my shortlist for integrated Harbethsuper hl5 plus xd - please advise

I think you are fortunate if you can audition those amps with your speakers. I have a pair of Harbeth 30.1 speakers. I had used an Exposure 3010 s2D for a number of years. There were times when I got somewhat restless with the amp/speaker combination. There was more of an edge to the music than I wanted. I ended up changing to a Luxman L505-uXII. It was a big improvement in my room, with my gear, to my ears.

I would take your time in making your decision. I have heard that the new Exposure is a meaningful improvement over the 3010 (not sure what that means). I would try to listen to a Luxman if you could. Good luck.....enjoy the hunt.

I would not chase products based on magazine reviews. I have done that a time or two and was always underwhelmed. I honestly don't trust politics of professional reviews. I strongly suggest that you audition any thing that you will spend your hard earned cash on if at all possible. Use YOUR ears.

I would also spend time and resources on improving your room. I made DIY sound absorbing panels and that made a bigger impact than any other upgrade I have done.

FYI on the Luxman L509x. It is at the end of its production life and will be replaced with a more costly L509z. You may start seeing more 509x models on the market. I have the current L505uXII. I am very pleased with it, but sometimes I wonder if the higher models will give me “more” of what the L505 does.  All in all I am thrilled with the “entry level” Luxman integrated. Good luck in your search.