Dynaudio Confidence 5 vs Harbeth

I've heard Harbeths and C-2's and C-4's but not C-5's. However I'm willing to wager all the Dynaudios are pretty different sounding from Harbeth. I really think you should attempt to hear the Harbeths before committing. And yes your amps are complete overkill. I have found Harbeths to be easy to drive. I was using an 85 WPC tube amp on Super HL-5's with excellent results.

Since you prefer the Confidence 5 over the current Confidence range of speakers, I wager you like a sound that has more meat on the bones with less top-end detail. Hence I am not surprised you have found the Proac Tablette Ref 8 Sigs to sound harsh and bright since most Proacs are thin-sounding in the midrange with extended top-end.

I have not listened to the Confidence 5 but heard the C1 and C4. Harbeth speakers are not as analytical as the Dynaudios, sound more organic from midrange to the top and possess lower levels of listening fatigue. If you listen mainly to vocals and favor the usage of low-powered amps, the Harbeth makes an excellent proposition.

Although price is predominantly the factor in establishing the quality of equipment in that gears which are priced higher *should* sound better than the cheaper ones, there can be some good and cheaper gears that outperform their higher-priced equivalents. If you are worried the cheaper Harbeths may not sound any better than the more costly Dynaudio Confidence 5, think again. Pdreher moved from the latest C4's to the Harbeth.

Good luck.

Thanks Ryder,

You described the Proacs spot on, way to much in the extended top end. It drove me from the room.

I will give this more thought. As I mentioned I would be buying these on the "blind" as no one has them in Australia (for whatever reason).

I'm over in the US in about 3 months, might have to visit some hifi shops while I'm there to see if I can find them.

Cheers

Hi Che13,

No problem. I have owned the Proac Tablette 50 Signatures and similarly they lasted less than 2 months in my system due to their leanness and lack of body. No doubt the Proacs possess excellent pin-point imaging but their lean sound and treble cause a high-listening fatigue as my ears couldn't tolerate the piercing treble in extended listening sessions. Most folks who use Proac bookshelves compensate the brightness with the warmth of tube amps. The floorstanders don't sound as lean as the added bass gives a more fuller sound.

Good luck in auditioning some Harbeth speakers when you are in the US.

IMO, just because 1 guy sold his C4s and bought Harbeths doesnt make it a good move..The Dynaudio Confidence line is in another league to the Harbeth 40.1s and its siblings.I would strongly suggest listening to them for a long time before moving in a backward direction..Oh ,I much prefer the C4s to the older C5s you have..Easier to drive & better tweeters..Just my take.