Description

I have had the Harbeth SHL5s for over 2 years now. The most natural sounding speakers I have owned. Perfect balance of coherence, micro-macro dynamics and frequency extension.

And they perform exceeding well with all sorts of amplifiers. I have had Primaluna, Naim Nait XS2, Jolida 302CRC. Sticking with the Arcam A28 for now.

The Sonos streamer pulls my CD collection from my NAS and I also listen a lot to internet radio like MOG. Very versatile and easy to use multi-zone solution. I have a second Sonos for my basement setup.
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Components Toggle details

    • Sonos Connect
    Digital streamer
    • Peachtree iDAC
    Fantastic budget DAC
    • Arcam FMJ - A28
    Very high quality integrated amplifier 75W x 2. All you need if you have easy load speakers
    • Rega P5
    Modded with groovetracer upgrades and rega TT PSU
    • Dynavector xx2 Mk2
    Low output Cartridge MC
    • Dynavector P75 mk3
    phono stage with good flexibilty
    • Kimber PBJ
    best value interconnect
    • Chord Company Crimson
    Another budget buy
    • Harbeth Super HL5
    The best I have owned. Many have come and gone but this one is definitely a keeper.
    • Audio Quest
    speaker cables

Comments 8

Showing all comments by rgbeach.

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Yeah, I agree that, generally speaking, any difference between hi-res vs. redbook 16/44.1 is largely due to the hi-res version being "closer" to the master and/or better mastering. The reason I buy from HDTracks is for the convenience and immediacy of getting the music. Unfortunately, when I purchase the music, it's in a format that my whole home audio system (Sonos) can't deal with!

The Sonos, as you've pointed out, is awesome in terms of it's convenience and ease of use. Man, if it could only play hi-res formats!

rgbeach

Nice system!

How do you like the Sonos/Peachtree combination? I was using a Sonos in one of my systems. I modified the Sonos to bypass it's output stage. It sounded great, but I was frustrated that the Sonos system couldn't handle hi-res files that I purchase from HDTracks. So, I recently switched to a PC-based system and am using a DIY DAC kit that I built. Not sure if there's any audible improvement, but I like that I can play 24/96 and 24/192 files.

rgbeach