Harbeth HL-P3ES-2 vs. Spendor S3/5se
Posted by: Gram Parsons on 02 May 2004
Hallo,
who have experiences with these speakers. Which one will work better with Naim electronics.
who have experiences with these speakers. Which one will work better with Naim electronics.
Posted on: 02 May 2004 by Eddie Pugh
I have a pair of HL3-ES2 on the end of a 140/72/Hi in my study. They sound absolutely fantastic in my Study system which consists of a Karik/Rega P3/NAT02/RME Digi computer soundcard a Sony CD-RW 33 etc etc. In the study I listen in a nearfield situation due to space etc and use the system for CD mastering from live DAT recorded tapes etc.
The NAP 140 is well able to drive the Harbeths although I'm sure they would sound even better on the end of a 250. They are not very efficient, I often have the 140 up to 9 o'clock even though I sit with my ears about 2'6" (750mm) from the speakers
They are the closest I have heard to my Yamaha NS1000 which I have been using in my main system (sp) CDX/XPS/82/Super for over 20 years.
I have not heard the Spendors but they are reputed to be very good. You really must have a listen.
I think it is particularly significant that all the above speakers are infinite baffle sealed boxes.
Eddie
The NAP 140 is well able to drive the Harbeths although I'm sure they would sound even better on the end of a 250. They are not very efficient, I often have the 140 up to 9 o'clock even though I sit with my ears about 2'6" (750mm) from the speakers
They are the closest I have heard to my Yamaha NS1000 which I have been using in my main system (sp) CDX/XPS/82/Super for over 20 years.
I have not heard the Spendors but they are reputed to be very good. You really must have a listen.
I think it is particularly significant that all the above speakers are infinite baffle sealed boxes.
Eddie
Posted on: 03 May 2004 by Gram Parsons
@Ross
have you compared the speakers at home or at a dealer (when yes, which electronic equipment?)?
have you compared the speakers at home or at a dealer (when yes, which electronic equipment?)?
Posted on: 03 May 2004 by smercer
I recently auditioned both these speakers in my home. Based on my room and my system I went with the Harbeths. These replaced my Epos ES-14s. The only piece of Naim gear I have in the system is a Nait 2 I've been using for over 15 years, as well as NACA5 and Cord Co interconnects. I aspire to upgrade to a CD Naim source in the next 12 months or so. The TT is a Linn Axis and the current CD is Rega Planet 2000.
While I really did like the Spendors, the Harbeths were much more exciting and revealing. They bring out more emotion and detail from the music. I am able to hear not so subtle nuances of my favorite recordings much more so than from the Spendors. The Harbeths also do soundstaging quite different than the Spendors...my Harbeths are like sitting in the fifth row of the concert hall while the Spendors were like sitting in the 50th row. Also, the midrange on the Harbeths is just so much smoother.
The only downside of these speakers is that I now cannot live with my Rega Planet much longer. I have noticed a harshness to the upper end that I attribute to the revealing nature of the Harbeths. I assume as the quality of my source increases, I’ll get even more enjoyment from the Harbeths. I’m considering my next upgrade to be a CD5/FC2 as I heard that this might warm up the tonal quality of the system among other benefits.
I should add…I’ve not had any problem driving the Harbeths with my Nait 2.
Steven
While I really did like the Spendors, the Harbeths were much more exciting and revealing. They bring out more emotion and detail from the music. I am able to hear not so subtle nuances of my favorite recordings much more so than from the Spendors. The Harbeths also do soundstaging quite different than the Spendors...my Harbeths are like sitting in the fifth row of the concert hall while the Spendors were like sitting in the 50th row. Also, the midrange on the Harbeths is just so much smoother.
The only downside of these speakers is that I now cannot live with my Rega Planet much longer. I have noticed a harshness to the upper end that I attribute to the revealing nature of the Harbeths. I assume as the quality of my source increases, I’ll get even more enjoyment from the Harbeths. I’m considering my next upgrade to be a CD5/FC2 as I heard that this might warm up the tonal quality of the system among other benefits.
I should add…I’ve not had any problem driving the Harbeths with my Nait 2.
Steven
Posted on: 04 May 2004 by Wolf
I have Spendor 2/3s in the living room and older 3/5s in teh bedroom. They sound great, full and plenty of bass on the 2/3s. I didn't want a really forward presentation on my system as I felt the Naim kit was revealing enough.
Life is analogue
Life is analogue