Harbeth M30 vs. Super HL5

Thanks Jaybo... You're responses are always short, relevant and informative. By the way, have you ever heard of anyone successfully integrating the M30s with subs? Any suggestion with respect to brands of subs?

Jaybo: if you're putting these in a big room, the hl5 is the strongest overall. with a sub, or nearfield, the m30.

I realize that there will always be some play in numbers, but I am curious as to where does a room start getting too big for M30 and thus enough for HL5?

This is very unscientific, but I would think above 1,500 cubic feet you would want to go with the HL5.

This has been a question of great interest to me, as an owner of the M-30's who is thrilled with the mid's, but wouldn't mind a bit more warmth. (This is a question that has come up before on this forum by the way, but without much response.)

So, let me report first that I recently found a very good comparison of the two speakers contained in a review of the Monitor 30's in Stereo Times from January 07. It's not the easiest review to find for some reason...I think the easiest way to find it is to look for the directory of Stereo Times on-line and go from there. The very interesting conclusion of the reviewer is, in short, that the M-30's are notably less forgiving than the HL5's (and the smaller P3's): "While the [HL5's] also revealed the limitations of gear [and source material], they tended to work around the flaws and to maximize the gear's good points. Not so the 30's: flaws were never glossed over." I found this particularly interesting because, after nearly a year with the M30's, I have come to a similar conclusion--as good as they are, they don't let gear or source material flaws off the hook at all--which I find a bit frustrating, having turned to the Harbeths in search of a more forgiving speaker than my previous speakers. (That having been said, they are the most forgiving speaker I've used on a long-term basis in years.)

Next, I had a talk with a dealer that knew both speakers not long ago. He described the HL5's as being more "voluptuous and warm" than the M30's. However, he described the M30's highs as being more detailed and nuanced than the HL5's. Yet the HL5's were not at all bright, according to this source. I do not find those descriptions particularly inconsistent with the Stereo Times review.

There is no place convenient for me to hear and compare both speakers. Consequently, I've been looking for opinions on this issue, with the expectation that I would buy some HL5's on Audiogon, or otherwise by mail, if the reports appeared to lean in their direction. The reports mentioned above came to my attention only in the last month or two. I'm curious to hear any other reports, and hope these are of some use. In the meantime, I'm saving my nickels, and will likely take the risk with some HL5's in the next couple of months...if I think I can fly under the spousal radar screen tolerably well...

(I should add that I am under the impression that in fairly small rooms the HL5's can sound bloated in the bass. My room is 14x20, and I don't think I will have that problem. As of yesterday, I am trying out a subwoofer also, to see if that gives me what I'm looking for. I think, so far, that it is nice, but not likely the answer. I don't want mere bass...I want a big warm bath of sound!)

Any other thoughts from anyone?

Hi Eweed, Actually, I also found a couple of reviews that compared the two, but again... they were reviews, written by paid reviewers. That being said, they present the M30s as a little bit more forward in there presentatoin too..
This actualy suits me better. I like my music a little more forward. Anyway, with respect the spousal approval? Well... the HL5s are much larger. So.... basicaly, they look like a big boring square boxes with dimensions of roughly 29" X 14" X 14". It's going to be pretty hard to camoflage those. In comparison the M30s are only 18" x 11" x 11". So, they're a little easier to hide. Hmmn? It may be time for round trip tickets for two to Hawaii. I bet that will get the speakers in the house.