Which Harbeth?

An interesting assumption, Luna....how many different rooms have you tried a pair in? I totally disagree. but that's me.

I've not heard that regarding the hl5, but a common refrain with the m40s

Hi Chashas, my room is 14 x 24 x 9fts. I had Thiels 3.6 before and there were no problems. After I got ShL5, I found the mid bass overloading in the room! I then started trying room treatment. I finally got very good bass by treating the ceiling and the conners with funitures and traps. I think Thiels has tighter but thinner bass while the SHL5 has fuller bass but very addictive once got right!

Good to hear. I've just personally never heard them act problematic.
All rooms are different, though, as you found out. Now the big 40's are different altogether. Put them in your size room and my hunch from reading many posts and reviews is that you would have bass issues. Yes, the 5's are very addictive. Stands make a difference as well, but I've covered that enough already.