2. speakers
  3. 1368987855

Harbeth Owners which model?

I am looking to buy either a M30.1, SHL5, or M40.1. I owned a SHL5 in the past for about 3 years and totally enjoyed it and have regretted ever selling them. Since I sold the SHL5's a few years ago Harbeth has come out with the M30.1 and I wanted any feedback from anyone who has compared the 5's vs. 30.1? Anyone sell their 5's for the 30.1 and why? Lastly I am also interested in the 40.1's my room is 18 x 14 is that big enough to handle the 40.1?
bobheinatz
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
I've owned and used the 40.1s in an 18 X 14 room. Also used the SHL5s with REL subs in the same room. Had trouble with getting the bass to sound connected to the rest of the speakers with three different (very good) amps and the 40.1s. In the end sold them. I preferred the shl5s with subs to the 40.1s. Have listened to the 30.1s for a couple of hours over two visits. I think them with subs they would be the best of the three choices, based on what I heard, and owning the other two harbeths your thinking about.
bobheinatz OP
707 posts
 
Vinnie, that would be great if you could update me on your take of the 30.1 vs shl5's. As stated above I love the Harbeth sound and any listening experience with the 3 models is appreciated.

Tom, your room size is identical to mine so that is a good reference. I am not sure but are you saying that the 40.1 didn't work well in your room? Thanks for your thoughts on the 30.1's.
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
Never did get them sounding as good as I thought they should.
aprica88
92 posts
 
Bobheinatz, I strongly suggest you to try the Tannoy prestige line after you audition the Harbeth.

I Tried the SHL5 and 7es3 before but after I listen to Turnberry SE and Kensington SE, I never look back. They really amazed me especially the Kensington SE.

I was lucky to try them before I made my purchase.
The Turnberry SE is about the same price as the 30.1 and the Kensington SE is about the same price as the 40.1.
smatsui
167 posts
 
My experience unlike Tom's was favorable switching from the SHL5 with a REL sub to the M40.1. However, I have a much larger room with a 22ft ceiling. With the M40.1, I no longer need the REL sub. In fact I had friends and members of a local audio club listen to my system and all agreed that the REL Strata III was detrimental to the overall sound quality with the M40.1. The sub was setup to come in only at the lowest setting. I liked the sub when I had the SHL5 speakers.
IMO, in a large room the M40.1 is better in every way than the SHL5 with a subwoofer. I agree though that in a smaller room than mine, the SHL5 w/sub may be the way to go.
More to discover