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Harbeth Super 5s vs 5+s

Hi all. I am at the stage of finalising my system. I currently have Harbeth Super5HLs as my speakers (with a Concert Fidelityy pre and Lamm 1.2 Refs in).

I have an opportunity to change from my current Harbeths Super5s to 5+s - but it will cost me around $3400 US net to make the change. How much of a difference is there between the previous Super 5s and the new 5+s? I'm just trying to decide if it's worth the extra $ outlay.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
colville12
5 responses Add your response
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum
1,404 posts
 
I've heard both and agree with Pdreher. If your room will accommodate, I'd spend the extra money and upgrade to a used pair of Monitor 40s. No disrespect to the Super HL5's--a great speaker for sure.
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
I don't know of a speaker that is more tonally correct than the Harbeths. The October 2015 issue of The Absolute Sound contains an excellent review of the Harbeth HL5-Plus loudspeakers written by Paul Seydor.

http://tb-pr.com/files/hal/reviews/oct15-TAS-SHL5plus-REVIEW.pdf
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,982 posts
 
I agree with Pdreher. And I have heard them work very well in a smaller room without bass pboblems; and that was the 40, not the 40.1.
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,208 posts
 
I had the 5's and they were a nice speaker... and while I've not heard the 5+, I think you'd be much happier if you find a used pair of 40.1's. IME, the 40.1's are a considerable upgrade to the 5's. The 40.1's are under appreciated in the audio community IMO and are a steal @ around $8K used.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
You know the drill. For people with ordinary means, an investment like that, only they can decide that if is what they like and are willing to shell out that kind of money, for this upgraded model.
That said, the obvious expense you have invested in the rest of the elements in you system, perhaps it's not a big expense for you. In that event it is generally better to get the "upgraded model" went it will be a salable component down the line some time.
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