Borresen X3 measurements

I compared Harbeth 40.2 speakers to Borresen X3 a few months ago. You can read about it here ... https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/borresen-x3-vs-harbeth-40-2-my-impressions

To summarize, I thought the X3's were a great value at $11k retail. It's clear to see Michael Borresen's aim was/is to appeal to the widest range of audiophiles and focus on the basics -- wide and deep soundstage, musicality, and decent bass. Ultimately, I still preferred the Harbeth 40.2 because of better midrange, refinement and transparency. That seemed to offend a lot of folks though. Somehow, folks equate cool technology/drivers, buzzwords, etc. with better sound. That's not always the case as most of us already know. 

Regardless, I still maintain that you will be hard pressed to find a better speaker than X3 at that price point. If Borresen can fix the midrange (in my case that was the slight bass boost in upper midrange) this speaker will be as good as it get within it's respective price range. Having said that, does it compete favorably with speakers twice the price as is often alluded to in several videos and comments? IMO, the answer is no! They lack the ultimate refinement and transparency which you get when you go higher. X6's might be a better deal but I have not heard them.

@mbmi

didn’t look like somebody’s DIY speaker project from the 70’s

I didn’t intend this to be a pissing match based on looks which can be very subjective. The Harbeths do have the traditional BBC box form "by design", but anyone who has owned their products will tell you there’s nothing DIY about them. The cabinets are very well put together and look refined in person. Granted the boxy look is not very attractive to many but the fit and finish on the speakers is top notch. Having said that, I will be the first to admit that at $20K+ retail for 40.x, Harbeth could do much better in this department.

I’ve seen and heard the X3’s in person. Not sure what’s "science fiction" worthy about them. They are a good looking speaker with decent fit and finish but nothing extraordinary. Maybe I missed some science fiction aspect of the design?

@helomech I wasn't referring to you when I made the comment. I think our conversation was civilized and on point. I understand and respect what you like about the X3. You made your points without getting personal or nasty. There were other folks involved in that discussion who apparently have a lot of growing up to do :)

Regarding which speaker is better, we can continue to go around in circles with no good outcome. We all have our preferences and have a different priority scale when judging speakers. However, I'm still amazed by how so many people (not you) get so worked up over something as trivial as this. I mean, for god's sake, we're not talking about our children. Folks should lighten up a little :)

I have no interest or specific loyalty to Borresen or Harbeth, or any other speaker company for that matter. I have owned many great speakers and I prefer Harbeth over many others. I have zero expectation that others have to agree with me, nor do I get all emotional and confrontational when someone disses the speakers that I own. Who gives a damn!

However, I would like to point out the apparent hypocrisy in some of the posts made in this thread. We're told that unless you have owned and heard a particular speaker for over 500 hours, you have no right to comment. But the same folks have no qualms trashing another speaker, e.g. Harbeth, that they have never owned. Talk about talking from both sides of your mouth!

If Harbeth or other BBC speakers were inferior they would have died a long time ago. The audio industry is a harsh mistress. You don't survive this long if your product doesn't offer the extra value to at least a segment of the audiophile population. So I heard the X3 and still preferred Harbeth 40.2 over it. What's the big deal? These are my opinions and I have a right to share as long as I'm not misrepresenting anything. Lastly, if we are making this a requirement that you can only opine about a speaker that you have owned, 99% of the reviews and opinions will be null and void. Just sayin :)