Imperfectly perfect. Why the Harbeth P3ESR may become my FINAL loudspeaker!

[@barneywee514]

thanks for framing this speaker to just "desktop" context, it makes it clear for me, crystal clear. thank YOU.

[@trekjudas]

You gotta hear them though! They sound so much bigger than you would believe. No they aren't gonna rattle the rafters but they don't sound tiny and weak AT ALL!

[@wiebl5266]

@@trekjudas thks for sharing but for $4000 in my currency for desktop solution and secondarily a music hall listening, is expensive. There are many options.

[@awdadwadwad1723]

@@wiebl5266 maybe there are many options but those are one of the best, so why bother looking for smt else

[@cau8365]

Love your videos Sean. You're very good at what you do which is providing great info, honest opinion, and well thought out.

[@panoskonstantinidis1950]

I used to have the standard P3ESR (not the 40th Avviversary), which I loved for many years. Now I own Falcon LS3/5a. In comparison, the Falcons are truer but also more 'ruthless'. The Harbeth are more easy-going and can work well with not so good recordings. The Falcons do not ameliorate non-ideal recordings. So, horses for courses.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Want to see the crossovers on both speakers? Or maybe you'd like to experience some sound clips. If so, expand the description box and follow the links! Note: This is not a formal review. If you want a more detailed analysis, click on the description box and follow the links to my dedicated review(s) of each speaker. Another Edit: A lot of you are asking me about the gear that I use with the P3's. Truth is, I've used literally hundreds of amps on the P3's through the years. So far, my favorite (reasonable) match with them has been the Heed Audio Elixir integrated. Compact. Pretty. Musical. It's a great combo!

[@barrybrennan2135]

IIRC the crossover is indeed slightly different, apart from component selection, saw pictures elsewhere online.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

POP THE HOOD 😆

[@johnsweda2999]

Is that the only link to the crossover, they're not identical and I can't really see the values on both. I don't know If you could take a picture of yours and posted them? What is so special about the binding posts? They are not silver! Are you finding the anniversary forward side of of Bright, you could stick a resistor in there just off the terminal lead to the tweet try something like 0.3 ohms 7 or10 Watts 1% will pull that top back a bit. Make sure both tested for matching. Try it like this even, find a felt turntable mat thin as possible cheap one, cut it to cover the tweeter baffle slightly overlapping on the bottom wood, quarter of an inch, and slightly underlapping on the top about half an inch exposing the battles age, the centre hole as a rectangle exposing the lip of the tweet baffle about half of an inch, experiment with this because it's a rectangle on the horizontal plane and vertically plane if you feel like you want more vertical plane have the rectangle in the vertical plane and vice versa. but Keep those overlapping gaps top and bottom the same. Stick it down with double-sided tape

[@dudemanismadcool]

Hey Sean, do you use a subwoofer with these?

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

@Fat Rat thats supposely the best signal transfer conductor right now !

[@net_news]

Wow unbelievable... I just bought a pair after months and months saving money! I can't believe you're talking about them!! Well I love the P3ESRs, in fact, Hartbeth is the reason why I'm an audiophile I just admire their products and the way they do business, their philosophy... amazing speakers, amazing brand... if "love" could be materialized and converted into a product, that would be the P3ESRs... sweet, warm, beautiful like the girl you love most. That's what I feel when I look and listen to the P3ESRs. I want to kiss them! haha

[@ZeroFidelity]

Hell yeah! I hope you enjoy them for many, many years!

[@net_news]

@@ZeroFidelity thanks Sean!! Oh! And they are the original ones, forgot to mention that in my comment.

[@512bb]

Congratulations, enjoy them in good health!

[@net_news]

@@512bb thanks!!

[@MichaelLivingston-me]

I like everything you have noted about these speakers except for two things. 1 - I haven't heard them. Hearing them through excellent equipment and fed from good source material would be critical. Sadly, when it comes to listening to a wide variety of equipment, I'm not anywhere in your league. 2 - I'm now semi-retired. I simply don't have a flexible enough budget to buy them as well as all the components that would properly feed these nice appearing speakers. So, I will continue to watch, and occasionally salivate over the components you review. Keep on doing the excellent reviews. I just hope you're financially rewarded commensurate with your presentation skills.

[@MichaelPolier]

I 100% agree. I have owned Lynn’s, Theal’s, and I have worked with Genelec’s and other amazing reference speakers... The P3ESR is perfection for audiophiles who appreciate reference style audio and have a listening space that is more appropriate for bookshelf speakers. Paired with the Heed Elixer and clearaudio turntable / Rega Planet CD player it’s a joyful and rewarding listening experience.

[@nelsondav100]

Michael Polier did you mean Linns and Thiels?

[@ZeroFidelity]

Preach!

[@MichaelPolier]

Dave Nelson Yes - I dictated and did not proofread before posting… My bad. Thanks for the correction!!

[@mariosupa4027]

Sean has yet to disappoint me with any of his video reviews regardless of whether I'm interested in the particular product he's reviewing or not. Kudos once again Sean. You are the man.

[@mentality321]

I tell you man, these dudes ears are a national treasure. He is so spot on.

[@infn]

I couldn't bring myself to sell my P3ESRs, even though I've gotten my dream speakers - the Super HL5+, which I first fell in love with in 2015 and was finally able to buy last month.

[@ZeroFidelity]

I hear ya.

[@oluhamilton2121]

Would love HL's in rosewood.

[@tshaolin971]

@Fat Rat Theses are the Harbeth(Airbed)phones !

[@Diatonic5th]

Very few audiophiles ever sell their P3’s. Which is probably the greatest indicator of how great they really are! I know this firsthand, as I’ve been searching Audiogon and other sites for a few years for an “affordable” used pair and have had no luck:)

[@tshaolin971]

@@Diatonic5th As a violonist selling a Stradivarius you must have a solid reason to do so.

[@richardtrussell8220]

I have a pair of P3ESR 40th anniversary, two Lyngdorf BW2 sub woofers, one behind each P3, all being superbly integrated by a Lyndorf TDAI -2170 integrated amplifier with room correction built in. This really is all you would ever need. Truly magical. Truly perfect.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Sounds like a great rig. Enjoy!

[@oluhamilton2121]

I could only IMAGINE....

[@net_news]

Richard my main system configuration is very similar to yours and I got the same impression: MAGIC!! I have the P3ESRs with a pair of REL T-Zero subs standing behind each speaker. All connected to a PrimaLuna Prologue integrated amp. Amazing, jazz and female vocals are amazing... and it gets decently loud too! Obivously they are not as "room filling" or punchy as the Buchardts S400s... but the pair of RELs covers the lack of punch of the P3ESR and the results are superb.

[@richardtrussell8220]

NETnews that sound very similar. I think an extra advantage of the Lyndorf approach is that you can set the cutoff frequency of the main and sub speakers first, I have mine set at 150Hz, and then run the RoomPerfect optimisation for your room. This sets the time alignment and the frequency response of the subs to main speakers to be perfect. The result is fantastic and now you can really push the volume as the P3s are cutoff earlier. It’s a bit techy, but worth the time spent. Cheers.

[@net_news]

@@richardtrussell8220 wow that's cool man, very clever approach. It's like blending the subs into the speakers and then adapt it to that specific room... I'm sure it sounds amazing, no doubt about it. The only "problem" I have with that kind of solutions is: room correction stuff uses tons of DSP... and I'm a vinyl guy. I prefer to keep everything in the analogue domain in my stereo system. In my 5.1 system I use room correction though, I have nothing against it... for stereo I follow the romantic way. :D I'm a Harbeth fanboy you know how We are...

[@MrDac0964]

Although I enjoy the sound of Harbeth speakers, I still believe that they are way over priced. IMHO

[@ZeroFidelity]

I hear you. I think its all a matter of what you want and value.

[@seedood]

Couldn’t agree with you more. 👍🏻

[@Waitaminutesilly]

Things ain't cheap these days. Made in UK has lot to do with it. I personally wouldn't buy Harbeth made elsewhere. Heritage is something worth pay for.

[@ZeroFidelity]

So to everyone liking this comment, I have a question for you all: How much experience do you have running a successful high end audio business? Are you familiar with freight costs, manufacturing costs, parts procurement costs, taxes, duties, labor, r&d, office essentials, marketing budgets, travel budgets, tradeshow budgets, basic economics, and all that goes into producing a product? Do you think that sourcing legal timbre, paying people a proper living wage under UK law, designing and then building your own woofers in-house, assembling most products by-hand with exacting quality control - all comes cheap? What other British company is offering the same product for significantly less money that isn't mass-produced and uses the same approach listed above?

[@cosmonaut9942]

@@ZeroFidelity Not British, but Danish: Buchardt.

[@BadMonkeyFinger_Audio]

Your videos have really grown on me. I appreciate the thought you put into them. This one was very interesting, with a lot of insight. It's nice to see videos from a person who is as passionate about audio as you are. Your comments about the desktop/ near-field experience being potentially so important for you in the near future are very relevant; what with condos and residences in general getting smaller and smaller (in larger cities), it makes a lot of sense to be concerned about near-field listening quality.

[@ZeroFidelity]

I appreciate it SV. Not sure how my videos could grow on anyone - but I'm glad you're here just the same. :)

[@BadMonkeyFinger_Audio]

@@ZeroFidelity lol. Cheers to that! Have a great weekend!

[@themosyannakou6893]

I used to have these paired with 2x Rel t7i before I had to sell my setup to move overseas. Was absolutely my favourite Hifi setup. Can’t wait till I get it all back. They pair great with the Lavardin isx amp too

[@donvittoriosierra]

This reminds me of myself always going back to sennheiser hd600s or 650s after all the hyper detailed and/or unnatural sounding hyped up high end headphones

[@PhotographyInFlight4183]

Outstanding take on the lovely and remarkable Harbeths.

[@MisterOE3]

Excellent review. Watched till the end. Thank you.

[@Funkbus5]

Excellent videos. You have a genuine tone about your reviews that appeal to being practical and excited about hifi. A lot of work by you that helps us all learn. I listened to the harbeths the other night coming out of a sprout with first press phono and it was stunning. Those speakers just always feel confident in their ability to make good sound. I want to hack their crossover design.

[@ZeroFidelity]

"Confident in their ability to make good sound". What a simple yet lovely line. I may appropriate it sometime. :D

[@Funkbus5]

How can I help do reviews?

[@olafuurwerken6421]

Probably the most "raw" audio channel around, keep up the great work 👍

[@alwaysexpandinghorizons6173]

Just bought a used (2 years and in great shape) pair for 1000 €. Now i'm getting a Rel Ti7 for 730€ and i'm done. Thanks to you i looked out for the Harbeth P3esr, and got lucky. THX

[@ZeroFidelity]

Congrats! That's going to be one ridiculously musical system. Spoiler though: You won't be done... You'll want a second T7i. ;)

[@alwaysexpandinghorizons6173]

@@ZeroFidelity Using it also as my Desktop system. Was thinking about 2 x Ti5, but went for the faster Ti7, because it's for the Desktop. Still not sure about the amplification for the Harbeth with the Rel. What amplifier could you recommend for this setup considering this being a nearfield Desktop system??? Please help ;-) Listening to a wide range of music. Best regards from Vienna / Europe

[@ZeroFidelity]

@@alwaysexpandinghorizons6173 - I enjoy the pairing with the Heed Elixir integrated. :)

[@napalmglop1]

After spending hours watching and reading reviews your video finally made drive 2 hours to visit the closest Harbeth dealer and listen to those P3ESR. I could bring my own amp and it was instant love. I shall have them early March and I can't wait!

[@DustyOyster]

I love the Harbeth speakers, especially the 40.2s. So tonally correct.

[@hi-fihaven2257]

I have always loved the wood finish of Harbeth speakers! That P3ESR is gorgeous.

[@danbalkey2580]

Looks don’t make it sound bette, but it does look better

[@petertong7460]

The loudspeaker version of Sophie's Choice....lol...love it! Great job.

[@jokrmidnite]

Very good and honest review of the Harbeth speakers, I've never have had the opportunity of listening to them. I own a pair of Watkins Stereo Generation 4s, the same price range as the Harbeths, made in in the USA (Kingsport, TN) out of solid cherry wood which has a fantastic presentation of music reproduction. If you ever get to hear a pair of them you will understand how good they are.

[@512bb]

I have really wanted yo hear the Watkins but just haven't had the opportunity yet, I hear nothing but good things about them.

[@jokrmidnite]

@@512bb I was at his business yesterday, Bill Watkins Jr installed a new cartridge on my TT. Bill is very knowledgeable and a first class guy to do business with.

[@superdougie10]

By far one of the finest for the price indeed. It would be a cold day you know where for me to ever sell my 1988 Celestion SL6se's. I would go on food stamps before selling my british monitors. What a great vlog you have given us, thank you.

[@nakamichi682zx]

I missed the boat on the SL6, indeed in '88. They were head and shoulders ahead of all other speakers demo'd.

[@mickey2036]

This was very good. Of course stuck around to the end. Would love these speakers.

[@thaddeuskevin1972]

You all prolly dont give a damn but does any of you know of a tool to log back into an instagram account? I was dumb lost the password. I would love any tricks you can give me!

[@FelixMartin-rk6eq]

@Thaddeus Kevin instablaster =)

[@thaddeuskevin1972]

@Felix Martin i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and im waiting for the hacking stuff now. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@thaddeuskevin1972]

@Felix Martin it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much you really help me out :D

[@FelixMartin-rk6eq]

@Thaddeus Kevin you are welcome xD

[@christophernehl4320]

There is nothing I miss listening to mine! They are perfect for me! I‘ve finally arrived

[@legalize.brokkoli]

Given the fact this speaker closes shop @75hz +/-3dB i'd say you don't know what you are missing.

[@leehazlewoodism]

I love my P3ESRs. I've been through a lot of speakers to get them and the only thing I'd think about changing them for is the new version of the P3ESR. I reckon they're actually pretty good value for something made by craftspeople in the UK. If you can tolerate lesser speakers, that's great for you but I use mine every day and expect to get many years of happy listening out of them - plus they've still got value when I go deaf or die so that seems like pretty good use of money to me.

[@howardskeivys4184]

Never say never. My sound system is over 30 years old and I think still holds it’s own in today’s market. I recently decided to up grade my system as I’m now a bit wealthier than I was when I first started investing in hifi components. My amp cost me £1800 and my speakers £2400! My amp is still in production but now comes with a remote and costs £1600! My speakers ceased production many moons ago. I sent my amp back to the manufacturer to be serviced and refurbished. When it came back I auditioned and blind tested it against comparable amps and amps 2 to 3 times it’s price. Conclusion, it still kicks ass and as yet, I’ve found nothing I wish to upgrade to. The speakers however, are a totally different kettle of fish. For around the same price as I paid 30 years ago, now, you get far more ‘bang for your buck’! So much so, I’m struggling to decide which pair of floor standers to invest in. In the meantime my original vintage? Set up is still soindin good and serving me well.

[@marcl8814]

Really good, honest video Sean. You mentioned the original p3 was smooth and easy, like all the music was recorded in the same studio but still that was one thing you really liked about them. I recently refurbished some 35 year old classic speakers which sound fantastic and I was thinking the exact same thing, all my music had that same similar “house” sound... I was thinking that was a fault but after hearing you comment this speaker had that same character and how much you valued that it made me realize I could really appreciate that quality too in my speakers. Thanks for your insight...Marc

[@weeooh1]

Thanks for clarifying @ 10:00 that if you were to use them in normal setup 6' away they wouldnt even figure into your top 20 speakers.

[@carlitomelon4610]

Useful comparison, thanks. Love the look of speakers from Old Blighty. I have a pair of ProAc tablettes which are more detailed sounding and scaled down sounding. On the other hand, my black edition LS50s give me that coherent full toned final speaker sound with a pair of REL subs, but not the fine furniture vibe;-)

[@carlitomelon4610]

@H. G. Wells Good to know. Got mine for $940 (thanks KEF). $2000 buys a couple of good REL subs, or a lot of CDs

[@AlanFenick]

In 1980 worked for the importer of Harbeth in the USA. Was impressed with the quality of construction and drivers! The wood veneers were absolutely beautiful, the sound impressive and power handling beyond belief! If you look at the cabinetry you can understand why they are costly! Quality is expensive!

[@johnathanbailes5542]

I really enjoyed this review. I typically like your reviews but this one stood out because understanding your needs as a listener is more important hell much more important than the money you spend. Your rationale for why you chose these speakers speaks to me as a fan of music and gear.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Thanks man! You picked up on something that floated over the heads of many. :)

[@frankierandall2232]

With three thousand dollars we can put together two audiophile quality hifidelity systems instead of just buying one set of speakers, when money is not an issue more power to you but when you have a budget you have to get the most for your money.

[@512bb]

I found your channel not too long ago & I really like what you are doing. I have been into the audio thing for more then 40 years & have become a bit jaded but it is now clearly obvious to me that your knowledge of audio & the appreciation of history extends well past your years. As you were doing the comparison I'm thinking to myself I wonder if you had ever compared these to any of the LS 3/5A derivative & I was truly impressed when you named them all, nice job. I have owned every Harbeth other then the P3 with the M30 being my favorite to this point. There still is something special about owning a classic British monitor that's hard to quantify. With that said I think you gave a great explanation & I agree completely with every thing you said. I wish you could hear my reference system as I'm sure you would appreciate it greatly. As you are obviously a fan of British speakers, I'll tease you a bit, my system is built around a pair of Tannoy Churchill Widebands. Thanks for your terrific review!

[@ZeroFidelity]

Thanks Scott! Love your taste in sound. Harbeth. Tannoy. That's some good listenin'!

[@wiebl5266]

BTW Sean, the red t-shirt and the mohogany speaker and the lighting, looks really cool and relaxed yet talking abt substance... Good combo!

[@rlwings]

"Audio version of Sophie's Choice." - Hahaha! Halarious. :)

[@scottskillman]

I get your point Sean but that is so insensitive. If you have known holocaust survivors who lost family on arrival, I think you might not use the term so loosely.

[@mag-wp6yt]

If I'm hearing you correctly, you would not recommend these speakers for a two channel main system? Only for multitask listening while working at the computer? Genuine question as I'm considering these for a small room main system, listening will be opera only.

[@vladimirdorta6692]

I'm guessing that ZF likes his volume at high levels. But if you accept their volume limitations, P3s would be great for a small room especially if you can add a REL subwoofer.

[@borlach321]

Everyone has their favorite book shelf speakers. If cost is no object, I prefer the KEF Reference 1. On a budget? Dali Rubicon 2.

[@awdadwadwad1723]

My SHL5+ are rosewood and P3ESR cherry. Rosewood colour in live is AMAZING. I had a ton of diffrent speakers through my audio journey, but if I needed to chose one it would be definitely P3ESR. Sure they roll off already on 15kHz+ and under 70Hz, but when you hear them? Damn, they are freaking magical. SHL5+ do even have a super tweeter and I still prefer aluminium one in P3s. When comes to tonality all Harbeth line sounds very alike, just the sound is getting bigger and bass going deeper when you go up the ladder, I find this fact very interesting how similiar all those speakers are and as their creator is saying you should just get the right size for your room, don't care about anything else. New they are pretty expensive, but used one you get them for just over 1000€, which is fine. Their tonality - mids is just perfect. Same as you I always come back to mines and they will never go. I use my P3s mainly on desktop, but honestly they profit so much when placed on normal stands on the sides of desktop instead of 10-20cm stands over desktop. Still on weekends I take them to my main room and place them 1 meter from front wall and listening position 2 meters away they produce beautiful sound, they completly dissapear and bass performance is just right, you don't feel you are missing anything - there is just music.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing your impressions! Enjoy the music!

[@taiseechanful]

Shaw stresses the importance of no listening fatigue. My SHL5 does just that. Good speakers.

[@generubinaudio]

Excellent video thanks! Of all the speakers in my shop, The P3 esr XD and the 30.2 XD are my favorites. The 30.2 XD is what I use myself at home.

[@amigoz3201]

I tried 30.2 xd and in my room on stands and it was horrible, but i tried them in friends room, just putted on boxes and it was quite good. Room makes impact but xd version tweater felt not ok.

[@ysk249]

I've bought the Harbeth P3ESR 40th-anniversary edition but ended up selling on eBay due to a small sound stage and fatiguing highs. They are overly detailed to a point of fatiguing and I could not enjoy them. Please check a few video clips that I posted on KZbin. The Dynaudio Special 40 sounds way better than the Harbeth 40th in my system.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Nothing is for everyone. Hence why there are so many options out there. Enjoy the 40's.

[@nakamichi682zx]

Well put. I have just mentioned elsewhere the issue of system matching.

[@awdadwadwad1723]

I listened to Special 40 at my dealer and they were so mid fi. P3s overly detailed or fatiguing? Now that's a good one!

[@yongkim4126]

@@awdadwadwad1723 Well, you listened to the Dynaudio for a very short period time at your dealer. hahaha. I've compared the Harbeth 40th to the Dynaudio 40th at home side by side for a few months and sold the inferior one on eBay. Also, check Steve Huff's review on Dynaudio Special 40.

[@planetag310]

I drive my P3s & Rel sub with a Rogue Cronus Magnum 100-watt tube amp and have never got fatigued. I got hyperacusis, a rare hearing condition from listening to them with a super-bright amp (Musical Fidelity) that I sold right away. The Cronus works perfectly with the P3s. I just wish it had more wattage, TBH.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Great one!

[@nelsondav100]

I’ll keep Dynaudios thank you

[@awdadwadwad1723]

I've sold dynaudio contour for shl5+, never looked back. I do admit dynaudio were way more high fidelity, but Harbeth midrange is just addicting.

[@OMDF01]

I give you that: you’re very knowledgeable. Although these Harbeth or any other 1-inch dome tweeter/6-inch woofer small monitor configuration with 87 dB sensitivity isn’t my cup of tea (been there, done that, especially with B & W, Paradigm and JBL). Basically, they all sound the same with minor differences. Well, if you like “smooth and easy going”, even “revealing“ I guess they’re the way to go. But at 3 K, I guess you can do A LOT of shopping before picking up these. My 0.02.

[@jeremyaguilar3805]

Have you had the opportunity to listen to the M30’s? I am trying to figure out if a 20 watt custom tube amp can push the M30.2 in a typical 2 channel application.

[@mikehanks1399]

That rosewood is to DIE for. I know we LISTEN to speakers but many of us place quite a bit of emphasis on how they look as well. I share your eclectic taste in music, which drives my wife crazy. If I had to pick just one pair to live with for the rest of my life it would have to be my original walnut veneer bullnose Advents. Believe it or not, they sound darn good in a nearfield environment as well as in a traditional listening setup. They have the low end grunt, and the fried egg tweeter is more that adequate for the top end. Too bad you can't get the 40th Anniversary Harbeth's in rosewood.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Yep, it's gorgeous in person! And yep - sometimes going from one genre to another will drive the innocent bystander absolutely nuts!

[@marcfoss7687]

Hi Sean, do you think the P3ESR would pair well with the Yamaha A-S1200? Thanks.

[@nakamichi682zx]

Superb review of Harbeth's pricey but strangely intoxicating P3, pretty much a near-failure monitor. I'm glad I stumbled across you. Excellent review, eloquent but put across on a most genial way. ....Thanks!! Subscribed.

[@sachininspright]

Marc Hugo Did you really mean near-failure or that was a typo for near-field?

[@nakamichi682zx]

@@sachininspright Oh gosh!! Sorry, near field indeed!! My Korean English teacher... lols

[@paulmcwilliams8641]

I think your personal environmental needs mirrors my own dilemna. We used to have a big house, but downsized when we stopped fostering. I had to move my stereo system from a dining room with some acoustic aids into a glass conservatory. I could only achieve this by making speaker stands which simulated being near to a wall, not in a mostly glass room. But now I can relax and concentrate on the music and not fret about the room.

[@temp7774]

A "premium" price tag on a last century technology is always a deal breaker for me. But good review Sean, thanks.

[@veroman007]

right? so many others out there at this price

[@ZeroFidelity]

Almost every loudspeaker on the market today is built on "tech" that dates back to the 20's - 50's. I get what you're saying, but unless you're going for some fancy looking DSP speaker with class-D amps built-in, it'll be hard not to find something thats based on 'antiquated' tech. For what it's worth, at least the Radial tech is relatively recent insofar as woofer tech is concerned.

[@temp7774]

​@@ZeroFidelity There is nothing wrong with the "old" tech - on contrary, pretty much everything except DAC's and headphones from 15-20+ years ago is spot on! No question about it. The problem I have is with a pricing related to such products. Most (but NOT all) of audio hi-fi/high end manufacturers products are priced the way they are for reasons that do not have much to do with the sound reproduction itself. At the end - it goes down for a personal choice what one is willing to pay for whatever, being it. £200, £2000, £200.000.....doesn't mater. It's a personal thing so I do not intend to judge anything here. But I personally have a hard time justifying such a purchase knowing that such a product is a recycled idea from many decades ago with close to none R&D invested in it during a last decade or more. And I am not alone in sharing such a thoughts. Anyway, as I said earlier, your reviews are spot-on and keep-up with a great work Thanks.

[@ZeroFidelity]

@@temp7774 - Thanks. One day I need to post up a video on why hi-fi gear costs as much as it does. I feel like most of these comments regarding value come from people who have no experience with manufacturing, business operations, understanding economy of scale, tax laws, labor laws, etc.. Particularly as it relates to the audio industry. Once you do, the pricing structure begins to make a whole lotta sense and comes across as less of an egregious ripoff.

[@temp7774]

@@ZeroFidelity Thanks Sean. Here is some food for thought: 1. MAGNAT Transpuls 1500 - £800 (Made in China) 2. JBL L100 Classic - £4,000 (Made in China) 3. Harbeth Super HL5 Plus - £3,700 (Made in UK) 4. Klipsch Forte III - £4,000 (Made in USA) 5. Spendor Classic 1/2 - £5,500 (Made in UK) Prices in UK are roughly 1-2-1 to US ones (numerically). All 3-way, front - ported (Klipsch on the back), wood chassis, same crossover topology (more or less) and size - well, BIG! ..... you get the idea ;) Transport & dealer "cut" are the same (in %).

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Any Reviews On Tube Amps ? Thank You . Sir .

[@milesdufourny4813]

The funny thing is that all the reviewers whose opinions I trust own Harbeths.

[@shaffielaw]

How are you driving these in a desktop setting? What is your signal chain? Thanks!

[@kevtn8]

So which version did you settle with - original or 40th and why ?

[@vwr32jeep]

I totally get paying for heritage. Ppl do it all the time when they buy a Harley. And that rosewood cabinet is stunning. But for that price, I think I’d rather have the Tekton Double Impact.

[@ZeroFidelity]

If people feel this way about Harbeth, I wonder if there will be the same response to McIntosh products... My guess is that the same people will see the big power figures, the big blue meters, and then drop their pants appropriately. :D

[@randomtube8226]

Doesn't KEF LS50 work well nearfield? How do they compare?

[@ZeroFidelity]

It's OK in the nearfield. Totallllllly different sound. KEF is forward, tilted up, open, dynamic, dry yet clean along the mids, they lay down a huge soundstage and have strong bass for the size. The P3's are much smoother on top, warmer, more natural sounding along the midrange (especially if you're sensitive to tone), boast of significantly better build quality, command higher resale value, etc. Totally different. Just depends on what you want.

[@net_news]

I had the LS50s... P3ESRs are more vocal and jazz oriented speakers in my opinion... LS50s are GREAT all-rounders you cannot go wrong with but, imho, they play in an inferior league compared to the classy P3ESR. LS50s are a VW Golf and the P3ESRs are a vintage Aston Martin coupe (I know car analogies are stupid but you get the idea).

[@mikewonghongkee4480]

NETnews S Aston Martin for me ☝️🤓

[@klaymoon1]

U.K. price for the rosewood is £1,895.00 with 20% VAT. So, true price is £1,516, which is $1,993 today. That's about $1,000 or 50%!! U.S. premium. I always wanted Harberth, but 50% premium.. Maybe one day when I visit London, I will bring a pair for $2,000 since a U.S. person is not subject to VAT.

[@ZeroFidelity]

25% increase on all imports into the US as of this summer. Freight costs. Extra red tape. That all costs money. If you're in a position to bring home a set from the UK and don't mind fibbing on your re-entry sheet about the value of the product you purchased and are bringing into the country (or helloooo tax)... then go for it!

[@Xx-xd3zo]

Wondering, however much later, what you're using to drive your desktop system... Great video!

[@kesm66]

So which ones did you decide to keep? The regular P3s or the 40th edition? I wish they had a walnut finish available. I have a pair of Spendor A1s...wondering if I would prefer the sound of Herberth’s?

[@larsehm5266]

Great Video, thanks👍Why it is not a real 3/5?

[@myk1200s]

Great video Sean, I agree with your comments. There comes a time and place for everything and Life can be tuff at times so all of this stuff about "chasing the Dragon" and your never satisfied with what you got don't buy it, it's all about choices everybody don't have the Luxury like you or the other reviews that have a ton of product coming in to review And able to listen to a lot of different setups and products And given your experience it sounds like you have made that determining factor that "IF IT CAME DOWN TO JUST ONE SPEAKER" could live the rest of your days with the Harbeth so with that being said 👍👍

[@skyblue1778]

Thx for another great video Sean! I was surprised that you rank the P3esr so low in a “normal” listening setup. Which speakers would you recommend, with a similar sound (slightly warm, rich mids). (Room 13x40 feet, speakers close to front wall).

[@yongkim4126]

The Dynaudio Special 40s were way better than the Harbeth 40th in my set up. I compared side by side and posted on youtube.

[@skyblue1778]

Thx Young for the tip but I have tried the Dynaudios. Too boomy bass in my room. I have to have speakers that can be placed close to the front wall. Dynaudios are designed to be far out from the wall.

[@hxhky]

Hey Sean, can you do a dedicated episode of bookshelf speakers for desktop listening? Thanks!

[@billwillard9410]

Thanks for the review; I’m still diggin’ the Buchardt S400’s.

[@slip6699]

Love mine.

[@arturwachowski6827]

i am selling now my Bowers Wilkins 805s. changed for buchardt s400: )

[@69leviattann]

Any plans to review Paradigm’s Persona B’s?

[@ZeroFidelity]

Thanks for asking! Nope. Cant say Paradigm has reached out yet.

[@edincleve1955]

Hey Shaun. As much as I like all your videos, I have to say that using the P3ESRs just as desktop speakers is like using a Porsche 911 just to go the store. :)

[@ZeroFidelity]

Hey man, if I get a daily that makes me happy - even if its from red light to red light - then I'm all about it! Most exotics never see the track anyway. Just Garage queens and weekend cruisers!

[@carltoncotter2614]

Exactly. And what's better than driving a Porsche 911 to the store?!

[@soapberrygreen]

Having a Harbeth P3ESR (or any family member) for a desktop system is one of the great luxuries of life, if one enjoys acoustic music. My desktop speaker is the M20.1. My main system is Harbeth HL5ES paired with a decent DAC, preamp, and power amp combination for $10000. On my desktop I just use computer audio jack and a $100 Topping amp from China. Yes, the price difference surely creates audible differences. The difference in sound quality is comparable to having the original CD compared to KZbin Music Premium streaming. Not a big deal, really. Finding the right music and having smooth, non-fatiguing speakers lead to true musical enjoyment. It is better to analyze the music and its emotions than analyze the sound when the P3 is already delivering a very natural presentation of sound. I really enjoy your viewpoints on hi-fi. Great job.

[@rockfella27]

When it comes to speakers the No.1 priority should be sound!

[@johenkay1129]

The p3esr is a very bright sounding speaker. 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.

[@anechoicchamber3237]

I’ve been buying and upgrading mostly second hand for over 25 years, and until I found the P3 40th was buying something new / upgrade at least once a year. I basically live in one room and needed to downsize from my Martin Logan Ethos. Before that I’d had Avalon Arcus, KEF 104, Quad, to name a few. I auditioned the standard P3 and was impressed, even against the bigger Harbeth Monitors, until the store mentioned there was a 40th Anniversary P3. I was blown away by them. All the box of the standard P3 disappeared and I would say they are not just an improvement over the standard, but a different speaker. I’ve not felt so settled with my stereo in years. Sure, they don’t have the scale and bass extension of a bigger speaker, but they do everything else so well, I just enjoy living with them. Keepers. You can always get the standard P3 but the 40th is special. Melco N1A (AIFF) T+A DAC 8 DSD Pathos Logos Mk1 Tellurium Black cables

[@phamanghung2318]

I paid $$$ for a pair of 30.2 and McIntosh MA5300 after watching a bunch of great reviews but I am not completely happy with the sound especially for the money. I feel like the details and clarity can be or should be a lot better (especially for the money). Not sure if I am expecting for too much 😜

[@ZeroFidelity]

I could totally see that. The 30.2 uses a soft dome tweeter and has an even more polite sound than the 40th Anniversary P3. I think this is all a part of the discovery process. Keep searching. Try to audition before ya buy. And eventually - you will find the kinda sound that makes you happy.

[@SubirSengupta1]

How do you have them set up on your desktop? Do you have an amplifier hooked up to your Mac for the speakers? Would love to learn more about your desktop setup . Thanks.

[@chrispendergast7792]

Any thoughts on the next model up the line? I loved the P3's but went with the C7 in the end

[@ZeroFidelity]

I've been so-so about the C7. That said, I heard that the 40th Anniversary is a knockout. Would love to get my ears on them.

[@awdadwadwad1723]

In my opinion c7 are the worst from whole Harbeth line

[@chrispendergast7792]

@@awdadwadwad1723 had home demos of the P3 and M30.1, liked the P3 just felt like they had to be pushed too hard at times for my room to me very little difference in sonic signature

[@hushpuppykl]

I sold my P3ESR then got another pair as I regretted it. The rosewood is kinda too red eh? My second pair are the cherry finish. Yeah ... great as an end game speaker. But I wish it had a bit more extended highs. Just a little bit more. I believe your suspicions are correct about the xover.

[@ZeroFidelity]

If you want more extended highs, then I think the 40th's may be your huckleberry!

[@hushpuppykl]

Zero Fidelity ... unfortunately no stock here. Distributor did not bring it and he’s retiring. It’s ok. Just settle for the P3ESR.

[@mikeuk4130]

The only real drawback to my P3ESRs is that the cabinets are too tiny to be buried in one. Oh, and how would I chose between L and R?

[@James7995]

Every few years I ask myself if I can afford a pair of Harbeths, every year I sulk and admit I can’t. +$2k is just more then I should be spending on speakers. But I’ll check again next year.

[@smnhpkns]

A magnificent review and I have to agree with you, I'm in the Uk and was wondering which one to go with, think you have helped me a long way, cheers

[@relaxvideomusic]

Hi, many people buy very powerful amplifiers for P3ESR, WATTS! need more watts to drive? I listen them with 15w Fatman tube or Rogers 30w amplifiers in my bad room with low volume and i like them much. Will I get better sound with more watts or more name like Naim or... thanks

[@jimiverson3085]

I'm more in the LS3/6 world, but all the BBC speakers share a sound that does music, especially the midrange.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Awesome review Sean, Would you say the new 40th anniversary edtion, just needed a bit of break in time to smooth out from your first impression ?

[@ZeroFidelity]

Given the complexity of the xover and the abundance of poly caps, I wouldn't be surprised if the speaker would improve with use. Having said that, I also think a good majority of the break-in took place between my ears.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

@@ZeroFidelity 😆 Thanks Sean, Appricate all your hardwork you put into audio-gear and speakers , and sharing that expierence with us viewers, You have a huge Passion for Audio HI-Fi , And one of the best Reviewers around hands down !!

[@screedy1050]

My hi fi barely gets used in my home. The wife can't stand the overbearing sound it produces. Have to admit the low fi sound of the TV is much more tolerable. So it would have to be the old p3 model for us. Wasted my money on b and w cm5 S2. As fab as they are they soon get my tinnitus started up again. If I die first, the wife would soon get rid of it all,as well as the fancy telescope.

[@commane21]

@@screedy1050 And if she kicks first, will you spend the insurance money on a nice tube component stack??

[@gerard3797]

Hi Tee-Jay, I received my Harbeth P3ESRs (classics) a few days ago and I can say that they are just incredible, really incredible :))!!!. They require a few days of break-in, but nothing close to the Buchardt S400s I have in my living room. I think the most (longer period) break-in is with the woofers, if they are very sturdy like with the Buchardts. The woofers of the Harbeth are not sturdy at all. The electronic components only need a few days of break in I guess. I first was very underwhelmed when I connected them, but that changed dramatically after only 2 days. You need to be quick however with the classics, because the replaced them with the new XD models (which are similar to the 40th anniversary) and als more expensive. So the classics will disappear in due time. I would not consider the 40th or XD because although those are technically better, they are less forgiving with lesser sources like KZbin. What I notice with the Classics is that they work really well with KZbin source material as well. Which is very important for me as I use them for my desktop. The Harbeths also are particularly great at lower volumes. I use them with a Vista Audio Spark 2 and Burson Conductor Performance 3 as dac/preamp. My previous desktop speakers where the Triangle BR02 and although these were very good for their price point, they are no match for the Harbeths (in desktop set-up). The Harbeths also show the limitations of the Aune X8 dac I still have. The Burson scales with the Harbeths, the Aune X8 does not. What was striking for me is how well the Vista Audio Spark does with the Harbeths. For desktop use it don't miss anything sofar. Incredible little amp. It also shows how good the assessments of Zero Fidelity are. I would not consider the Harbeths for my living room, as I sit at 4m or 12/13 feet from my speakers. The Buchardt have much more bass impact and scale at that distance. Probably if you use the Harbeths at only 2m or max 7 feet, this could work well with a stereo pair of rel T5i subwoofers added. But as Sean explains for desktop use these little Harbeth are simply incredible. It took me quit some time to get myself to make the investment descision. But these little things already bring me so much joy, as I am writing this. It lives up to the hype (in nearfield/desktop use). Myabe I will add a rel t5i sub in the future.

[@jikim0916]

Thanks for posting this video and it is very helpful to understand what it is and what situation it is ideal for. May I know what amps you are pairing it with on your desktop setup?

[@ZeroFidelity]

Too many amps to list. A consequence of reviewer life. So far, my favorite (reasonably priced) match has been with the Heed Audio Elixir.

[@jo1512]

Great Video. Thanks Do you ever listen to atc scm 11?

[@ZeroFidelity]

Yep. A great speaker. Quite a bit different from the P3, but nice all the same.

[@mgsboedmisodpc2]

According to GR-Research Zero Fidelity loves a loud speaker having "super cheesy parts I mean the worst of the worst" crossover components. But if is sounds okay then why not.

[@Taffy84]

I spend most of my time on my PC so I went for a good desktop audio solution too and got rid of my main system. My speakers are ATC SCM-11 with Totem Storm sub.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Badass setup! Gratz!

[@Taffy84]

@@ZeroFidelity Thx, I keep thinking about changing the amp though. Am currently using Cambradge CXA80 and want to go to Hegel H190 but $$$.

[@magikfred818]

I also spend most of my time listening to music in my office (9.5 x 11.5) and three years ago I chose the ATC scm11 / Hegel H160 combo. Just before, I also tried P3esr (and many others) with the H160 but only scm11 gave me so many chills.

[@RennieAsh]

I thought the scm11 (version 1) was a little too big for my distance at 60cm-90cm. Would probably be ok at 90+. I have the SCM7's, ATC tweeter is nicer than the older version, though this smaller woofer has more harmonic distortion low down. Overall sounds nicer. Debating on whether to keep the 11's for the regular listening distance, though they don't fill the room quite as much larger speakers.

[@Diatonic5th]

I can’t think of any other speaker that retains its value as well as the P3’s. It’s impossible to ever find a “cheap” used pair online.

[@JEG6919]

Try getting a JBL 4344 monitor in above average shape. Not only do they hold their value, they've gone up.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Great observation. Something that I forgot to mention in the video... The P3 has commanded a very strong after-market price for the better part of 10 years.

[@markphilpot4981]

You don’t have to apologize for your opinion of the P3. It is not likely that a near field monitor by any other has the consistency that it does. I have the Proac EBTs myself and have had them since the mid eighties! I still have them and feel of them as you do the Harbeth P3s! Both take a bit of time to get right on their setup and you like them on the desktop. There isn’t a set of desk stands I would be happy with doing mine on a desktop setup. The energy they deliver through their enclosures needs to be drained properly through a substantial stand that has been deadened with sand epoxy resin or both so that they can reveal to their upmost best! This choice is yours and yours alone! It would be hard. I would not make that choice till the newer one has been broke in properly as this is when the magic happens. I would put the best electronics with both and beat them both up making this a most difficult decision! Cheers Sean!

[@ZeroFidelity]

Dang man. Your relationship with those ProAc's have outlasted most peoples marriages. :D

[@markphilpot4981]

Zero Fidelity, Hi Sean! They have including my own. When you make a product well, it doesn’t get overturned by the latest and greatest! These EBTs have stood the test of time! They were great when I first got them and they will remain so! It is a lot like the Harpeth’s, they are a great speaker. When you build it right to begin with, you don’t have to go back and reinvent the wheel. The Harbeth 40th anniversary model was built to the highest standard! This speaker will still do it’s job long after others have thrown in the towel! My money is on the 40th Anniversary model!

[@markphilpot4981]

There are manufacturers who make a high quality product, but they have lost their vision! KEF used to have the commitment, but when the company was sold out, the ones who bought them pissed all over the legend they built! I hated to see what they did to that name brand! People need to be mindful of what they buy! I’m glad my speaker manufacturer is still around! Some are not and that just sucks for them!

[@Jassethi03]

Great video as usual. I love the fact that you are able to keep it simple and to the point. I have the SHL5+ 40th anniversary...never owned any other Harbeth. Would you say this has a similar approach to sound between the old and new model as the P3ESR? I have seen your video of the SHL5+ but not sure if you have heard the 40th anniversary.

[@ZeroFidelity]

I haven't heard the 40th Supers outside of a show environment. The regular's are more like the Anniversary P3.. only... brighter n' bigger sounding.

[@Jassethi03]

Thanks. Yeah they seem to have toned down the highs a bit on the 40th from what I hear.

[@barrybrennan2135]

@@ZeroFidelity Do you still have your supers? I'm thinking of selling mine for either 30.2 or p3's. Mostly due to placement/brightness

[@photomusicman9413]

Brilliant video, thank you.

[@cubrini1]

Please...can you review Castle Duke?

[@dennis8248]

Hallo from Denmark I have the SHL5 and love them, but would like to have the low freq. under 40Hz. I do not like the 40.1 as much becaurse i do not think they are as neutral as the SHL5. I am having trouble finding the speaker for my next step as i feel i am missing something the Harbeth have. I would like to hear your opinion about the Gershman sound contra the Harbeth as Gershman is tuning their speakers in studio comparing to live piano, guitars. I am thinking on the Gershman grand Avant Garde. I know that you not have reviewed that speaker, but the tonality from the studio 2 might give you and hopfully me a hint. There is no distributor of Gershman in Denmark yet. Thank you for being honest when reviewing items. Regards Dennis

[@salmonline]

I find it very difficult to believe an audiophile would consider any bookshelf as their Last Speaker.

[@ZeroFidelity]

An audiophile is somebody who cares about sound reproduction. I do. And if ya watched the vid until the end, I think you'd get the reasoning why.

[@johnwhite2576]

Sean- as you indicate, you are in effect using these as near field monitors. Over many years of trial(and error !) I too have resolved the demands (and rewards !) of speakers ideal for near field, a stereo listening room, and home theater are just too different to try to find a one size fits all. What I expect and what I what form each is so fundamentally different. (In my case, Quad electrostats and a Rel sub, an M&K 5.1, and Presonus Eries) I got to near field listening fairly late in the game when I switched to a standing desk,and while the Presonus are an excellent choice (and I needed a front port) and i agree youd imply dont Ned a traditional “full range” speaker and /or sub near field, I feel at the Harbeths price point fios a passive speaker, even if neither you nor i can afford PMCs (my clear first choice), but what about Neuman 310 s ($4000) And there are so many active monitors one can buy at This price or less - but i suspect none would have the smoothness you crave, even though I woudl not call them harsh and can listen for hours- try to get the Focal Event or a Neumann KH-120 (A or D) (($2500 pair) in to review (also perhaps even Genelec, focal, Adam, Dynaudio). I think they will impress you an your harbeths for near field monitors AND they solve amplifier matching questions obviosuly. My point= if YOUR reference is a near field monitor, you shoul also be testing near field monitors - a lot of audiophiles may find like you andI do we do MOST of our listening at our desks (by far) , esp post COVID now that many more will be working from home.

[@paulgolub6823]

KEEP BOTH!!!!!!!!!!

[@derekviveiros]

What full-range speakers would you recommend with all the qualities of the standard p3's? In a condo living room, 12.5x12' area with open side to kitchen.

[@mgsboedmisodpc2]

When a Good Value is secondary that is indeed the question!!! Zero hope you do not mind if I reference another vlogger here in these comments but GR-Research really dissed the Harbeth P3esr not for the quality of its sound or accuracy of the measurements he took but for the parts quality found within crossover which he felt used very cheap parts that if he were to replace those cheap parts with more expensive parts the crossover would be so large that it would no longer fit but would have to become external to the cabinet and not saying whether the parameters his channel uses to determine the need to upgrade, frequency response curve, would have been improved upon. I do know the Harbeth P3esr is not offered with an external crossover option but I do know the are versions of the Ls3/5A which offer the external crossover using more expensive crossover parts and wondered if Zero has ever heard any loud speaker offering an external crossover option where the assumption is more expensive crossover components are used and if so did Zero think the usage of such expensive parts was worth it for a two way design?

[@vittoriomartinidonati]

Hello Jay, I am Vittorio from Italy. Following your advice a year ago I bought the Sound Artist LS35A (and very happy with them) that I use for desk top and bedroom listening with Hegel H190, Since you are using P3ESR with H120 I would like to know if you could spend a few more words about the e sound difference between them with Hegel, I listen mostly classical and simple music, tone is very important for me, piano, violins, voices and I like soft, musical tonality. I realize you already compared the in depth in the SA review but I am curious about the combination with Hegel. Thanks in advance for your advice. Also if possible please leave your live videos up at least till your next morning so I have time to watch as in Italy we are 6 hours ahead of you, or alternatively you could give give us a 3 H warning. Keep up your great work, your reviews are among the very best!!

[@heretustay]

when it comes to a decision like that, i guess you have to ask yourself not which one is better but which are you willing to let go of first

[@PhotographyInFlight4183]

While I would agree that finding a speaker that fits your ears can be somewhat of a journey, albeit an expensive one, the Harbeths kind of cut to the chase.