Quad 12L, PMC TB2, or Harbeth Compact 7ES-2?

I know this isn't entirely helpful, since I didn't do the comparison, but I absolutely love my Harbeth Compact 7ES-2. I first heard them at CES with a Plinius 102 amp, and they took my breath away on female vocal. I've heard them at home with both a Bruce Moore tube amp and a new (unbroken) PS Audio HCA-2, and they sound great on both. They are certainly worth giving a listen. Walter Swanbon of Fidelis (www.fidelisav.com) sold me mine. He's a good guy!

Agreed the Harbeth's are great. If you can stretch for the Super HL-5 it's a nice step up - more bass. But they all sound great. Much better than their looks would imply!

-Ed

Well in the Quads defense...in u want a speaker that is truly uncolored(ie. no rolled off highs,etc)...the Quads are the real deal...as one poster already mentioned...some dont like this level of sonic realism...they are very revealing of source and electronics...however...with good gear(which u have) and a quality recording...they are about as good as it gets below 2k....they also throw a larger soundstage than the above speakers(both good in their own right)...however...I wouldnt say the Harbeth is in a different league...it is an entirely DIFFERENT sound...more in the old school Brit speaker sound...very forgiving...works well with more recordings...but doesnt have the speed or dynamics of the QUads...and the QUad name is synonomous with transparency...

I would say phasecorrect is just that. You have to decide which camp you fall into: Transparent, airy (tubies call it bright) or warm, musical. (tansparent types call it rolled off and soft). If you prefer transparency go with the Quads if you like warmer take the Harbeths. Its all about preferances, both makes are quality and the Quads are nicely priced.

You've never heard the Harbeth if you think it's "old school Brit," forgiving or lacks transparency, or else there is something wrong with your hearing. It isn't rolled off on top to any appreciable extent. If anything, it may have a little too much tweeter. Its superior transparency and clarity come from the proprietary material the woofer cone is made from - no audible distortion. It will sound a little different in different rooms and on different height stands, but it will never sound like an old British speaker. And, let me add, not really forgiving at all. Rather, very revealing of the sonic character of upstream components as well as the merits and deficiencies of modern recordings.