Nice review. I have been thru so many speakers over the years and I got a pair of Harbeth P3ESR's a few months ago and there is no turning back. They are so great! The perfect speaker for smaller rooms.
Very good presentation. Being an audio studio guy I am surprised cause these little harbeth sounds the most accurate to my ear among harbeth's entire lineup.
Enjoyed your review. One of my go to speaker systems has been the legendary original BBC (15ohm) LS3/5a monitor speakers paired with the original BBC AB1 subwoofers.... I have to say that the Harbeth P3ESRs come closer to the musical reproduction of the original BBC monitors than any other contemporary speaker system based on the original BBC design. That said, placement of the speakers is critical in "near-field" monitor listening. A perfect speaker for smallish listening areas and condo living.
I have them with a Puresound A30 and they are wonderful, excellent result. I used to have them with a Unison R. Sinfonia and the result is not comparable.
Have you thought of reviewing ProAc? If you like small monitors review the D2s. I had studio 148s and now D30s (Ebony). All are exceptional and I have run through lots of different manufacturers but find them to be the most consistent across their range. Just a thought as I love to give love to them, as they give to me. 😊
BTW I just checked the prices on Harbeth in the US. Wow, 2 times more expensive than in Europe. I'd rather go to Europe, visit few cities and pay the shipping back to the US than purchase them here.
In the UK (where the Harbeth's are made) a new pair of P3esr will cost you in the 1,800 to 1,900 pound range. That is over 2,000 US Dollars and in the same ballpark as the price in the US.
@@unklecorky2181 yes, I was using them like that for a long time and they are perfect for that. Place them just by the wall for a nice bass extension, they were designed like that back then, for a bbc broadcast van.
@@awdadwadwad1723 Thanks for the quick replay!Yea I will have them towards the back of my desk right which is backed up right against a wall. Did you use risers or anything like that with them?
@@unklecorky2181 I was using isoacoustics iso stands for that. But nowadays I would just use studio monitor isolation pads. Or if you want to go crazy like me move your desk 20 cm off the wall, buy 1 meter high thick acoustic panels, place them standing on the floor behind the desk and sit speakers on them. You will get amazing stage and precise bass this way
Some advice please: I am interested in purchasing a pair of Harbeth speakers primarily for the midrange, but I’m not sure which ones. My question has to do with the size of my room which is quite large, but I will only be listening midfield, that is approximately 10 to 12 feet away from the speakers. Would these be adequate or is there another model you would recommend. Thank you.
Is it true these harbeth P3ESR speakers(and Harbeth in general) are not good with electronic based music? Not a very versatile speaker if that is true.
Hi Ron, I listened to the samples you uploaded shortly after your Part 1 review - > six months on, my question is obvious : how far away is Part 2 ? Tks in advance.
Can I please ask which speaker cables you are using? Are the Harmonic Technologies Pro9's by any chance as thinking of getting some? Thanks. Alex (in London) 😊
I assume I understand what a variable pre-out is. Does this mean you only need to set up the volume on the subs once or each time you turn the volume up on LIO you need to readjust the subwoofer volume?
Mr Straits, Phil McCrevice (!) is indeed an idiot, but Ron *did* upload sound samples FWIW and they've been on YT for over six months. ruclips.net/video/oJvYGH0s0AA/видео.html The rest is down to the mic/ADC, YT compression and one's playback chain, but mccrevice's wish was granted nonetheless.
@Dire Straits A proper done nearfield recording monitored with nearly flat response headphones should be relatively transparent to the source - just like all the recordings you are spending tens of thousands YOU are trying to reproduce in vain. So You sir, Mr. Straits are the idiot. BTW, I too am a big Knopfler fan :) Sandy
Speaking of the sound signature of BBC, I'm hopelessly stuck in the era of Spendor BC1. My wife said that saves me from taking a second mortgage to own any more modern shining "Hi Fi" toys.
If comparing to headphones, in my opinion, the HD650 has darker tonality. P3ESR is more transparent like the HD800, but smoother in the top range. Great speakers!
those dome and cone type drivers with huge toal moving mass contra a planar with a effective diagram zise to a 6.5inch low mid /mid.a good lowmid to mid zise 6.5inch with frame has typical 140 kvadrat cm effektive moving area that makes sound with a total moving mass of 18gram.with a sensitivity around 88-89db.a planar with puch pull neody,m magnet rods in fron an at the back of membran with the voice coil spread out over the membran around same membran zise but only 1 or 2 gram total moving mass with higher sensitivity.power handling around 80w nominel.planar ribon twweter or better a good amt tweeter.mine go to around 25000hz.my ears cant hear that high.there are overtones in music over the ears hearing range that are a big part to define how a instrument sounds with a speaker.range from 10000 to 30000 hz helps with realism and give each instrument in a recording to get it sonic signature out from good speakers.the hartbeth name has its own filosofy.cabinet should vibrate with driver in some models and like.Thats okey.have tried a couple they where bigger and 3 way if i remember correckt.they could not match the sound from my own speaker system.with 2 planar neo20 and a mundorf amt tweeter in the midle of the 2 neo and a 12 inch bms s330 woofer in a quarter pipe tlne taperd.in each side.it is a 3 way system with a ground sound dnc24rpc dsp contolled crossover before each power amp.I program the crossover modules with a mic for room correction and choose crossover points steepness type filter etc.it is a powerfull tool with the highest grade off stuff on the pcb.pc i use only if i want to change somthing.never back to the old tecnoligy.planar with neodym magnets and the prosedyre off making trases on the diagram where they wteam or print the el leading areas .for the amplifier a planar like this is the perfect load as it is like a resistor with7 ohm regardlees of frekvens it plays.A voicecoil cant do that and are a reason for output transformers in some design.
This is an outstanding speaker REVIEW!!!! Perhaps there is a different method utilized in Norway/Finland other than words. Do tell, I'm sorry, sign your response
Helsinki is another idiot who apparently doesnt get it, but as I said earlier the sound samples are there for anyone who knows how to search YT. Social media isnt blessed with a surfeit of intelligence, but the constant clamoring for some vague *facsimile* of the sound a reviewer hears in his own room is tedious.
For that Price i would never buy these Speaker (or any other Harbeth Products). I listen to all Products from them and all Series, from the small to the big one, sound muddy and boring. No Highs, No Lows ( i dont know what Bass you hear in that Pair, because there is not realy a Subass) .. not my Kind of Sound. My Klipsch Bookshelf sounds better than the small Harbeth.. and the price is way cheaper
Ma quantu parri....un fai avutru chi parrari! E poi canci sempri cassi, amplificatori....e alla fine unni fai sentire mai....ma parri siempri. Almeno fai capire anche a noi che suono hanno!!
Just bought a pair... havent hooked it up yet. But the demo that twisted my rubber arm... blew me away.
Nice review. I have been thru so many speakers over the years and I got a pair of Harbeth P3ESR's a few months ago and there is no turning back. They are so great! The perfect speaker for smaller rooms.
True! I pick up mine today! Last of pair the dealer has as now are XD.
Very good presentation. Being an audio studio guy I am surprised cause these little harbeth sounds the most accurate to my ear among harbeth's entire lineup.
Enjoyed your review. One of my go to speaker systems has been the legendary original BBC (15ohm) LS3/5a monitor speakers paired with the original BBC AB1 subwoofers.... I have to say that the Harbeth P3ESRs come closer to the musical reproduction of the original BBC monitors than any other contemporary speaker system based on the original BBC design. That said, placement of the speakers is critical in "near-field" monitor listening. A perfect speaker for smallish listening areas and condo living.
I have them with a Puresound A30 and they are wonderful, excellent result. I used to have them with a Unison R. Sinfonia and the result is not comparable.
Just brought mine home. Love them more every minute. I was using Q950's ...!!!
GOOD INTRO. These sound like speakers that I'd like. Thanks! Definitely sounds like a true Nearfield Candidate.
Have you thought of reviewing ProAc? If you like small monitors review the D2s. I had studio 148s and now D30s (Ebony). All are exceptional and I have run through lots of different manufacturers but find them to be the most consistent across their range. Just a thought as I love to give love to them, as they give to me. 😊
For same size it beats Proacs!
I have an older pair of Studio 1s driven by Rega gear… love it
I really like this video but suggest using open frame low mass stands for the P3ESR
“Am I making myself clear or making you hungry?”🤣🤣
BTW I just checked the prices on Harbeth in the US. Wow, 2 times more expensive than in Europe.
I'd rather go to Europe, visit few cities and pay the shipping back to the US than purchase them here.
In the UK (where the Harbeth's are made) a new pair of P3esr will cost you in the 1,800 to 1,900 pound range. That is over 2,000 US Dollars and in the same ballpark as the price in the US.
They really do need to make subs that also work as stands.
Brotha LOVE the reviews! BTW Ill call you soon I have the 3rd generation of those towers Last is coming up so you'll get them soon!
Watching the video through my p3s and "Simple Man" or acctually anything from Lynyrd Skynyrd sounds absolutely amazing through them.
Do you use these as computer speakers? I’m wondering if they would be adequate for that purpose.
@@unklecorky2181 yes, I was using them like that for a long time and they are perfect for that. Place them just by the wall for a nice bass extension, they were designed like that back then, for a bbc broadcast van.
@@awdadwadwad1723 Thanks for the quick replay!Yea I will have them towards the back of my desk right which is backed up right against a wall. Did you use risers or anything like that with them?
@@unklecorky2181 I was using isoacoustics iso stands for that. But nowadays I would just use studio monitor isolation pads. Or if you want to go crazy like me move your desk 20 cm off the wall, buy 1 meter high thick acoustic panels, place them standing on the floor behind the desk and sit speakers on them. You will get amazing stage and precise bass this way
No rubber feet between the wood? Do you think it interferes with sound quality?
Nah, not that I noticed. Wouldnt hurt to invest in pads if you wanted.
your right. they are killer
You're really got to get some ATC's in for review.
Some advice please: I am interested in purchasing a pair of Harbeth speakers primarily for the midrange, but I’m not sure which ones. My question has to do with the size of my room which is quite large, but I will only be listening midfield, that is approximately 10 to 12 feet away from the speakers. Would these be adequate or is there another model you would recommend. Thank you.
Hey I like your stand for you record player. Did you build it yourself?
Have you tried Spendors?
Thanks. Keep up the good work. 😊
What cartridge were you using? Were you using the LIO's phonostage? Thanks in advance
Thanks, great review. Is this Harbeth P3esr with Eucalyptus finish?
How do you feel about vintage gear vs. new gear?
Is it true these harbeth P3ESR speakers(and Harbeth in general) are not good with electronic based music? Not a very versatile speaker if that is true.
Have you tried these speakers with electronic music? Notice this is an old post and I’m curious myself.
@@unklecorky2181 No.I never heard them
Hi Ron,
I listened to the samples you uploaded shortly after your Part 1 review - > six months on, my question is obvious : how far away is Part 2 ?
Tks in advance.
Wonder if they sound any better than the legendary KEF reference 101 from the late 70's?
those of you who like P3s should have a listen to AVI DM5.. I wonder what would you choose after such an audition.
whats the stands they are on? Thanks!
How about some info on the speaker stands....PLEASE !!!!
I made them.
Can I please ask which speaker cables you are using? Are the Harmonic Technologies Pro9's by any chance as thinking of getting some? Thanks. Alex (in London) 😊
Triode Wire Labs throughout the system.
Do you have a video where you discuss the construction of your equipment stand?
Not yet...
Oh well please do when you have time. It looks fascinating.
"trust me"...lol...pleeeeeeaaaassseee
How did you connect the GR subs?
Did you use one of the pre out on LIO and connected it to the GR amps, but kept the full signal on the Harbeths?
Yeah, just used the variable pre-out on the LIO. Measured the Harbeths in room, found where they naturally roll off and bridged the gap with the subs.
I assume I understand what a variable pre-out is.
Does this mean you only need to set up the volume on the subs once or each time you turn the volume up on LIO you need to readjust the subwoofer volume?
No, my personal reference will be revealed pretty soon. The GR subs are part of it :)
Correct, you only need to adjust the subs volume one time on the plate amps then the volume on LIO controls everything, including the subs.
I wanna hear the products your taking about please let that happen.this is why i stopped watching your channel.
Mr Straits, Phil McCrevice (!) is indeed an idiot, but Ron *did* upload sound samples FWIW and they've been on YT for over six months.
ruclips.net/video/oJvYGH0s0AA/видео.html
The rest is down to the mic/ADC, YT compression and one's playback chain, but mccrevice's wish was granted nonetheless.
@Dire Straits A proper done nearfield recording monitored with nearly flat response headphones should be relatively transparent to the source - just like all the recordings you are spending tens of thousands YOU are trying to reproduce in vain. So You sir, Mr. Straits are the idiot. BTW, I too am a big Knopfler fan :) Sandy
@Dire Straits I guess you didn't read my response. You disagree? How bout toning down your language while your at it, you angry man.
yeah its just some clown yapping. No one buys based on that.
@Dire Straits Stop hitting others for your poor life. Be kind.
What kind of speaker stands are those?
Custom built
Speaking of the sound signature of BBC, I'm hopelessly stuck in the era of Spendor BC1. My wife said that saves me from taking a second mortgage to own any more modern shining "Hi Fi" toys.
Oh, I love the BC1, it sounds so great.
never gonna understand why ppl wearing shoes at home specially when a toddler around
Look at this guy though.
review some proac response 1sc!
Fairy tale teller. I can go sleep now and dream about scuh speakers (with the subs)...
Do you have the plans for those DIY subs?
www.gr-research.com - Call Danny, tell him Ron sent you. He can help.
Thanks!
when comes part 2 of the harbeth's?
Part 2 of the LIO will be a few weeks.
Ok, also With the p3esr again ?
No, the review is complete for the P3esr's and I really dont have anything else to add.
Ok too bad , keep up the good work and nice reviews ! Hope to see more exciting speaker and equipment reviews !
Thanks for watching!
This has to be the speaker version of the HD650.
If comparing to headphones, in my opinion, the HD650 has darker tonality. P3ESR is more transparent like the HD800, but smoother in the top range. Great speakers!
@@SuhrMartin with Harbeth everything is about smoothness, so comparing it to hd800 is pointless.
7 people are smoking something. This is a great review on a great combo!
Maybe injecting, don't know about smoking...
those dome and cone type drivers with huge toal moving mass contra a planar with a effective diagram zise to a 6.5inch low mid /mid.a good lowmid to mid zise 6.5inch with frame has typical 140 kvadrat cm effektive moving area that makes sound with a total moving mass of 18gram.with a sensitivity around 88-89db.a planar with puch pull neody,m magnet rods in fron an at the back of membran with the voice coil spread out over the membran around same membran zise but only 1 or 2 gram total moving mass with higher sensitivity.power handling around 80w nominel.planar ribon twweter or better a good amt tweeter.mine go to around 25000hz.my ears cant hear that high.there are overtones in music over the ears hearing range that are a big part to define how a instrument sounds with a speaker.range from 10000 to 30000 hz helps with realism and give each instrument in a recording to get it sonic signature out from good speakers.the hartbeth name has its own filosofy.cabinet should vibrate with driver in some models and like.Thats okey.have tried a couple they where bigger and 3 way if i remember correckt.they could not match the sound from my own speaker system.with 2 planar neo20 and a mundorf amt tweeter in the midle of the 2 neo and a 12 inch bms s330 woofer in a quarter pipe tlne taperd.in each side.it is a 3 way system with a ground sound dnc24rpc dsp contolled crossover before each power amp.I program the crossover modules with a mic for room correction and choose crossover points steepness type filter etc.it is a powerfull tool with the highest grade off stuff on the pcb.pc i use only if i want to change somthing.never back to the old tecnoligy.planar with neodym magnets and the prosedyre off making trases on the diagram where they wteam or print the el leading areas .for the amplifier a planar like this is the perfect load as it is like a resistor with7 ohm regardlees of frekvens it plays.A voicecoil cant do that and are a reason for output transformers in some design.
OMG bass unit & at nearfield lol!
dude we should hang out. lol i want to hear those subs
Take it easy, he got paid to say good thing
I don't care about your opinion and just let the speakers do the talking. Sound is subjective after all.
This is an outstanding speaker REVIEW!!!! Perhaps there is a different method utilized in Norway/Finland other than words. Do tell, I'm sorry, sign your response
Helsinki is another idiot who apparently doesnt get it, but as I said earlier the sound samples are there for anyone who knows how to search YT. Social media isnt blessed with a surfeit of intelligence, but the constant clamoring for some vague *facsimile* of the sound a reviewer hears in his own room is tedious.
dịch tiếng việt
YOU SPEAK TOOOOOOOOO MUUUUUUUUUCH
dude, your reviews are antagonistic...
For that Price i would never buy these Speaker (or any other Harbeth Products). I listen to all Products from them and all Series, from the small to the big one, sound muddy and boring. No Highs, No Lows ( i dont know what Bass you hear in that Pair, because there is not realy a Subass) .. not my Kind of Sound. My Klipsch Bookshelf sounds better than the small Harbeth.. and the price is way cheaper
A speaker review without music? Egophilia?
So, all magazines about audio, equipment, and music are also egophilia???
So you can hear what your phone speakers sound like?
What a load of ..... expensive crap
waste.
Sorry I can't listen to your Mickey mouse voice it just grates on me
I don't know why...
That’s ok.
If Harbeth monitors are good enough for the BBC, they are good enough for me.
Ma quantu parri....un fai avutru chi parrari! E poi canci sempri cassi, amplificatori....e alla fine unni fai sentire mai....ma parri siempri. Almeno fai capire anche a noi che suono hanno!!