I owned a pair of SHL5 (non-plus version) and found them to be as you described the "plus" version. I've since gone back to Harbeth 40.1's as they are full bodied and far superior to the SHL5 in my experience. If you are patient and ok with buying used, you can find a pair of 40.1's for around $7K. Another speaker to consider that I've heard at a friends house on several occasions is the Verity Parsifal Encore, which is superior to SHL5's, is full range and can be found for around $6-$7K used.
Harbelth HL5plus
I am looking to replace a vintage pair of Spendor SP-1s and have been looking at Harbeth HL5 plus as they seem to be a more modern version of the Spendor. I listened to a a pair recently and found the imaging and upper end quite beautiful, but found the lower end a bit lacking. The retailer explained it away as the speakers had not yet been broken in, Are there any Harbeth owners out there who can comment on the bass response?
Thanks
MP
Thanks
MP