Harbeth Audio HLP-3-ES-2 Brochure

Performance beyond size

The HL-P3ES-2 . . . so good, yet so small

It is an axiom of speaker design that the smaller the cabinet,
the more challenging the task, and when the cabinet is little
bigger than a shoe box, the engineering challenges are very
considerable indeed. But Harbeth are renowned for sound
quality, so it’s no surprise that the Harbeth HL-P3ES-2 is
indeed a most remarkable loudspeaker. Packed with
enough engineering to convince the most discerning audio­phile that he’s listening to the full bandwidth sound, the
P3ES takes pride of place in any hi-fi or AV system.

Extensively proven in studios, outside broadcast and at
home, this marvellous miniature speaker is the direct
descendent of the engineering behind the Harbeth BBC
LS3/5a. Cabinet construction, panel damping and response
shaping are all the products of critical analysis and much
tuning. Instantly recognisable for their ‘Harbeth house
sound’and occupying so little space, the HL-P3ES-2 makes
possible the enjoyment of really high quality sound in
locations where space is at a real premium.

The secret of the P3ES-2 lies in its solid bass performance
since the whole perception of a loudspeakers weight and
warmth is pivoted on its low end characteristics. Extensive
computer and psychoacoustic modelling determined the
optimum characteristics in the bass region, and from there
upwards the frequency response has been finely balanced
to

sound

like a much larger system. As for the tell-tale
midrange and presence bands, the transition from bass/mid
to tweeter is so skillfully engineered that the P3ES is even
used in a military application as the ideal point source.

Although the HL P3ES-2 is the smallest Harbeth, it inherits
the SuperTunedStructureTM, SuperGrilleTMand design phi­losophy from its bigger brothers. Taken together, this
explains the commonality of sound - as it should be and
quite independent of size, across the Harbeth range. The
rest is due to our experience of live sound in the studio and
concert hall and the ability to turn that into a satisfying
sound at home.

Designed from the start with AV systems in mind, the P3ES
is perfect for stereo or as front or rear speakers in a Dolby
Digital AC3 set-up. Balanced to sound characteristically
similar to the larger Harbeth Compact 7ES-2, the P3ES-2
can be freely mixed in multi channel or multi room installa­tions, retaining the wonderful Harbeth sound throughout.

Designer Alan Shaw comments . . .

“As a youngster I was lucky enough to be
involved in BBC local radio, and I vividly recall
my first experiences with mini-monitor
speakers. Technology has now allowed me to
reduce colouration, improve the mid and high
frequency response and to introduce magnetic
screening, all of which make the P3ES-2 a
flexible solution for hi-fi stereo and AV multi­channel.Indeed, so convincing is the P3ES-2’s
sound stage that you are never really aware
that you are listening to bookshelf speakers.
With thousands in service around the world,
I’m delighted to be able to bring the musical
Harbeth sound to users who otherwise would
just not have the space for a Harbeth”.

Harbeth HL-P3ES-2 technical specification

Transducer system Sealed 2 way loudspeaker
Drive Units LF: custom 110mm polymer cone,

antimagnet, screening can
HF: custom 19mm ferrocooled
aluminium dome, anti-magnet

Frequency response 75Hz - 20kHz ± 3dB free space, 1m

smooth off axis response
Sensitivity 83dB 1W/1m
Amplifier suggestion 25-120W*
Nominal Impedance 6 ohms nominal
Power handling 50W programme*
Connector Four 4mm gold-brass binding posts

(biwireable)
Dimensions (h x w x d) 305mm x 188mm x 198mm inc. grille

and binding posts
Finish Veneers: cherry, eucalyptus (standard)

Others: please call
Weight 5.9kg each, 13.2kg packed in pairs
Special Features AV ready with controlled magnetic field

and suitable for close proximity to TV

and computer screens with smooth,

full bodied sound
Recommended listening On stands at approx. tweeter height
Technology SuperTunedStructure

TM,

SuperGrille

TM

* The power handling of the HL-P3ES-2 is optimised for broadband speech and
music to give a full bodied sound at normal, reasonable listening levels.An amplifier
with a substantially greater power potential than the handling capacity of the P3ES-2

will, when used sensibly, give excellent results.

Harbeth™, HL-P3ES

TM

/

HL-P3ES-2

TM

SuperTunedStructureTM, SuperGrilleTM, are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Harbeth.The Harbeth policy is one of continuous product improvement. We reserve the right to change any product or
specification without prior notice. Colour matches are approximate and, due to natural factors will vary from batch to
batch.

‘The Harbeths effectively disappear, leaving you with
nothing but a clear picture of the studio acoustic
before you, and placing the performers within it in
effortless fashion.”

8/96

“If there was such a thing for audio, this too ought to
be in line for an Oscar.”

HL-P3ES-2: cut-away of SuperGrille

TM

P3ES2901-PDF.qxd 6.9.2001

Harbeth Audio Ltd., 3 Enterprise Park, Lindfield, Haywards Heath, W. Sussex, RH16 2LH

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Internet: http://www.harbeth.com