are good (maybe great) but not right for you.

jeffseight's avatar
jeffseight
578 posts
 

I would look at the AudioNote Hemp speakers.

They cost around $5-7k new and can go close to

the back wall.

Way better than the 5's but double the price.

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,811 posts
 

I have those speakers. I took a chance and bought them used about 4 months ago. They have a front port so I doubt you will have a placement problem. I’ve owned many speakers including other Harbeth models and these are outstanding.

If you take a look at my system you will see that they are placed about a foot from the rear wall with windows behind them. You should look for a used pair just in case they don’t work out.

BTW, make sure you get the correct size stands to match them. You should check all listings for a used pair before you spend over 8 grand new!

TMR has a pair listed here for $4000. Grab them!

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