My ATC 20s have been banned

And I can see where the 'most accurate mid in the business' comes from, but some of the scandanavian makes would give it a good run for it's money... thinking Per Skaanings Flex units.. I may well do a head to head whilst I have the units here.

 

Matt, If you like midrange, try some Proac Response 1SCs. Their midrange is seriously good.

 

http://www.castle.uk.com/pages/classic_conway.htm



And it's available in a gorgeous mahogany veneer

 

Always a pleasure Tony

Whilst merely a jestful dig, you have to admit there's an element of truth in it. After all, at least with the likes of ATC and Harbeth you cannot see where the money went - only hear it.

Those cabinets can't be cheap, and what's with the inlays

 

Boringly predictable response here

 

If you like the ATC sound (and many do here) then the 35's are in touch with their feminine side.

AndyOz is the one to ask about the 35's as he has just got a pair

 

joel - do Harbeths "do bass"? It's a serious question btw, not an attempt at a witty remark . I might soon be investigating alternatives to my Dyns. That's not to say that I'm unhappy with them but I'd at least be interested in hearing some alternatives at home to see what's possible.

Michael.

 

I was in a very similar predicament to you and came to the conclusion that if you want to stay ATC, then the SCM35's are the most living room friendly. Believe it or not, the missus really liked them when they "appeared" to replace my large 25lt standmounters. Also, note that ATC amps sell very cheap second hand (1/3 RRP sometimes) so powering them may not be as expensive as you think.

They have released a "new" version of the SCM35's but the only changes I am aware of are the 3" taller cabinets and the LF driver has been doped, so may be some good deals on ex-demo/2nd examples of the original model.

 

I think so, although they are not "bass monsters".
They are worth investigating, even if they turn out not to be your cup of tea. They aren't for everyone, but what they do they do well.

 

If you want Harbeths that do bass, try THESE..
Not the most handsome but great sounding...
I don't think the SCM35s will satisfy you, wot with them suffering from that "hifimid-bass bloom", without ever getting low enough to rattle your kidneys.. I also found the same with the ProAc Response series - felt like an octave was missing from the bottom.
Perhaps a 2nd hand pair of Kef 104/2s? Or even better, if you can find them, Ditton 66/2s (he said trumpeting these ancient beasts yet again )
Or, just to be different and not too expensive, Mirage OM1s.. Great bass and amazing soundstage..

 

In the context of Michael's appartment, Compact 7s or SH5s would be more appropriate perhaps (or M30s). Plus any of these would have the added benefit that he'd be able to get them into his flat in the first place

 

I rather doubt he'd be allowed to actually keep the Super HL5's though

 

LOL. The Super HL5's are the ones I would consider. Hadn't spotted the "domestic" version of those Monitor 40s - how big are they?

My wife is quite tolerant about these things, I doubt she'd have a problem with the Super HL5s. Joel, our apartment has a double front door of which only one side is regularly used but both sides can be opened to create 110cm wide entrance which ought to be sufficient

The biggest snag to auditioning any Harbeths here is that there appears to be no Harbeth distributor for Portugal. The nearest one is in Spain and that would be a right PITA.

Michael.

 

Monitor 40s are Size: (h x w x d) 750 x 432 x 400 mm
They look LARGER still, and need to be put on stands.
The SHL5 seems like a plan, although getting a demo for a speaker from a distributor in another country sounds like a challenge.

 

Michael,

have you actually see the Super HL5 in the flesh? They look a lot larger than their measurements suggest

 

No, I haven't. Where would be the best place to get a look (and a listen) to a pair in London?

Michael.

 

Lads, thanks for all the replies.

having gone round a few shops with my little handbrake the Wilson Benesch Arc's were acceptable (so long as we run with the stained cheery inserts). Other than that the PBC GB1 would be... acceptable.

So these are the sorts of styles we're looking at. I have to say I was quite taken with the Wilsons, but am concerned about the low end extension ( quite a big room), a subwoofer is also out the question ( - but I do have a few in the car ) so perhaps something along the PMC line would be better?

Thnks again,

Matt

 

Outside of Sideshow's spacious premises (for the smaller K6), KJ in W1 are the London dealers I believe.

 

lilolee has a pair of HL1's, which are about the same size as HL5s, he might let you have a peek if you ask nicely. Different design/drive units, but would give you an idea of the size.

You're welcome to admire my K6s, although they're ever so small compared to HL5s. Still quite chunky though ;-)

Noteworthy Audio have had a pair of secondhand HL5s for about a year. They're asking way too much for them (£1300), but no doubt they'd be happy to dem them for you.

-- Ian

 

I'll be visiting sideshow's spacious premises sometime in the next couple of weeks...and I'll see if I can get a dem of some HL5s fitted into my next visit to London aswell.

Michael.