Are Harbeths really "all that?"

As with all competently designed and built audio equipment, we are in the realm of personal taste. There is a thread initiated just above this one that provides a glowing review of Von Schweikert speakers. I've heard three models in three different setups and really don't understand all the fuss. I'm not saying they are bad speakers but simply that they are not for me. I owned a pair of Compact 7ES's and have heard both the Monitor 40 and Super HL5 and find them to be close to perfection. Could they have more realistic dynamics? Yeah. Could they have tighter, deeper bass? Yes. Are they rather large, ugly boxes? Yes. Are they a little expensive given the current exchange rate? Yes they are but you could spend a lot more money and get much worse sound. So, Rebbi--you just have to go and listen for yourself.

Drubin: Instead of a third trip down Harbeth Lane have you reconsidered the Daedalus's? For me these were the answer since they retain all the natural musicality/tonality and glorious midrange of the Harbeth's but add realistic dynamics, the ability to play loud without strain and deeper, tighter bass. I think you heard the old DA-1's but the new models are way better.

Drubin: Nuff said--I didn't know if you had heard any of the new models. I'm not trying to evangelize, just felt that having some knowledge of your preferences and how much the new Daedalus models have improved over the earlier designs thought you might be interested. FWIW, I don't get the whole Audionote thing--stick speakers in the corners of the room? I'm all for unconventional thinking but I heard an AN setup at a show in NJ a few years ago and it reminded me of a bad college dorm room setup. Maybe my information is old or inaccurate or incomplete.

Shadorne--thanks for the warning. That's why I hedged. I've only heard them once and that was at a show so who knows? Just didn't get it. BTW, Bob Neill was hosting the demo.