My take on the P3ESR. Great speakers for Mid range. It has big soundstage for it's size. A bit picky with the amps to use with it. I would recommend it but don't buy it blind.
Comparing this to your current videos is night and day. I love these older videos because they have so much personality even though the production is almost zero I also love the new videos (after the room construction) because your experience shows, but you still manage to have the same personality. The production quality you have now is substantially better than this, but this still manages to hold the same attention from me. This is outside of the quality of your reviews, which have always been consistently accurate and honest. I really love this channel.
Good insight Thomas. I agree that most gear is priced according to its performance level. As for the P3s, your description mirrors my experience with the Harbeth C7ES3s. They were also surprisingly bright with a metallic overtone. I found they were even brighter than my Monitor Audio Silver 8s and Klipsch Heresy IIIs. I know of one C7 owner who deacribed the Heresy III as too "warm" and "dark." Just goes to show that one cannot rely on internet chatter when choosing speakers. Keep up the great vids!
Listen... I bought a pair of older Ruark Sabre IIIs and sonically perfect to my ear all for £350. When it comes to speakers there’s a lot of hype and Ive had many! Room acoustics and partnering equipment are key to how the final sonic presentation is received. In my 35 years of listening to music and hi fidelity products not much has changed.... except the delivery towards a clinical digital sound. Products have cult following in the HiFi world and many are priced to suit people’s pockets/earnings just like cars, furniture, holidays etc etc...
What a great review. Maybe you should be an audio reviewer. Anyway, I own the P3ESR speakers and I love them. You were able to discuss their strengths and weaknesses precisely. Good job.
Thank you very much for your review Thomas. This review is now about 4 years old.. I am wondering if you have had a chance to hear the latest XD version of P3ESR and how do they compare. Any chance of making a dedicated review for the XD version?
Hi Thomas, I own a primaluna prologue premium integrated amp am looking for a pair of speakers. I listen mainly to jazz/jazz vocals and am after what you describe (in one of your other videos) as the feeling of being able to walk around the various instrumentalists/vocalists (ie good separation). Due to the constraints of my room (9feet by 13 feet), I can only get bookshelf speakers. What would you recommend in the less than usd$3k range? At the moment, the contenders on my list are the Buchardt s400s and the P3esrs. You’re the only channel i know on YT that has reviewed the primalunas, the s400s and P3esrs. Thanks in advance for the advice!
Well, depends on budget and what is true to real for you. The harbeth here lacks low end extension, big soundstage and so forth but it has incredible midrange. Tektons are very good with natural sounding. But remember true to life might sounds like the best but it's not for everyone. It's like people saying uncompressed music is the best, until you hear it in a car, you don't know.
HiThomas, nice review. I got P3ESR 2 days ago. I connected them with my 2x 15w Fatman tube amplifier in my bad room It seemed that they undepowered. I used to listen Fatman with Wharfadale Diamontd 9.1.Very powerfull sound, bright and lot of base. Is this something wrong with speakers or they need more power from amplifier, Thanks
Thomas, since you've heard them both, although not side by side, how do the Monitor Audio Radius 90 sound in comparison to the Harbeth P3ESR? What I really want is a pair of original LS3/5As but the Harbeth and the 3/5As are both out of my budget right now being a retired person on a strict budget.
Hey Thomas, what kind of cables did you use? Copper, silver? interconnects? I swapped out a pair of moon audio silver dragon interconnects for a standard pair of mogami 1ft xlr's to my preamp into my amplifier, and it became less bright, less sibilant, less harsh.
Hi Thomas. It is absolutely fantastic review.Can I ask You about your opinion of another yaqin amp, which is ms300b? I have been using yaqin 100b but never have liked the kt88 tubes.tnx.Lukas
Thomas, I've learned to take your reviews very seriously since a lot of your experiences seem to parallel my own. I am still highly considering getting a pair of P3s though... they seem to be one of the few bookshelf speakers with near-field (desk) listening in mind.
did you end up buying these speakers? I'm considering them for my home office setup as well. Worried they would be too big to use as computer speakers basically.
How would you compare these to KEF R300? I have R300's currently and I am considering replacing them with P3ESR's. The low frequency response is a little too much from the KEFS considering my placement and room size. I am also looking for a better midrange and more detail at low listening levels. I would be using Naim Atom as a streamer and NAP200 for the power amp connected to the Atom. Your input would be appreciated! Thanks
Well, the Harbeth midrange is definitely world class. You will lose bass forsure and the speaker does feel 'small' Keep in mind I don't have it close to a wall. Now before upgrade or sidegrade, use the foam plug and close the bass port on the R300. If you lost them, use a pair of socks and you will see the bass much lower and better control. Alternatively, move them away from the wall.
I purchased Pioneer Stereo Amplifier A-307R plus Stereo Graphic Equalizer GR-555 Brand new, What type of speakers you recommending at the rate of one thousand dollars (SVS Prime Tower Speaker) my plan.
Good review. I had a set of these that I just sold. They are nice, but it’s too easy to reach their limits. I also had the focal 1028’s that I replaced with a set of Totem Tribe towers. So far so good
Thanks, do you agree with my review or am I way off? Sometimes, it could be the amps I am using so my review don't seem to align with other people's review on these Harbeth. Totem tribe? I have to look into those speakers given I am wondering what is a good speaker to get to upgrade from a focal 1028.
Thomas & Stereo I agree with your review. I had the harbeths right next to my 1028’s, but I had the 1028’s running through Dirac room correction and they were totally very similar to the harbeths. The 1028’s just sounded “bigger”. I switched power to the 1028’s from a Merrill 400wpc class d to the primaluna hp tube amp. It sounded better, but was still missing something. Just got the Totems yesterday and still breaking them in, but they already have more detail without any harshness.
I love how clean and neat your setup is. Forsure those are great speakers. You should do a review video on it! I noticed the walls are treated too, nice!
Good review Thomas!!! Oh yes...the famous Harbeth midrange. Question...how is instrument size esp image size of voice when compared to similarly sized standmounts and even medium size floorstanders. I shortlisted it a few years ago but chickened out as I was very concerned that instrument size would shrink. My benchmark would be small to medium size floorstanders. Did it exhibit very well controlled sibilance? Another very important requirement for me. Thanks again.
I actually was discussing this with my friend who lend me the speakers regarding imaging and sound stage, he said "it's hard to describe. It has big soundstage for its size. The imaging is the interesting part. It gives a bit more than 2D image but it is not as we define as the Totem Ember. The Harbeth has its own unique sound." If you were to compare to a mid size floor standing speaker, if you add the sub, then it's about the same. On it's own, it feels like 70% in size of a mid size floorstanding speaker but that is normal. I personally don't like bookshelf speakers.
Thanks for your reply Thomas. Instrument size (Instrument/image scale) is very important to me. If I ever were to go for a standmount...I don't think I would be satisfied if for example...piano or acoustic guitar would sound like a toy instrument. Though having soundstage depth would be great...actual size of soundstage (height and/or width) is secondary. Thanks again. Keep those reviews coming.
The p3esr is a very bright sounding speaker. I agree. I bought the pair because literally everyone told me they were natural and easy on the ears, but I find them to be precisely the opposite. Could it be because I'm using a silver interconnect? Do Harbeth's just sound bad with silver interconnects? I don't understand why everyone is raving about these speakers.
It's easy for cheap speakers to outperform expensive ones since most of the money in larger speakers goes into bass and loudness capability. If you don't care about those then you may find the best speaker is small and less expensive.
What do you think about the 40th anniversary version? Compare to the proAc tablette 10 signature? I am planning to pair with the gryphon diablo 120 on those speakers. Appreciate your advise.
Have you heard the Harbeth super hl5 plus. If so what did you think of them as I have them on my shortlist to pair with my Primaluna Dialogue HP integrated amplifier
The design according to the designer is accurate with respect to midrange. He formulates the mix of polymers for the bass midrange driver so that it sounds natural reproducing speaking voices without cone colourations. He says that the human brain and ear over 40,000 years of evolution can detect deviation from reality acutely in the midrange. These seem to be like the LS 3/5a aimed at speech monitoring and will excel at classical music. The designer has recently acknowledged that the majority of users are not using speakers for speech and/or classical music and his latest offerings have more universal appeal, especially in dynamics presentation.
Hi Thomas, I have a quesion: You say about the Harbeth m 30.1 ”This is how you should listen to music”....what amp were you going through to the harbeth m 30.1?? Thank you, and thank you for your channel!
Nice! Thank you..I just bought a Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP integrated to go with my Harbeth 30.2. Hope they fit well together :) Take care! BR Christian
Just out of quriosity Thomas. What would you have Done If you were to pair the Harbeth 30.1/30.2 with an amp. Would you get the Moon 600i for 5500 USD or the Primaluna Dialogue Integrated for 4000 USD? :)
Just out of quriosity Thomas. What would you have Done If you were to pair the Harbeth 30.1/30.2 with an amp. Would you get the Moon 600i for 5500 USD or the Primaluna Dialogue Integrated for 4000 USD? :)
my friend Philip he has a pair of HL5s taught me to take the grilles off with a magnet, the frame of the grilles are made of steel. How about ATCs? Will you be giving them a try at home?
Hello, I plan to sell my Dynaudio Focus 160 maybe for these or Tablette 10 Signature. Is it a good idea ? I miss the presence I felt with Proac and Harbeth.
Oh, big difference in sound. You are going for the midrange with these Harbeth and giving up on the bass and scale. You are also trading soft dome with metal dome tweeter.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks for the answer 👍 My Dynaudio are impressive but only when played loud. Otherwise the sound doesn't "detach" from the speakers. I run them with a Naim combo 122x with Teddycap Mk3 and Nap200
I have Audiolab preamp and power amp and Spendor BC1 a BBC three way design Which I have had now for 30 years I was about to change the BC1 when a NAIM NAC 72 and a Nap 200 came up for sale it has transformed my system to a more detailed sound with more harmonic structure coming through from instruments and voices and sweeter sound. One has to be carefull here when making decisions what to buy.
I always wanted to try Spendor speakers. I heard they are excellent. Right now, I am waiting for my KEF 107 to be restored, which I think is also about 30 years. Will make a video on it maybe showing the restore process too.
Before I had the Spendor,s I had Tannoy Cheviot Dual concentric with much deeper base response and dynamics which I miss but the treble was kind of horn hollow sound The Spendor more accurate on voice but colored short of chesty, listening to Ela Fitzgerald, These foolish things Remind me of you recorded 1957 sounds fantastic her voice sound like she is in the room violins very nice and sweet The KEF 107 I remember seeing those in the 1980 I think they are a brighter sound? The price of Harbeth are out of My price range so I am stuck with the Spendors.
I don't know about the KEF 107 since I am waiting for it to come back, the KEF 105 are not bright relative to the speakers with metal dome these days. Like Focal and Monitor audios. I have only own a pair of Tannoy, the TD8 I think, it is a more musical speaker compare to my focals.
Recently had a home demo of Harbeth 7s. They certainly have distinct character, and I can see why there's many Harbeth devotees. However, they have a little too laid back presentation for my taste. I prefer a speaker with low end punch
Try Leak 30 or Rogers amps with this speakers, apple 4s phone clean DAC, You will be very impressed, big difference, this lovely speakers need 15 w old amp, not powerful, new and complicated with expensive cables to them, that what people get. Harman Kardon, Marantz..... old receivers Wow!
I'm using the Harbeth 40th Anniversary P3ESRs with a Primaluna EVO 400 tube amp (EL34/12AU tubes) and a REL T/7i sub (nearfield setup). All I can say is AUDIO NIRVANA!!! The only thing is my wife complains that I never leave my basement. Guess I need to get a new wife :)
i dont mean to be so off topic but does anyone know a way to get back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb lost the login password. I would appreciate any help you can offer me.
@Antonio Stanley thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
I like your statement about how equipment from large manufacturers are going to perform in line with their price. In audio, things are priced right. $2,000 speakers from a major manufacturer aren't going to perform like $4,000 speakers from another major manufacturer. I don't have enough experience listening to different equipment to corroborate that statement, but until and unless I hear something to contradict that statement, I'm going to take it seriously and accept it. I do have a question though. Do speakers from large companies ever UNDERperform? Have you ever encountered $4,000 speakers that perform more like $2,000 speakers? Do companies ever get it wrong and overprice their products?
The Harbeths like the 3/5as need a little more time to dial-in. With more than 20yrs on the 3/5as it still took me almost a year to get to where I am now ~ 90%. Finding the right amp and speaker cables needed as much luck and reading. Everything else was minor by comparison imho😅
@@ikarus30449 definitely, ymmv😅especially if you're not as sensitive towards these differences or, that your system does not have the level of resolution. But please share with the rest of the community, hopefully we can help you and, one day you will feel differently.🙏🏻
Four minutes in I realised this video isn't aimed at the likes of me when Thomas described my dream speakers as 'cheap' 🤣😂🤣 ~ from a humble Mission M72i owner...
Unfortunately, you and I keep falling for the seriously overpriced and overhyped production speakers. In my old age, I am finally coming to understand the only high quality AND value priced speakers are produced from a kit designed by a "expense be damned" engineer.
@@flyingjeff1956 I've 'upgraded' since I posted this comment, although costwise it was more of a side grade. I'm now running a pair of Frugal Horn XL's fitted with Mark Audio drivers which I picked up from ebay for £350, and they're being driven by a Reisong A10 el34 tube amp. I gotta say, this is as far as I go because the sound is sublime. That 'expense be damned' engineer wouldn't happen to be Danny Richie, would it? 🙂
The price of these speakers takes into consideration the R&D, the place of production, the quality and craftsmanship, and the cult following. Thank you Thomas for a very fair review.
Thomas, Another great review. The inevitable question of Harbeth vs... Would you mind providing your thoughts on how the Totem Sky would stack up vs. the Harbeth P3’s in terms of i) Soundstage and ii) Midrange? Thanks for your help.
Soundstage, Sky is more holographic. Keep in mind, the way totem voice their speakers, instrument seems to be pull more forward. No 'accurate' in the traditional sense but lots of firework. Midrange, Harbeth is known of being the king. It's more natural. You buy harbeth mostl for voice.
This was made a few years ago, I would probably trust ZF review more, I have to watch this video again to be sure if I did not make any mistakes. I would say that the metal tweeter, I can pick it out as it is quite revealing.
I totally respect everybody's opinion and enjoyed your review! However, I would like for reviewers to be honest about the price of this speaker which is grossly overpriced. Some reviewers go as far as saying this speaker is a "bargain and good value" and that it performs above its price. How a 12" tall speaker that cost over 5k is a bargain and a good value?
These are about $2.5k cdn I think, quite expensive for a bookshelf. So the other day I had a subscriber over to listen to about 10 speakers. He admit that in terms of voice, these sound the most 'natural' and tonally correct. And that is compare to some speaker that are 5 times it's price at my place. So it really depends on what you are looking for. Bass and highs, forget it, these have none relative to my other speakers but that natural timber sound, these have it. So is it worth $2.5k? Depends how important if it to you to get that correct natural voice sound.
Review the Denton 80th anniversary. Most of your comments involve "brightness". "Too bright. "A little bright". "A bit bright for my taste". Every new review I now try to guess when you'll mention "bright". I think with the Dentons there will be an absence of "bright" comments.
I think at the time, I was so into getting the most clarity possible that I look for those kind of speakers. Also, I have no idea how to match my gear compare to today. Right now, I have 5 pairs bookshelf speaker in my room and with my current setup, they are all ok and one of them is the LS50.
I've mated the Harbeth P3s with Naim Olives and Yamaha A-S1100. I was very disappointed with the P3s as they produced a very thin and un-dynamic sound. Harbeth Compact 7-ES3 are way better than P3s. Don't waste your money on P3s.
In my experience, no matter what the cost of the speakers you try out, 90% of what your hearing is the room acoustics your listening in. Sort the room out and almost any speaker will sound good.
Well I had the Dynaudio 160 and the Dyn is better. The vocal on the Harbeth can compete and it is very revealing. Some people might find the harbeth too bright. Everything else, like bass, sound stage and so forth, non fatiguing highs, the Dyn 160 is better. The Special forty is supposed to be better than the 160 so....
Some speakers just arent capable. I don't like book shelf speakers because a full size of the same brand just sounds more full and complete. Even when using a bookshelf with a sub....not the same
What a lot of comments, and so diverse. I'm not surprised, though. What is it all about? The best way to view this is on preview - at least you can laugh at the stupid subtitles.
alphanumerix1 I know Rel subs are good but expensive. I think most important is if you are planning to use it for music, then you get an 8 inch one and not a 12inch one. You need it tight and fast to keep up with these. The LS50w is more revealing and it's a good or bad thing depending on your taste. These have metallic tweeter too but the midrange is very good on these.
for $2000 the Buchardt S400 is a much better speaker. Has the great midrange but the bass is the real star of the S400. I sold my Harbeth after my S400 speakers were broken in.
Nice, but the Harbeth is more detail and has a spectacular mid range. Both are very different and glad you gave the S400 a try. If you have not seen my S400 video, check it out.
SEAS tweeter, a plastic cone woofer made in-house, veneered MDF panel box - how original. $5-$7K. Designed to sonically reproduce British voices in British-sized living rooms.
I am in agreement here. Another reviewer (which I won't name) said the Harbeth were so natural and maybe his last speaker. I don't hold these in the same esteem. Not worth the money -at all.- they wouldn't even be my favorite at $1000 a pair. I'd take the Focal, totem or dynaudio ANY DAY over the Harbeth P3ESR. Just my .02 cents.
You mean "2 cents"? Normally "my 2 cents" means that you have given some reasoning or information. You have given none of these, you have just given an opinion with motivation for it.
I disagree about the pricing. Less expensive speakers outperform more expensive ones pretty often. This is a British speaker, higher labor costs and overhead, then you pay for the exchange rate, then you have a distributor markup, then you have a dealer markup. A lot of newer companies will sell direct and are bypassing that model. The result is a speaker with a lot of character, but it isn't particularly well braced (despite their claims about the cabinet), nor does it have a lot of cost in parts. It's hardly a good value, it's more of a luxury item. That's certainly okay, not knocking the speaker and I'd like to own their bigger brother.
I don't really remember all the details I said in the video but I usually would say when it comes to brand name. Usually, non brand name can do that, where they can by pass the dealer and offering better value. In that sense, you are correct. But big companies who reaches a broader market need to have distributor and dealers and I am referring to them .
I would hardly describe Harbeth as big. The dealer model works against them imo. My friend ordered some special edition 30s and he is waiting three months, the canadian dealer took full payment on them, it was literally a pain in the ass to buy them. If I was him I'd have told the dealer to piss off and buy something else. With the dealer model you pay dealer AND distributor markup. Harbeth should just go direct. Air freight would be cheaper than paying the distributor and dealers. The issue would be auditioning, but, they have such a strong userbase people would let others audition and also they could fly around demo speakers.
No Thomas.The sound with croft amplifiers is perfect.They go so well together.Loud is no problem.Was using a Rega elex r amp.But the croft sounds so much better with the p3 esr.
I had tried a few, what about it? Companies there do want to send me stuff to review. Anything specific you recommend that you have tried and have AB test against something more mainstream that I should look into?
@@ThomasAndStereo Try the new Topping D90, and check the value you can have with this amazing DAC... or a set of Shuoer Tapes IEM. And you will realize that prices in this market don't mean at all.
@@tamieu you recommend DAC which Thomas rarely review any, and an IEM which has nothing to do with the channel. Do you have any speakers, preamp or amp to recommend instead?
Yes, there will be exception to the rule especially when you bring vintage speakers into the picture. Only thing when I look at Vintage speakers, I look at the price when it was new and adjust for inflation. A speaker costing $1k 15 years ago would be $2k in today's money.
Oh my... The quality of your reviews has certainly improved in the last year. This one is now Cringeworthy! Audio is embarrassing. Leaves me wondering how you would feel about these speakers with your new room treatment? Zero loves the standard model...
Yeah, that was a long time ago filming with my old cellphone in an untreated room. Plus no real good planning before I film. The midrange is very good and whenever I listen to these Harbeth, I feel like dimming the lights and drink some wine.
Why talk about high end sound and you yourself sound crap absolutely bloody terrible . It's kind of a joke that you sit and criticise speakers and quality of sound but you cannot be bothered to use a decent mic .
@@ThomasAndStereo The sound throughout your video is very poor, it is indeed hard to listen to. I read the you put on a clip on mic, but did you not listen to the result before you posted. The content of your review is not bad, but how credible is your opinion about sound quality if you cast a sound track like this?
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Comparing this to your current videos is night and day.
I love these older videos because they have so much personality even though the production is almost zero
I also love the new videos (after the room construction) because your experience shows, but you still manage to have the same personality.
The production quality you have now is substantially better than this, but this still manages to hold the same attention from me.
This is outside of the quality of your reviews, which have always been consistently accurate and honest.
I really love this channel.
Thanks for the kind words. I try to make my videos better but my older video has less 'filter', I tend to talk a lot more.
I heard them briefly with LFD integrated and a Naim cd player.
John Coltrane live at Village Vanguard. Truly amazing sound.
Good insight Thomas. I agree that most gear is priced according to its performance level. As for the P3s, your description mirrors my experience with the Harbeth C7ES3s. They were also surprisingly bright with a metallic overtone. I found they were even brighter than my Monitor Audio Silver 8s and Klipsch Heresy IIIs. I know of one C7 owner who deacribed the Heresy III as too "warm" and "dark." Just goes to show that one cannot rely on internet chatter when choosing speakers. Keep up the great vids!
Monitor Audio Silver 8s are really good, if it is bright than that, then it's really bright. Thanks for the feedback.
Listen... I bought a pair of older Ruark Sabre IIIs and sonically perfect to my ear all for £350. When it comes to speakers there’s a lot of hype and Ive had many! Room acoustics and partnering equipment are key to how the final sonic presentation is received. In my 35 years of listening to music and hi fidelity products not much has changed.... except the delivery towards a clinical digital sound. Products have cult following in the HiFi world and many are priced to suit people’s pockets/earnings just like cars, furniture, holidays etc etc...
What a great review. Maybe you should be an audio reviewer. Anyway, I own the P3ESR speakers and I love them. You were able to discuss their strengths and weaknesses precisely. Good job.
I try to keep my videos short now and to the point unlike my earlier videos. Appreciate the feedback.
Thank you very much for your review Thomas. This review is now about 4 years old.. I am wondering if you have had a chance to hear the latest XD version of P3ESR and how do they compare. Any chance of making a dedicated review for the XD version?
Great review on those Harbeth BTW those speakers 05:13 look absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks, yeah I should make a video on those Monitor audio gx300 too.
harbeth p3esr are awesome.my only grievance is they are very pricey,nice review.
Nice review and love that you said that may DYI would up perform some speakers.
Nice review
Hi Thomas, I own a primaluna prologue premium integrated amp am looking for a pair of speakers. I listen mainly to jazz/jazz vocals and am after what you describe (in one of your other videos) as the feeling of being able to walk around the various instrumentalists/vocalists (ie good separation). Due to the constraints of my room (9feet by 13 feet), I can only get bookshelf speakers. What would you recommend in the less than usd$3k range? At the moment, the contenders on my list are the Buchardt s400s and the P3esrs. You’re the only channel i know on YT that has reviewed the primalunas, the s400s and P3esrs. Thanks in advance for the advice!
Thanks for review. What kind of microphone have you used? The sound is phasing and not very clear.
Great video thank you. Do you have a recommendation for the most clear true-to-real bookshelf speaker ? Thanks again
Well, depends on budget and what is true to real for you. The harbeth here lacks low end extension, big soundstage and so forth but it has incredible midrange. Tektons are very good with natural sounding. But remember true to life might sounds like the best but it's not for everyone. It's like people saying uncompressed music is the best, until you hear it in a car, you don't know.
HiThomas, nice review. I got P3ESR 2 days ago. I connected them with my 2x 15w Fatman tube amplifier in my bad room It seemed that they undepowered. I used to listen Fatman with Wharfadale Diamontd 9.1.Very powerfull sound, bright and lot of base. Is this something wrong with speakers or they need more power from amplifier, Thanks
Thomas, since you've heard them both, although not side by side, how do the Monitor Audio Radius 90 sound in comparison to the Harbeth P3ESR? What I really want is a pair of original LS3/5As but the Harbeth and the 3/5As are both out of my budget right now being a retired person on a strict budget.
Hey Thomas, what kind of cables did you use? Copper, silver? interconnects? I swapped out a pair of moon audio silver dragon interconnects for a standard pair of mogami 1ft xlr's to my preamp into my amplifier, and it became less bright, less sibilant, less harsh.
I like those stands Thomas !
Thanks for the non-gushy review. These speakers are small so 1-2 subwoofers are required.
Great video!
Appreciate the feedback.
Hi Thomas. It is absolutely fantastic review.Can I ask You about your opinion of another yaqin amp, which is ms300b? I have been using yaqin 100b but never have liked the kt88 tubes.tnx.Lukas
Yeah, I have been searching for MS300b yaqin myself. So sorry, I would not know it's sound signature.
Thomas, I've learned to take your reviews very seriously since a lot of your experiences seem to parallel my own. I am still highly considering getting a pair of P3s though... they seem to be one of the few bookshelf speakers with near-field (desk) listening in mind.
Thanks, you give me too much credit! It's definitely a nice speaker. I wish it had a bit more bass but maybe near a wall will reinforce the bass.
check harbeth c7es3 . i liked them more than the p3 and the 30.1 You won't need a sub then!
ruclips.net/video/68wb39n_23o/видео.html harbeth c7 vid. I love them!
did you end up buying these speakers? I'm considering them for my home office setup as well. Worried they would be too big to use as computer speakers basically.
How would you compare these to KEF R300? I have R300's currently and I am considering replacing them with P3ESR's. The low frequency response is a little too much from the KEFS considering my placement and room size. I am also looking for a better midrange and more detail at low listening levels. I would be using Naim Atom as a streamer and NAP200 for the power amp connected to the Atom. Your input would be appreciated! Thanks
Well, the Harbeth midrange is definitely world class. You will lose bass forsure and the speaker does feel 'small' Keep in mind I don't have it close to a wall.
Now before upgrade or sidegrade, use the foam plug and close the bass port on the R300. If you lost them, use a pair of socks and you will see the bass much lower and better control. Alternatively, move them away from the wall.
I purchased Pioneer Stereo Amplifier A-307R plus Stereo Graphic Equalizer GR-555 Brand new, What type of speakers you recommending at the rate of one thousand dollars (SVS Prime Tower Speaker) my plan.
Good review. I had a set of these that I just sold. They are nice, but it’s too easy to reach their limits. I also had the focal 1028’s that I replaced with a set of Totem Tribe towers. So far so good
Thanks, do you agree with my review or am I way off? Sometimes, it could be the amps I am using so my review don't seem to align with other people's review on these Harbeth. Totem tribe? I have to look into those speakers given I am wondering what is a good speaker to get to upgrade from a focal 1028.
Thomas & Stereo I agree with your review. I had the harbeths right next to my 1028’s, but I had the 1028’s running through Dirac room correction and they were totally very similar to the harbeths. The 1028’s just sounded “bigger”. I switched power to the 1028’s from a Merrill 400wpc class d to the primaluna hp tube amp. It sounded better, but was still missing something. Just got the Totems yesterday and still breaking them in, but they already have more detail without any harshness.
here's my setup: ruclips.net/video/YE7R6mWsGEo/видео.html
I love how clean and neat your setup is. Forsure those are great speakers. You should do a review video
on it! I noticed the walls are treated too, nice!
Good review Thomas!!! Oh yes...the famous Harbeth midrange. Question...how is instrument size esp image size of voice when compared to similarly sized standmounts and even medium size floorstanders. I shortlisted it a few years ago but chickened out as I was very concerned that instrument size would shrink. My benchmark would be small to medium size floorstanders.
Did it exhibit very well controlled sibilance? Another very important requirement for me.
Thanks again.
I actually was discussing this with my friend who lend me the speakers regarding imaging and sound stage, he said "it's hard to describe. It has big soundstage for its size. The imaging is the interesting part. It gives a bit more than 2D image but it is not as we define as the Totem Ember. The Harbeth has its own unique sound." If you were to compare to a mid size floor standing speaker, if you add the sub, then it's about the same. On it's own, it feels like 70% in size of a mid size floorstanding speaker but that is normal. I personally don't like bookshelf speakers.
Thanks for your reply Thomas. Instrument size (Instrument/image scale) is very important to me. If I ever were to go for a standmount...I don't think I would be satisfied if for example...piano or acoustic guitar would sound like a toy instrument. Though having soundstage depth would be great...actual size of soundstage (height and/or width) is secondary.
Thanks again. Keep those reviews coming.
Do you mind sharing what is your setup? You are an expert and just curious.
The p3esr is a very bright sounding speaker. I agree. I bought the pair because literally everyone told me they were natural and easy on the ears, but I find them to be precisely the opposite. Could it be because I'm using a silver interconnect? Do Harbeth's just sound bad with silver interconnects? I don't understand why everyone is raving about these speakers.
It's easy for cheap speakers to outperform expensive ones since most of the money in larger speakers goes into bass and loudness capability. If you don't care about those then you may find the best speaker is small and less expensive.
Hey Thomas ...what do you think about pairing the Harbeths with a 200 w solid state amp? Would it be too much? Thanks and nice review...
200w is nice but quality watt is more important than quantity watt.
What do you think about the 40th anniversary version? Compare to the proAc tablette 10 signature? I am planning to pair with the gryphon diablo 120 on those speakers. Appreciate your advise.
Sorry, I never heard the 40th anniversary so I would not know.
Have you heard the Harbeth super hl5 plus. If so what did you think of them as I have them on my shortlist to pair with my Primaluna Dialogue HP integrated amplifier
No, I only heard the Harbeth 30 so I would not know. Sorry.
Hi Thomas, a great review. What is the finish of these speakers?
I don't remember the name, sorry.
Was it Rosewood, or Cherry?
The design according to the designer is accurate with respect to midrange. He formulates the mix of polymers for the bass midrange driver so that it sounds natural reproducing speaking voices without cone colourations. He says that the human brain and ear over 40,000 years of evolution can detect deviation from reality acutely in the midrange. These seem to be like the LS 3/5a aimed at speech monitoring and will excel at classical music. The designer has recently acknowledged that the majority of users are not using speakers for speech and/or classical music and his latest offerings have more universal appeal, especially in dynamics presentation.
Hi have you tried some Quadral speakers? I think they have some interesting examples to try.. Thanks
I have not, I think they are made in Germany. One day when I get a chance.
Great review Thomas! Have you heard the "LAVARDIN IT" ? Really jells with the Harbeths.That's all folks!
No, never heard those but thanks for sharing.
I own the IT but have ever paired with harbeth.
I heard they are great together
Hello Thomas, what is your honest opinion on Harbeth's M40.2 speakers? Value for money?
Never heard them, sorry.
Hi Thomas,
I have a quesion: You say about the Harbeth m 30.1 ”This is how you should listen to music”....what amp were you going through to the harbeth m 30.1?? Thank you, and thank you for your channel!
At the time, one was with Moon 600 series integrated amp. The other was a tube preamp (forgot the model) and bryston 4B SST2.
Thanks!
Nice! Thank you..I just bought a Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP integrated to go with my Harbeth 30.2. Hope they fit well together :)
Take care!
BR
Christian
Just out of quriosity Thomas. What would you have Done If you were to pair the Harbeth 30.1/30.2 with an amp. Would you get the Moon 600i for 5500 USD or the Primaluna Dialogue Integrated for 4000 USD? :)
Just out of quriosity Thomas. What would you have Done If you were to pair the Harbeth 30.1/30.2 with an amp. Would you get the Moon 600i for 5500 USD or the Primaluna Dialogue Integrated for 4000 USD? :)
Sorry for the late reply, I probably would go for the Primaluna, Moon is very nice too but I would want tubes with a Harbeth.
my friend Philip he has a pair of HL5s taught me to take the grilles off with a magnet, the frame of the grilles are made of steel. How about ATCs? Will you be giving them a try at home?
I wish! I need my channel to be bigger for them to take me seriously when I reach out to them!
Do you know the grille is meant to be left in place!
Hello, I plan to sell my Dynaudio Focus 160 maybe for these or Tablette 10 Signature. Is it a good idea ? I miss the presence I felt with Proac and Harbeth.
Oh, big difference in sound. You are going for the midrange with these Harbeth and giving up on the bass and scale. You are also trading soft dome with metal dome tweeter.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks for the answer 👍
My Dynaudio are impressive but only when played loud. Otherwise the sound doesn't "detach" from the speakers. I run them with a Naim combo 122x with Teddycap Mk3 and Nap200
right?
I have Audiolab preamp and power amp and Spendor BC1 a BBC three way design Which I have had now for 30 years I was about to change the BC1 when a NAIM NAC 72 and a Nap 200 came up for sale it has transformed my system to a more detailed sound with more harmonic structure coming through from instruments and voices and sweeter sound.
One has to be carefull here when making decisions what to buy.
I always wanted to try Spendor speakers. I heard they are excellent. Right now, I am waiting for my KEF 107 to be restored, which I think is also about 30 years. Will make a video on it maybe showing the restore process too.
Before I had the Spendor,s I had Tannoy Cheviot Dual concentric with much deeper base response and dynamics which I miss but the treble was kind of horn hollow sound The Spendor more accurate on voice but colored short of chesty, listening to Ela Fitzgerald, These foolish things Remind me of you recorded 1957 sounds fantastic her voice sound like she is in the room violins very nice and sweet The KEF 107 I remember seeing those in the 1980 I think they are a brighter sound? The price of Harbeth are out of My price range so I am stuck with the Spendors.
I don't know about the KEF 107 since I am waiting for it to come back, the KEF 105 are not bright relative to the speakers with metal dome these days. Like Focal and Monitor audios. I have only own a pair of Tannoy, the TD8 I think, it is a more musical speaker compare to my focals.
Recently had a home demo of Harbeth 7s. They certainly have distinct character, and I can see why there's many Harbeth devotees. However, they have a little too laid back presentation for my taste. I prefer a speaker with low end punch
Yup, we all have different taste and I like speakers with good low end punch too.
Try Leak 30 or Rogers amps with this speakers, apple 4s phone clean DAC, You will be very impressed, big difference, this lovely speakers need 15 w old amp, not powerful, new and complicated with expensive cables to them, that what people get. Harman Kardon, Marantz..... old receivers Wow!
hi Thomas, need some advice I have seen a pair of used
Focal Scala Utopia V1 Loudspeakers for $7000.................. good deal ?
use this website to see how much it has sold in the past in your area. www.hifishark.com/ check under completed tab.
Sir try that speaker with miles Davis kind of blue with tubes it is still about the music not the equipment.peace to you
I'm using the Harbeth 40th Anniversary P3ESRs with a Primaluna EVO 400 tube amp (EL34/12AU tubes) and a REL T/7i sub (nearfield setup). All I can say is AUDIO NIRVANA!!! The only thing is my wife complains that I never leave my basement. Guess I need to get a new wife :)
i dont mean to be so off topic but does anyone know a way to get back into an Instagram account..?
I was dumb lost the login password. I would appreciate any help you can offer me.
@Denver Zayden Instablaster :)
@Antonio Stanley thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now.
Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Antonio Stanley it worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy!
Thank you so much, you really help me out !
@Denver Zayden no problem :)
What's the best bookshelf speaker you've ever heard?
I like the dynaudio special 40. The best one is probably my friend's Raidho D1.
Thomas & Stereo 👌👌
can you compare kef ls50 with Harbeth P3ESR please ?
Will try as I have both now, if I don't have enough time, I can at least do a sound demo comparing both.
I like your statement about how equipment from large manufacturers are going to perform in line with their price. In audio, things are priced right. $2,000 speakers from a major manufacturer aren't going to perform like $4,000 speakers from another major manufacturer. I don't have enough experience listening to different equipment to corroborate that statement, but until and unless I hear something to contradict that statement, I'm going to take it seriously and accept it.
I do have a question though. Do speakers from large companies ever UNDERperform? Have you ever encountered $4,000 speakers that perform more like $2,000 speakers? Do companies ever get it wrong and overprice their products?
Absolutely, those are the stuff i bring home thinking its garbage....like why would people pay $$$ for this...not often but it happens
can u review the proAc tablette 10
akila219 I almost bought one but looking more in the full tower side like a d28
The Harbeths like the 3/5as need a little more time to dial-in. With more than 20yrs on the 3/5as it still took me almost a year to get to where I am now ~ 90%. Finding the right amp and speaker cables needed as much luck and reading. Everything else was minor by comparison imho😅
Yeah, I heard you. The right combo needs a bit of luck and patience.
@@ikarus30449 definitely, ymmv😅especially if you're not as sensitive towards these differences or, that your system does not have the level of resolution. But please share with the rest of the community, hopefully we can help you and, one day you will feel differently.🙏🏻
They are excellent, but pricey
try out different high end (xlr)-cables on your mic (if you can) ;)
This was before I bought a mic, now I have a mic
I bet they would be good with tubes
Too much of the same sound I think, they really need solid state to breath some grit and life into them.
Review a speaker without sound ?
Its fun to have sound demo which I do sometimes but it is useless in terms of letting someone know how it really sounds.
Four minutes in I realised this video isn't aimed at the likes of me when Thomas described my dream speakers as 'cheap' 🤣😂🤣 ~ from a humble Mission M72i owner...
Unfortunately, you and I keep falling for the seriously overpriced and overhyped production speakers. In my old age, I am finally coming to understand the only high quality AND value priced speakers are produced from a kit designed by a "expense be damned" engineer.
@@flyingjeff1956 I've 'upgraded' since I posted this comment, although costwise it was more of a side grade. I'm now running a pair of Frugal Horn XL's fitted with Mark Audio drivers which I picked up from ebay for £350, and they're being driven by a Reisong A10 el34 tube amp. I gotta say, this is as far as I go because the sound is sublime.
That 'expense be damned' engineer wouldn't happen to be Danny Richie, would it? 🙂
The price of these speakers takes into consideration the R&D, the place of production, the quality and craftsmanship, and the cult following.
Thank you Thomas for a very fair review.
Thanks, check out my latest Rogers LS5/9 video.
👍
Thomas,
Another great review. The inevitable question of Harbeth vs...
Would you mind providing your thoughts on how the Totem Sky would stack up vs. the Harbeth P3’s in terms of i) Soundstage and ii) Midrange?
Thanks for your help.
Soundstage, Sky is more holographic. Keep in mind, the way totem voice their speakers, instrument seems to be pull more forward. No 'accurate' in the traditional sense but lots of firework. Midrange, Harbeth is known of being the king. It's more natural. You buy harbeth mostl for voice.
Thanks a lot!
Wow this is quite the opposite of sean's review on zero fidelity. Now I'm not sure whether to buy these 🤔
This was made a few years ago, I would probably trust ZF review more, I have to watch this video again to be sure if I did not make any mistakes. I would say that the metal tweeter, I can pick it out as it is quite revealing.
I totally respect everybody's opinion and enjoyed your review! However, I would like for reviewers to be honest about the price of this speaker which is grossly overpriced. Some reviewers go as far as saying this speaker is a "bargain and good value" and that it performs above its price. How a 12" tall speaker that cost over 5k is a bargain and a good value?
These are about $2.5k cdn I think, quite expensive for a bookshelf. So the other day I had a subscriber over to listen to about 10 speakers. He admit that in terms of voice, these sound the most 'natural' and tonally correct. And that is compare to some speaker that are 5 times it's price at my place. So it really depends on what you are looking for. Bass and highs, forget it, these have none relative to my other speakers but that natural timber sound, these have it. So is it worth $2.5k? Depends how important if it to you to get that correct natural voice sound.
Review the Denton 80th anniversary. Most of your comments involve "brightness". "Too bright. "A little bright". "A bit bright for my taste". Every new review I now try to guess when you'll mention "bright". I think with the Dentons there will be an absence of "bright" comments.
I think at the time, I was so into getting the most clarity possible that I look for those kind of speakers. Also, I have no idea how to match my gear compare to today. Right now, I have 5 pairs bookshelf speaker in my room and with my current setup, they are all ok and one of them is the LS50.
Hey Thomas I am curious, how many hours do you have on these speakers?
That one not many so I had to have my friend help me. Eventually I bought one later on and kept it for many months.
I've mated the Harbeth P3s with Naim Olives and Yamaha A-S1100. I was very disappointed with the P3s as they produced a very thin and un-dynamic sound. Harbeth Compact 7-ES3 are way better than P3s. Don't waste your money on P3s.
That's too bad that it did not work for you. I had the Yamada AS801 before and always wanted to try the AS1100.
get the BIG daddy...M40 end game
I TOTALLY agree
Your voice is distorting check your mic, thx
Yeah, thanks, will throw that mic out!
Hello Thomas, what do you think about B&W 805 D3 speakers for 2.0 stereo? Best Regards.
Well, it should be great for anyone who love details.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks,
In my experience, no matter what the cost of the speakers you try out, 90% of what your hearing is the room acoustics your listening in. Sort the room out and almost any speaker will sound good.
Yes, a $5k speaker that is to your taste will sound better than a $300 speaker in the same treated room.
Thomas how this compared to Dynaudio special forty edition?
Well I had the Dynaudio 160 and the Dyn is better. The vocal on the Harbeth can compete and it is very revealing. Some people might find the harbeth too bright. Everything else, like bass, sound stage and so forth, non fatiguing highs, the Dyn 160 is better. The Special forty is supposed to be better than the 160 so....
Have you tried the ATC SCM12? That's another contender around this pricerange. I've never heard them but always been interested.
If speakers have too less base, just use the base control on the amp. They have been designd for that purpose. :-)
Some of my preamps can do it, but the more modern ones don't have that ability anymore :(
Some speakers just arent capable. I don't like book shelf speakers because a full size of the same brand just sounds more full and complete. Even when using a bookshelf with a sub....not the same
John Hooper equalizers wont Add bass to this small speakers. IT only can boost bass that's present. Anyway eq does more harm than good things
Dont like the cable input sticks out like that.
What a lot of comments, and so diverse. I'm not surprised, though. What is it all about? The best way to view this is on preview - at least you can laugh at the stupid subtitles.
These vs ls50w?
Harbeth with a sub is more high end sound.
@@ThomasAndStereo thanks thomas. Recommended any subs in particular?
alphanumerix1 I know Rel subs are good but expensive. I think most important is if you are planning to use it for music, then you get an 8 inch one and not a 12inch one. You need it tight and fast to keep up with these. The LS50w is more revealing and it's a good or bad thing depending on your taste. These have metallic tweeter too but the midrange is very good on these.
Prefer the Harbeth 7s
Ps it still your quality of ones ears and the room.
Что со звуком?
Это не для нас.
for $2000 the Buchardt S400 is a much better speaker. Has the great midrange but the bass is the real star of the S400. I sold my Harbeth after my S400 speakers were broken in.
Nice, but the Harbeth is more detail and has a spectacular mid range. Both are very different and glad you gave the S400 a try. If you have not seen my S400 video, check it out.
SEAS tweeter, a plastic cone woofer made in-house, veneered MDF panel box - how original. $5-$7K. Designed to sonically reproduce British voices in British-sized living rooms.
Designed to appeal to Yanks who will still pay the price for something still made in the UK riding off the back of the BBC's LS3 design and legacy.
I'll say one thing LS3/5A'S
ruclips.net/video/hgxvmxOpflM/видео.html
@@ThomasAndStereo but get some LS3s Falcon, they much better👍
I am in agreement here. Another reviewer (which I won't name) said the Harbeth were so natural and maybe his last speaker. I don't hold these in the same esteem. Not worth the money -at all.- they wouldn't even be my favorite at $1000 a pair. I'd take the Focal, totem or dynaudio ANY DAY over the Harbeth P3ESR. Just my .02 cents.
You mean "2 cents"? Normally "my 2 cents" means that you have given some reasoning or information. You have given none of these, you have just given an opinion with motivation for it.
I disagree about the pricing. Less expensive speakers outperform more expensive ones pretty often. This is a British speaker, higher labor costs and overhead, then you pay for the exchange rate, then you have a distributor markup, then you have a dealer markup. A lot of newer companies will sell direct and are bypassing that model. The result is a speaker with a lot of character, but it isn't particularly well braced (despite their claims about the cabinet), nor does it have a lot of cost in parts. It's hardly a good value, it's more of a luxury item. That's certainly okay, not knocking the speaker and I'd like to own their bigger brother.
I don't really remember all the details I said in the video but I usually would say when it comes to brand name. Usually, non brand name can do that, where they can by pass the dealer and offering better value. In that sense, you are correct. But big companies who reaches a broader market need to have distributor and dealers and I am referring to them .
I would hardly describe Harbeth as big. The dealer model works against them imo. My friend ordered some special edition 30s and he is waiting three months, the canadian dealer took full payment on them, it was literally a pain in the ass to buy them. If I was him I'd have told the dealer to piss off and buy something else. With the dealer model you pay dealer AND distributor markup. Harbeth should just go direct. Air freight would be cheaper than paying the distributor and dealers. The issue would be auditioning, but, they have such a strong userbase people would let others audition and also they could fly around demo speakers.
That really sucks for your friend. Yeah, the markup is significant. Internet really has changed the way people do business.
These take some beating when used with croft amplifiers
Meaning they can't be play loud? One test I did not do was extreme volume.
No Thomas.The sound with croft amplifiers is perfect.They go so well together.Loud is no problem.Was using a Rega elex r amp.But the croft sounds so much better with the p3 esr.
Thanks!
He spent 15 minutes and said nothing. I've always thought he's pretentious and I was right. Hot air and nothing to say about this little gem! 😮
"In the stereo world, things are priced right". That's a big joke statement ! ^^ Go Chi-fi shopping and come back after.
I had tried a few, what about it? Companies there do want to send me stuff to review. Anything specific you recommend that you have tried and have AB test against something more mainstream that I should look into?
@@ThomasAndStereo Try the new Topping D90, and check the value you can have with this amazing DAC... or a set of Shuoer Tapes IEM. And you will realize that prices in this market don't mean at all.
@@tamieu you recommend DAC which Thomas rarely review any, and an IEM which has nothing to do with the channel. Do you have any speakers, preamp or amp to recommend instead?
That was very hard to listen to you I had to shut it off after a couple minutes. The trouble on that mic is a little too much.
Yeah, I stopped using that mic.
Thomas & Stereo it sounds like a phone call :)
Don,t gauge your speaker by price. I have a vintage speaker that can out perform yours with sub woofer on. Only $2k
Yes, there will be exception to the rule especially when you bring vintage speakers into the picture. Only thing when I look at Vintage speakers, I look at the price when it was new and adjust for inflation. A speaker costing $1k 15 years ago would be $2k in today's money.
Thomas & Stereo New $700-$900. Now $$2000.
What speaker?
Thomas & Stereo JBL L65 Jubal
Thomas & Stereo I am also the one who wrote on your post. KELVIN ANG
Oh my...
The quality of your reviews has certainly improved in the last year.
This one is now Cringeworthy!
Audio is embarrassing.
Leaves me wondering how you would feel about these speakers with your new room treatment?
Zero loves the standard model...
Yeah, that was a long time ago filming with my old cellphone in an untreated room. Plus no real good planning before I film. The midrange is very good and whenever I listen to these Harbeth, I feel like dimming the lights and drink some wine.
@@ThomasAndStereo
Ever try them with the RELs?
No, I sold my Harbeth just a month ago.
For the cost of Harbeths you could just hire musicians to come to your home.
But sadly not enough if you want to play classical music that requires a lot of musicians.
Too expensive unfortunately! Almost like a snake oil unicorn!
Why talk about high end sound and you yourself sound crap absolutely bloody terrible . It's kind of a joke that you sit and criticise speakers and quality of sound but you cannot be bothered to use a decent mic .
I know the first part I did not have the mic, then I put it on and I thought it sounded ok with the clip on mic.
@@ThomasAndStereo The sound throughout your video is very poor, it is indeed hard to listen to. I read the you put on a clip on mic, but did you not listen to the result before you posted. The content of your review is not bad, but how credible is your opinion about sound quality if you cast a sound track like this?