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The Harbeth SHL5+ XD is one of Harbeth’s most respected designs — a modern refinement of the classic BBC‑inspired monitor, known for its natural midrange, expansive soundstage, and effortless musicality. This pair is in very good condition, comes with the original factory boxes, and has been carefully maintained in a non‑smoking environment.The XD revision is the latest evolution of the SHL5 platform, offering improved transparency, tighter bass, and greater overall refinement compared to earlier versions. Reviewers consistently praise the SHL5+ XD for its clarity, linearity, and lifelike vocal reproduction.The pictures show a pair of custom stands made specifically for these speakers. I will list them separately, but I will include the stands with these speakers if the buyer wants them. However, they are around 15lbs each and will be quite expensive to ship. Although the stands will be at no charge, shipping will need to be paid for.Key Features3‑way vented design with Harbeth RADIAL2™ mid/bass driverExceptional midrange clarity and natural timbreExpansive, accurate soundstage with precise imagingEasy to drive (6Ω, 86dB sensitivity) — works well with a wide range of amplifiersOptimized for free‑space placement for best performanceConditionVery good overallNo functional issuesLight, normal cosmetic wear onlyOriginal boxes included (ideal for safe shipping)Custom stands available at no extra cost other than shippingSpecifications (from manufacturer data)Frequency response: 40Hz–20kHz ±3dBImpedance: 6ΩSensitivity: 86dB/2.83V/1mPower handling: 150WWeight: 15.8kg each (unboxed)Why These Are Sought AfterThe SHL5+ XD is widely regarded as one of the most balanced and musically engaging speakers in its class. Reviewers highlight its midrange realism, smooth off‑axis response, and ability to bring out emotional nuance in vocals.StandsThe custom stands shown in the pictures are not part of this listing. As noted above, they are available separately at no charge with the speakers, but freight will be charged at cost.Shipping / PickupShipping available (original boxes make this safe)Local pickup in Kirkland, WALocal delivery within a short drive is possibleIf you want shipping, the speakers will go in their two original Harbeth cartons, and as Reverb’s calculator can't deal with two boxes, I will need to find out the actual shipping based on your ZIP code and then update the listing with that freight charge; fully insured and packed exactly as they came to me from Harbeth. (If you want to do your own shipping calculation, here is the single-box information: 29" x 16" x 17" and 39.1 lbs.)

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About Harbeth

Harbeth Audio Ltd. traces its origins to 1977, when BBC Research Department engineer H.D. (Dudley) Harwood founded the company in the UK upon his retirement. Harwood, a pioneer in loudspeaker cone materials, commercialized his inventions—including polypropylene cones developed during four decades of BBC-funded research—to produce monitor speakers that echoed the broadcaster's precision standards. This heritage, rooted in the BBC's comprehensive loudspeaker investigations from the 1960s and 1970s, positioned Harbeth as a direct descendant of iconic designs like the LS3/5a.

The brand focuses exclusively on high-fidelity loudspeakers, eschewing amplifiers, turntables, DACs, headphones, or cables. Harbeth's innovations center on proprietary materials and engineering, notably the patented RADIAL™ cone introduced in the 1990s, which minimizes distortion for exceptional clarity and natural reproduction. Standout models include the Super HL5 Plus, Monitor 30.1, and Monitor 40.2, all refined through ongoing refinements to critically damped cabinets, polymeric cones, and crossover networks.

Harbeth commands a revered position in the high-end hi-fi market as a niche boutique specialist, prized by discerning audiophiles for its balanced, transparent sound that prioritizes musicality over hype. Under Alan Shaw's leadership since 1986, blending BBC traditions with rigorous quality control, it sustains an irrefutable reputation for world-class performance at low-to-medium volumes, earning critical acclaim worldwide.

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