So a quick update on the P3s...
Initially, I was not much impressed with the little Harbeths. Since then I bought new stands (based on @yogiboy ’s recommendation) and filled them with play sand. The stands gave me the flexibility to place the speakers about 1.5 ft from the wall and roughly 4 feet apart.
I cannot believe the impact that stands have had on the performance of these speakers. I can say without hesitation that these little gems are everything they’ve been cracked up to be, and then some more. My initial fears of the Naim Unitiqute being underpowered were unfounded. In my room (10x13 and 12 ft ceilings), the amp is more than sufficient. This is my first Naim gear, and I must say that I’m really impressed with the control and finesse this little guy brings to the table.
So how do they compare to the KEF LS50 wireless? I think it’s a very difficult decision to make. They both bring something to the table that I enjoy. I still feel that KEF is one of the best mini-monitors that I’ve owned in terms of imaging and clarity. They definitely hold their own when listening at moderate to high volume. I have them set up in a much bigger room than the one housing the P3s, so obviously that has to be taken into consideration.
Now on to the Harbeths ... it takes some time to get used to their presentation style. But, boy once you’re on the hook, they are addictive. I had only read about their mid-range prowess but it is something that has to be experienced first hand to relate to the reviews and high praise. I can safely say that it is the best $1150 I have spent in this hobby so far. There’s a certain fullness and tonal balance in the overall sound that I had never experienced before. Bass might not be their high point, but what you get is taut and controlled and very satisfying. Not once did I feel like I need to add a sub to the mix. The sound is delicious as it is. I can listen to my music for hours with zero fatigue. Last year, I had demoed a Sonus Faber Olympica 1 driven by expensive tube gear at a dealer. I remember being smitten by the effortless and holographic sound. I know that the Nami Unitiqute is SS and not really a powerhouse but somehow there is a certain ’tubyness’ (if that’s a word lol) that reminds me of the SF combo I heard.
For low to moderate level listening, I feel that the Harbeths far surpass the KEFs. There’s something just so intimate and comforting about their sound. The KEFs hold their own when cranked up though, this is where I think the P3s start to show some weakness, but that’s probably the intended design choice.
In short, when I feel like listening to my music, my feet tend to walk themselves toward the study (P3s) somehow. Oh, and lastly, my wife who usually doesn’t care much about how the speakers look told me that the P3s are classy and blend in with the overall decor of the study.
I was on the fence a few weeks ago, so thank you to everyone who encouraged me to give the P3s a try.
