Harbeth P3ESR

[syep2001]

This is most definitely going to be an ongoing review as I think these in my house are the absolute keepers!

I've had a lot of speakers now, and heard a lot, few have left me so happy. I put in the bits and bobs thread about fond memories of Harbeth from Scalford of the last few years. Both these P3 and the SHL5s left a very lasting memory of beautiful midrange and probably that BBC sound I love.

So these little Harbies, I love the look, it's what a speaker should be in my view!

Love the mid range, not better or worse than the LVs but I think they're just different, more delicate and open than the LVs which had a fuller sound potentially. Best thing still - these really really work in my room. I thought the 1SCs offered a great monitor sound, these are at a new level of that. Been listening tonight and they're nearly there with some of my favourite ever heard sound. That currently stands as being 3/5As and a Radford STA15.

I've got some changes to make - new stands this week and a new amp next week! What I really like is these aren't so amp restrictive as the LVs which only really work with valves, think this will give me chance to play around more! Think these are keepers.......!

 

[Tarzan]

Result! Glad you like them:^

 

[syep2001]

So this has joined the party!

My only reference to this before the SuperNait was the Nait 1.

It hasn't disappointed - more of the great musicality, however the whole thing is held together in a dare I say it warmer less clinical fashion, it's not as bright, the bass seems a lot more extended!

I think - and it's probably more down to re positioning the speakers slightly buy the sound stage appears improved!

Chuffed at the minute, plus it's dawned on me, this is the first ever 2 channel amp I've had the has a remote! The added bonus? It also controls the 206!

Til next time....

 

[syep2001]

Finally sorted some new stands instead of the Heath Robinson Kan stands with place mats!

Not skylans, but IMO nicer looking, right height, don't seem to do much for anything sound wise - height is the most important thing I'm told. Any other difference is only a bonus!

These need sand filling which would improve bass response I'd think, but I've always loved the look of the Partington Dreadnought stand, almost a perfect top plate size too which means they don't look too big or small sat on them...!

New rack for a turntable next....

Thanks

 

[Tarzan]

Wow! That is a fine looking lounge and system you have there Sir! :^

 

[syep2001]

I genuinely believe in synergy these days, not since I had my Sugden A21a and Proac 1SC have I had such synergy, and this has spades more!

What that system lacked, the Naim and Harbeth combo really livens up any track. So brilliantly musical, I used to feel the Proac/Sugden combo could sound drab, and in fact putting a Nait 1 with the Proacs livened up somehow!

Still very pleased with the little Harbeths, they're stonking in every way, I don't even think they lack bass?! Despite them being a small sealed box!

I will look out for some Something Solid or Skylan stands in time though, also probably a Naim steamer I think.

TTFN

 

[JamieMcC]

Very envious of your P3ESR they have long been on my own wish list. I noticed on the Harbeth forum quiet a few have them paired with Niam and Sugden components Sugden has also always had an appeal also. I don't mind less bass as long as it is well controlled.

 

[EJP]

Glad you like the P3's. I have some in rosewood too, they are fantastic little speakers. I didn't know Naim did steamers?

 

[It Cost How Much!?!]

Agree with all the above, I have the earlier version HL-P3ES and on tall stands with an amp with drive and detail a great sound. A little limited in bass extension and power handling, which is what you would expect for the size of the speakers.

One of the nicest small speakers I have ever owned and I love small monitors. Beautifully voiced midrange.

 

[syep2001]

Glad you like the P3's. I have some in rosewood too, they are fantastic little speakers. I didn't know Naim did steamers?

Yeah they do, the software with it is good too. Naim should support it too unlike Logitech.

Thanks for the comments, I will get some better photos one of these days rather than the iPhone!

I think the ESRs are better on bass extension from what I read.

Keepers...!

 

[syep2001]

So this happened:



Simple comment for these...

Midrange is very much wow, and better still to the ESRs however the ESR clouts them on all round ability.

These will go nicely in my study on my 'to be serviced' Nait 1.

 

[Petrat]

What model are they, Simon?

 

[syep2001]

They are the original HL-P3 from 1991.

Ie the reincarnated 3/5A.

 

[Redbrickman]

Simon,

Would be interested to know your room dimensions as I am currently looking at the P3 or C7 speakers but also need to listen to both before choosing. My room measure (metric) 7L X 3.5W X 2.5H and I'm wondering if the P3 would be OK or would struggle with the size of room?

 

[syep2001]

Hi

My room is an open lounge diner but the lounge is 4.5m (L) 5.0m (W) 2.4m (H).

They're great in this room, don't look too big and easily fill the room without any that I've heard downsides. I run them approx 30cm from the rear wall.

 

[Redbrickman]

Thanks,

Sounds Like I might be OK with the P3's. I think my biggest problem will be the "dry walls" and bass boom.

 

[Stoppedmakingsense]

Really nice speakers these, heard them on a Sugden Mystro and they were quite dull, but a (warmed-up) Sugden a21a S2 was sublime.

I'd agree, possibly my favourite ever sound so far.

 

[Nagraboy]

Just got my old pair back from the classifieds. Time to choose an amp!

I'm leaning towards a Sugden A21SE. 30 class-A Watts per channel and solidly built in England just like the Harbeths. I could just plug my Arcam airDAC in, use my Cambridge Audio 650BD as a transport and that would do me fine I think.

...But I've also seen the Audiolab 8200CDQ with CD/DAC/preamp functionality. Could simply add a poweramp (eg. Sugden or Quad perhaps).

Could go back to valves - I never did get over that Leben CS300xs I had, and the CS600 has been calling me for years!

:doh:

Problem solved, just bought an A21SE on eBay

 

[Stoppedmakingsense]

.....Problem solved, just bought an A21SE on eBay

:rofl: That's why i'm not allowed on eBay on a sunday any more.

Enjoy, great speaker great amp.