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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

128x128jdougs
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grislybutter
3,105 posts
 

it is true that the Harbeth model line-up's pricing is linear - as opposed to other speaker series (B&W, KEF, Tannoy, etc.) that are more exponential -  not that it's an apples to apples comparison.  So possibly, from that lens, the more expensive Harbeth models are more bang for the buck

macg19
939 posts
 

I think you'll be surprised by the bass response especially in a small room.

I brought in a few records to play when I auditioned my 30.2 XDs. One of them was an older MOFI Dark Side of the Moon. Even the shop owner was somewhat surprised at how good the bass response was on this recording.

And they sound great with tube amps.

They do need proper stands. I use Resonant Woods of New Hampshire.

Good luck with the purchase.

 

jdougs's avatar
jdougs OP
186 posts
 

@macg19 That’s good to know, since the bass has been my single biggest concern with them. Thanks for that info, it makes me feel much more confident in my decision.

jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

@jdougs

as you said you’ll be putting the harbeths only 12 in from the wall behind them, you will be getting more than usual degree of boundary reinforcement of the bass -- the question becomes not one of ’enough bass’ but whether you will get some bass ’boom’ in the 50-90 hz range...

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