@toddcowles nice post
I enjoyed a few models from Harbeth; SHL5+XD, C7ES3 XD, M40.2 and M40.3XD.
Tried them all in a few different rooms and with tons of different electronics. My favorite was the SHL5+XD in a smaller room with high ceilings; some might call it a near field setup. Not sure. In any case I really loved and appreciated the special magic well setup Harbeths bring to the table. Very satisfying speakers on the long term. I recently discovered ATC SCM40 V2 passives and I’m driving those with Moon North 761 amp. I honestly think that ATC has an even better more authentic midrange and overall tonality than any of the Beth’s I owned and listened to for months in my space. The ATC speakers scale better, have more top end refinement and sweetness. The bass is absolutely better - at least so far in my smaller space; the sealed design makes for easy room integration and awesome well defined and clear bass. The midbass energy has swing and flow to it; I could hear the limitations of the Beth’s in this area with faster music. I could sometimes hear the lossy boxes Harbeth deploys coloring the midbass. Bass ripeness or a kind of raw uncontrolled resonant thing. I will always love Harbeths and will probably try another pair someday but for now I’m super happy and satisfied with ATC. Wish I would have discovered these years ago.
good luck!