Which speakers, if any, combine the strengths of Harbeth and ProAc ?


Any ideas ?
inna

inna
 OP
6,097 posts

ATC is interesting. Active or passive ? Which models ?
ATC would need a lot of SS power, unless already powered, correct ?
I currently own 2 ATC models, the passive stand mount SCM19 and big(ish) SCM100 active towers.
The 19's require a decent amount of power, 120 -150W, and quality SS would be best IMO to exploit their superior dynamics and bass tautness. The 19's replaced my Harbeth M30.1's.
Ultimately, active is the way to go with ATC and I love my SCM100aslt's - but if you already own a suitable amp the passives are still great.
Which model depends on how much you're prepared to spend and what your room will accomodate. 
Definitely worth a listen to see if the ATC sound appeals. 
Rockport similar to either of these? Not in my experience. In fact if Harbeth dreams it has anything in common with Rockport, it would need to wake up and apologize. ProAc to a lesser degree but I simply think we are talking about speakers on an entirely different level. 
I drove my Harbeth SHL5+ 40th Anniversary very easily and quite high volumes remained beautiful with an 87 watt VAC integrated. Lovely. I recently bought a DarTZeel CTH-8550 and the additional power (200 watts stated but Stereophile measured much higher) of course controls the speakers a bit better but with other trade-offs. The SHL5+ only drops to 6 ohms and is up to 10 ohms so they are very easy to drive. I’m moving to a bigger home so I’m seriously looking at 40.2/3. The SHL5+ 40th are especially nice with the bi-wire WBT post. I emailed Harbeth and for the SHL5 and 40.2 there are no difference between the 40th Anniversary and the XD it’s just that the 40th Anniversary was in 2019 so they needed to re-name them for 2020 and beyond. The lower speakers were upgraded with the new crossover. The SHL5 actually lost the bi-wire capability and the new SHL5+ XD has only 2 speaker posts. I’m a fan. I previously had Sonus Faber.