Thanks Frozentundra. You have a nice setup too. How do you like the Theils?
The Harbeth SHL5 have the perfect balance resolution, dynamics and timbre for me. I love resolution too. The image specificity and depth layering is very important. But I also need the midrange to be spot on and the bass articulate and the whole freq spectrum integrated and cohesive. The SHL5 does just that. And yes late night listening is a peach because they do their thing exceeding well at low volumes. You hear a good serving at low levels.
Prior to listening to them I had auditioned way too many to list (Monitor Audios, Magnepans, Vandys, Golden ear, B&W CM and 8 series, Focal Labs, Vienna Acoustics, Linn etc. ). I have been in the merry-go-round for 9-10 years. I have owned B&W CM1, Quad 22L2, Pi speakers, Klipsch Cornwall.
The Harbeth SHL5 pair isn't leaving my system. Hopefully I will have the bigger brother 40.1 in my basement system someday. Check that system too.