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Harbeth SHL5plus XD2 on stand, grille on
Harbeth SHL5plus XD2 in Oak, front angle
Harbeth SHL5plus XD2 in Oak, side angle
Harbeth SHL5plus XD2 in Satin Black, front angle

Harbeth

SHL5plus XD2

$7,990

Harbeth · XD2 Series

The 'Super HL5': Harbeth's 200 mm RADIAL4 driver in a larger cabinet, with a SuperTweeter for extra air, deeper bass and more scale.

Price is for a pair.

40 Hz
frequency range (±3 dB)
86 dB
sensitivity (2.83 V, 1 m)
3 drivers
incl. 20 mm SuperTweeter
34.8 lb
per speaker

The SHL5plus traces back to the HL Monitor of 1977, the speaker that launched Harbeth. It pairs the 200 mm RADIAL4 bass/mid driver with a 25 mm ferrofluid-cooled tweeter and a 20 mm dome SuperTweeter, in a cabinet larger than the Monitor 30 or C7ES-3. The bigger box reaches 40 Hz, and the XD2 generation adds a newly refined crossover.

Stereophile's review of the SHL5plus XD describes a clear, neutral sound with a lucid midrange and warm, involving bass, refined and robust in equal measure. It wants more than flea-powered amplification: good solid-state, reasonably powerful push-pull tubes, or a strong class-D amplifier all suit it (Harbeth suggests 25 W per channel or more). Use low stands that put the tweeter at ear height, away from walls. It suits medium to large rooms.

Key technologies

  • RADIAL4 bass/mid driver. 200 mm, made by Harbeth.
  • SuperTweeter. A 20 mm dome alongside the main tweeter extends the top octave.
  • Newly refined XD2 crossover. Harbeth's revised network for smoother integration between drivers and better tonal accuracy.
  • BBC heritage. Harbeth's designs build on decades of BBC loudspeaker research.
  • Handmade in England. Cabinets are built by hand from selected real-wood veneers, so grain and shade vary pair to pair.

Finishes

  • Satin Black
  • Cherry
  • Walnut
  • Oak
  • Rosewood
  • Walnut Burr

Real-wood veneers, so grain and shade vary from pair to pair. Finish names follow Harbeth's US price list.

Specifications
Type Stand-mount loudspeaker with SuperTweeter
Drive units 200 mm (7.9 in) Harbeth-made RADIAL4 mid/bass; 25 mm (1 in) ferrofluid-cooled tweeter; 20 mm (0.8 in) dome SuperTweeter
Frequency range 40 Hz – 20 kHz ±3 dB (free space, grille on)
Sensitivity 86 dB (2.83 V, 1 m, axial)
Impedance 6 Ω, easy to drive
Amplifier suggestion From 25 W per channel
Power handling 150 W programme
Connectors 4 mm Harbeth binding posts
Placement Optimized for use away from walls; tweeter 475 mm (18.7 in) above cabinet base
Dimensions (H × W × D) 25.0 × 12.7 × 11.8 in (635 × 322 × 300 mm); add 12 mm (0.5 in) depth for grille and terminals
Weight 34.8 lb (15.8 kg) each
Packing Single speaker per carton
Sold as Pair

Harbeth SHL5plus XD2 technical information sheet (PDF) · harbeth.co.uk product page

Where it sits in the range

Best in medium to large rooms.

  • P3ESR XD2: 110 mm two-way mini-monitor
  • C7ES-3 XD2: 200 mm two-way, mid-size
  • M30.3 XD2: 200 mm two-way, BBC monitor lineage
  • SHL5plus XD2 (this model)
  • M40.5 XD2: three-way flagship, 300 mm bass

In the US, Harbeth is distributed by Harmonia Distribution.

Reviews

Hear Harbeth with Pearl Audio

Pearl Audio is an authorized Harbeth dealer. We can help with room placement, amplifier matching, delivery and setup, and arrange a listening appointment. Call (503) 222-2599 or email sales@pearlaudio.com.

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