Harbeth HLP3ES-4

Our HeadRoom listening tests revealed why Harbeth speakers have long been the BBC's standard for their UK audio engineering & studio mixing/mastering applications; their perfectly natural soundscape and beautiful depth of musical field is stunningly precise and deeply inviting. These superb Harbeth HL-P3ES-2 mini-monitor/bookshelf speakers will create a reference window into any audiophile recording while presenting a superbly coherent, immaculately detailed near-field image that seems to extend way past the point source of the speakers. Some afficionados have mentioned the Harbeth's smooth 'electrostatic-type' sound, only with better-detailed bass punch and perhaps a touch more presence in the upper treble ranges compared to traditional electrostatic speaker designs. There's certainly no question these small speakers will deliver the kind of impactful, richly-textured, and evenly balanced bottom-end usually reserved for far larger cabinets thanks to Harbeth's extensive computer modeling for this edition. The HL-P3ES-2's remarkably liquid response make them a terrific speaker choice for seriously demanding audio lovers wanting a perfectly detailed "listening-room" experience right on their desktop or computer workstation. But regardless of whether you elect to position the Harbeths near-field or across the room, the sound remains intimate and warm without any evidence of strain or grain. These Harbeths are truly a joy to hear and -- as a nice plus -- they have a lovely audio synergy with any HeadRoom Speaker Power Amp of your choice.

The Harbeths conveniently allow for bi-amped use if so desired and offer 4 discrete gold-plated binding posts on each speaker that can be employed in a conventional stereo or in high-definition bi-amp mode. The cherry wood cabinet is real wood - not some cheesy laminate simulacrum -- which accounts for their distinctive look and likely contributes something to their unique tonality as well. The bass/mid driver is fully magnetically shielded which allows for operation adjacent to conventional or TFT monitor screens. The speakers measure 305mm X 188mm X 198mm -- so true bookshelf size indeed. The Harbeths are classic-looking, great-sounding speakers and provide a great option versus the equally superb (but very distinct sounding) Amphion speakers we're also making available for our HeadRoom Audiophile Desktop System.