Tír Na HiFi

Similar result here, I too loved the Harbeth Super HL5's. They're beautifully even in presenting music, unhurried and refined, with all the qualities that got me closer to music. Very 70's in look but sounding wonderful and come in at just under €4K.


Got to hear the new B&W 803's, impressive, a better sounding speaker than the model it replaces and possibly better than the old 802's. I think they are a large step forward but come with a large step up in price @ €17k. Driven by Devialet 200's mono blocked.

The Phantom speakers are a thing to rattle your trouser flaps. Thunderous bass from these little active speakers maybe not been demoed to the best being mounted on the large wall-to-wall shelf rather than on dedicated stands. The technology used to make these things is cutting edge, needs to be experienced in the flesh.

I had a nice catch up with Ivan and Noel, Noel doesn't seem to slow down.

I didn't get to hear the Harbeths as my parking had expired. I thought the B&W's with the monos were very good, very detailed and involving without sounding harsh. I didn't take to the Phantom at all. Maybe the stands would bring them to life, but they sounded boomy to me. I got to play with the Spark app and found it very straightforward. I had a brief chat to Noel about reliability and he said that they have no issues with any of the units they've sold, so that's definately a plus.

Noel suggested I listen those Harbeths upstairs myself on a recent visit, saying "I know you don't like Harbeths, but..." Well, I can only agree with what's been said here: really balanced, enjoyable, musical sound that sucks you in. It's not like other hifi really, but it's very compelling.

At the other end of the sonic spectrum, I really liked the Devialet/803D3 combo that I heard in the shop recently. I'm a bit less mad on the Phantoms all told, but I still admire what they do.

Great comments lads, I was intending to go... however I was feeling a bit under the weather, got caught up on other things, and ran out of time as well.

I would have loved to hear those Harbeths.....perhaps someday I'll get up for a audition later on.