Harbeth P3ESR with soft dome tweeters

The Harbeth P3ESR is a highly rated speaker.  With good electronics (source, preamp and power amp), the P3ESR can really sing and sounds musical.  However, I heard lack of details and high frequency roll of with the P3ESR, which is more noticeable with high-res music.  This is consistent with Stereophile’s measurement and also SEAS specifications.






The 19TFF 1 is also used by other speaker brands like Sonus Faber and Celestion.  It has compatible specifications with 19TAFD/G, including the mounting dimensions.  It should work with the P3ESR without any crossover modifications.  I checked the price (19TFF 1 is slightly cheaper than 19TAFD/G) and I thought it is worth modifying the P3ESR.  I ordered the SEAS 19TFF 1 fabric dome tweeters from Falcon Acoustics UK and it arrived after 10 days.

https://www.falconacoustics.co.uk/drive-units-1/seas-drive-units/seas-speakers-tweeters-drive-units/seas-19tff-1-h0737-08-tweeter-prestige-series.html


Please note that the 19TFF 1 does not have any metal cover like the original Aluminium version.  Removing the original tweeters is easy – just remove the 3 Philips screws and pull out gently.  I use the screws to pull it out, and then take out by hand.


Please also gently remove the gasket from the original tweeters.  A plastic ruler was used to pry open the gasket, then mount the gasket to the soft dome tweeters.



Please also note that Harbeth speakers have its tweeters' polarity inverted.  So the red wire goes to tweeter’s negative terminal and blue wire goes to tweeter’s positive terminal.



When assembling the new soft dome tweeters, the wire terminals should be at the bottom.  Slide it in and then put back the 3 Philips screws.  Tighten by hand and do not over tighten.



Immediately, I can hear extended highs but since it is new, break in is required.  It sounds better after a few days of use.  A lot more details can be heard but it is more refined; not as aggressive as the original tweeters.  SEAS description of the soft dome tweeter, “extremely smooth and extended frequency response” is spot on.  I don’t think I can go back to the original Aluminium tweeters.

Please note that Falcon Acoustics UK has 10% discount from 22 Dec 2019 to 5 Jan 2020.  I paid the full price without any discount, too bad.

I have always loved how the Harbeth P3 series sound. It’s one of the most natural sounding speakers in the market.

But I myself find that the P3ESR has limited treble extension. I can only assume this is to ensure the natural reproduction of vocals. It’s the Harbeth philosophy.

Speakers like ProAc and Dynaudio give you that sparkling top end that the P3ESR does not. 

So with when the OP informed me about tweaking the little P3ESR ... I jumped on the idea. 

After waiting almost 20 days, my new SEAS twitters arrived.

Swapping it is easy.

The results? Well ...
- you immediately notice the extended highs, on the right tracks it gets airy
- the reverbs on vocals are more audible and you can hear its decay trailing away
- cymbal strikes sound ‘faster’, the initial attack on flutes are more ‘rapid’ sounding (sounding only ok, not saying it’s really faster)
- pianos and cellos sound more authoritative 
- trumpets and saxophones have a slightly more obvious metallic resonance
- vocals are sweeter, when the vocalist’s lips smack, it’s more noticeable
- there is no increased sibilant

It’s a good upgrade if you are into that sort of sound. Gonna be great in helping you get that holographic effect when using tube amps.

TQ Anwar!

Hi guys, do report back after running in the tweeters. I'm excited to know.

I think after a couple of days should we well run in dy la.

It’s like crossing a Harbeth with a ProAc. Off spring has 70% of Harbeth and 30% of ProAc

Wow just noticed this thread, never knew such tweak is possible. One of Harbeth's characteristics is the non-fatiguing sound, not sure if this tweak will cause more fatigue for long listening sessions?

cloudstrife87 wrote:Wow just noticed this thread, never knew such tweak is possible. One of Harbeth's characteristics is the non-fatiguing sound, not sure if this tweak will cause more fatigue for long listening sessions?

Zero fatigue. It’s a mild improvement to the highs. Don’t hear any change to the mids or high mids.

I can't go back to the original SEAS 19TAFD/G Aluminium dome tweeters.

Thanks for the feedback! I’ve just ordered the 19TFF1 tweeters. Can’t wait to try it out!

cloudstrife87 wrote:Thanks for the feedback! I’ve just ordered the 19TFF1 tweeters. Can’t wait to try it out!

The tweeter is wired as reversed polarity ok. Note the original. Enjoy!!!

I tried to order the tweeters after reading this thread a few months ago, but the Chinese distributor didn't have them in stock and told me to check back around April. Long story short, they just arrived last night! It took no more than 10 mins to install and sounded great right off. I don't know what few more days may bring, but these speakers are total beasts now. The soundstage is much more expansive, the imaging is much more pinpoint, and there are tons more spatial details. The soundstage is very similar to what I get with my old Magnepan MG10s.
The sound is much smoother, with no more harshness when played loud (I play very loud, all the time  ). The decays are lush and natural, and the timber is rich and full. Does it sound 30% like ProAc? I don't hear the zippiness of ProAc's; What I hear is the precision and clarity like ATCs, but with the sweet mids of Harbeth. Overall the integration is much more seamless than the originals. I can't understand why Harbeth is still using those metal dome tweeters in their new and 3300 USD XD versions?!?
This is a no-brainer for anyone who loves their P3s, a simple DIY project that costs peanuts but sounds like a million.   Enjoy your music.

simonc28 wrote:I tried to order the tweeters after reading this thread a few months ago, but the Chinese distributor didn't have them in stock and told me to check back around April. Long story short, they just arrived last night! It took no more than 10 mins to install and sounded great right off. I don't know what few more days may bring, but these speakers are total beasts now. The soundstage is much more expansive, the imaging is much more pinpoint, and there are tons more spatial details. The soundstage is very similar to what I get with my old Magnepan MG10s.
The sound is much smoother, with no more harshness when played loud (I play very loud, all the time  ). The decays are lush and natural, and the timber is rich and full. Does it sound 30% like ProAc? I don't hear the zippiness of ProAc's; What I hear is the precision and clarity like ATCs, but with the sweet mids of Harbeth. Overall the integration is much more seamless than the originals. I can't understand why Harbeth is still using those metal dome tweeters in their new and 3300 USD XD versions?!?
This is a no-brainer for anyone who loves their P3s, a simple DIY project that costs peanuts but sounds like a million.   Enjoy your music.

Hi Simon, you are welcome.

I am happy hearing good results with your upgrade.  Enjoy your "new" P3.  it will improve further after the tweeters break in.

Which Chinese distributor your ordered from?  I ordered mine from Falcon Acoustics which is in UK.

As I said in my original post, I suspect Harbeth selected the Aluminum tweeter due to magnetic shielding requirement for studio use.

Gome Sound is the Chinese importer from Dongguan, China. My wife ordered them for me from Taobao. 330 CNY each, about the same price? Shipping is probably much less than from the UK. Back to the sound, Textures, more textures everywhere   I'll probably order more drivers from them again to fix up my other speakers in the near future 

my YouTuber friend posted my comments on his YT channel

(link not allowed, Thomas and Stereo's community page) 

Very dramatic reactions

I don't mind objections, but blindly calling this a failed attempt or asking for proof of results is a bit demeaning. People can be so impolite.

The synergism continues, and I've deliberately set my Roon & Tidal to a random shuffle. So for the last few days, I've listened to as many and as diverse genres and recordings as possible.   The sound continues to "wrap around" the... whole listening area. The integration is even more seamless than before and, of course, much better than with the original tweeters.  I do agree with what some objectors said; these are no longer the Harbeth P3ESRs. They have changed into something more lively, open, and dynamic.  I love them even more than ever. Is this so bad? I guess that's possible if you are incapable of... listening? 

Those objectors are just stupid fanboys. They are unable to keep an open mind. Lol

WillT wrote:Those objectors are just stupid fanboys. They are unable to keep an open mind. Lol

in terms of costs and risk, I saw it as even lower than tube rolling. Much cheaper than some tubes 
Also, this is not my first rodeo either, I've had 3/5as (or variants of) since the late '80s. I started with a pair of 2nd Linn Kans, then 2 pairs of Rogers. Still have one pair of the 15 ohms Rogers, but the XO will need some work too.  I usually don't make any quick changes, it took me about 20 years before I decide to give the Harbeths a try. Of course, I had other speakers at the same time. I don't think it's against any law to own more than one pair  Just have fun, and enjoy your music