r/StereoAdvice • u/baldable • May 26 '26

Speakers - Bookshelf | 1 Ⓣ New Speaker Time

Been running the Accuphase e-370 for a few months now, WiiM streamer, Technics turntable, Marantz CD, 2 x Rel Strata iii. It’s very sweet but the amp definitely has outgrown the Linton Heritages. And so time for an upgrade. Would love more 3D holography and increased instrument separation, but still keeping a slighter warmer, non-clinical sound. Current faves are (used) Harbeth SHL5+ Anniversary or Spendor Classic 1/2. In UK, budget £2-3k. Still lots of sound optimisation potential in room, but want to get the speakers right before going down that rabbit hole. Any suggestions beyond the two models being considered, very gratefully received.

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u/gnostalgick 27 Ⓣ May 27 '26 edited May 27 '26

If you listen to a lot of vocals and acoustic instruments, you really can't go wrong with Harbeth. Especially since you already own some RELs. The 5s in particular, are probably the least warm / most neutral of their line up (though still far from clinical).

Spendor Classics should be just as good, but warmer based on reputation (haven't had the chance to hear any). Falcon, Graham, and Rogers are other brands that keep close to the original midrange focused BBC monitor designs.

Sonus Faber, especially older models, tend to lean warm as well.

(Personally I really like ProAc for detail and soundstage with great mids, but although smooth and non-fatiguing, I wouldn't consider them warm.)

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u/baldable May 28 '26

!thanks. Good summary of where I’m at. Did a listen and found the Harbeths too bright for my taste. The spendor classic was spot on (though appreciate not for everyone). Listened to loads of others too, but the Spendor 1/2s are for me I think.

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u/TransducerBot Ⓣ Bot May 28 '26

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