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Harbeth vs JM Reynaud

Hoping for some input. I come from a Spendor perspective (my daughter recently inherited my BC-1s) and currently use Spendor s5e's with a Unison Unico hybrid integrated amp. Sound is wonderful. I have seen all the discussions/reviews of Spendor, Harbeth, Stirling, and ATCs, and I am partial to getting the midrange 'right' (the 'BBC' sound). With a 60th birthday coming up, I've been looking into one last speaker upgrade. With all the rave reviews of Harbeth's, I got to spend some time auditioning the Compact 7's, M30.1s and Super HL5's (not the plus). All sounded great but the 30.1's really seemed like something special. I was able to take a pair home for a weeklong audition, and truly fell in love of what these do. So now the problem. I have recently come across a several reviews of JM Reynaud speakers, including some recommendations on this forum as an alternative to Spendor and Harbeth. These really look like possible option for the BBC sound, but there is no opportunity for an audition, and that's a lot of $$ to buy completely unheard. Can anyone provide some thoughts feedback on how the JMR Bliss Silver or the Offrande Supreme's might compare to the Harbeth 30.1s or Super HL5 plus? My living/listening room is 15 x 25 (speakers on short wall), hardwood floors and plaster walls.
ihor

Showing 8 responses by taters

taters
1,149 posts
 
I thought the reason people buy Harbeth speakers is because they are warm and colored sounding. When I was looking for speakers about 4 years I auditioned the 7's, 5's and 30's. I decided on Dynaudio C-1's because they sounded more accurate to me and more dynamic.
taters
1,149 posts
 
Pani, I have heard the same thing about ATC speakers. I would like to audition the speakers but I don't know any dealers around me that carry them. Obviously Dynaudio and Harbeth are more popular but I really don't care about that. I just want the best sounding speaker at a reasonable price point. I am happy with the Dyn's but I do believe there are better speakers out there.
taters
1,149 posts
 
Pdreher, what kind of electronics were you running with the Dyn's?
taters
1,149 posts
 
With solid state electronics I find Dynaudio analytical to. I run all tube gear with my C-1's and the last thing you would ever say is that they sound analytical or unnatural sounding. Amplification on Dynaudio speakers makes a huge difference. I don't think the Harbeths are that fussy when it comes to electronics. I think the designer of Harbeths says the same thing.
taters
1,149 posts
 
Sense63, I found what you said about the J.M. Reynauds interesting. I have a friend that carries them where he works. I have never heard them before but my friend has always told me these speakers sound better than Harbeths at half the price. It must be sort of a secret because Harbeth seems bigger than ever. Now I really want to hear those speakers.
taters
1,149 posts
 
Wim 1983,

I have never heard Harbeth speakers described as analytical or clinical. That has to be a first.
taters
1,149 posts
 
I have never heard the Omega's. I did talk to the owner of the company and he informed me they do offer a 30 day home audition. If these speakers sound as good as the Harbeths they are a steal. I believe he told me the speakers in a standard finish sell for 2000.00. The Harbeth 30.1 sell for 5695.00 in the states.
taters
1,149 posts
 
Ihor,

If you are happy with the Omegas I would stick with those. There is a huge price difference between the two. I wish more people knew about the Omegas. Maybe the price of the 30.1 would not be so high. I don't understand why in Canada does the same speaker sell for 4000.00. I think the U.S. Distributor is price gouging.
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