Harbeth 30.1 or 40.1

RE: the Harbeths... I’m trying them with a "lowly" ATI AT6012 SS amp right now, which is specifically designed for my Linkwitz Orions. And... as you might have guessed (if you know Harbeths)... the AT6012 is making them sound very much like the YouTube videos I referenced - greater tranparency, and clarity, with more controlled bass and mids. Still have the great Harbeth rich mids, but with greater detail and clarity, and less boomy base.  Though - I would note... I think the room treatments in those videos do a lot to achieve the sound you hear in those videos.  

So... it would seem... you can achieve the great sound in those YouTube videos... IF... you find the right SS amp to drive and control the Harbeths. My AR150SE may ultimately produce much the same sound (after full burn-in)... we’ll see. But, if you don’t want to have to wait for the burn in of a tube amp - I think you’ll be surprised at the great sound they can produce with the right SS amps. I’m guessing, the Hegels, the ATI’s, and the McIntosh MA252 or MA352 can all do that - just so long as the amp has a very "neutral" sound and lots of current and damping to clear up the bass and mids.

And... I’m sure... the Maggies with the right amps can produce as impressive a sound. I’ve got the Peter Gunn modded Maggie 1.6 Magnestands, which have a superb sound also - may have a bit more clarity and soundstage than the Harbeths. Despite the fact the Magnestands have much better bass and dynamics than the stock Maggies - the Harbeths may still best them in those areas, which when added to the rich mids of the Harbeths, may give the edge to the Harbeths - close, hard to say.

I have both the 30.1’s and 40.2’s in a room about 20’ x 20’ x 9’. Driving them with a Yggy DAC (one of the best), AR Ref 5SE preamp, and an A21 (to be replaced by a new AR Ref 150SE tomorrow).

They’re both superb, very much like a dynamic Quad ESL57 with bass - just like they sound on YouTube.

But... I think the 40.2’s are indeed almost too big for my room. They’re very loud and the bass is almost overwhelming - in a room that has no soft surfaces or upholstery to dampen the sound. But, the mids and highs are incredible, clear and detailed, without being strident, as well as rich and organic. And with a superb soundstage. Though, I do have a pair of Townshend Super-Tweeters, which adds tone, tenor and air. The bass is so strong, I’m thinking of using a DSP or Equalizer to tame it.

The 30.1’s have much the same sound, which fills the room, but a little less prominent bass.

I would note you really need an amp that can control the woofers - they require very careful system matching to perform to their potential.

I would likely use the same amps you see driving them so well on YouTube: the MA252 or MA352, or the Hegel H360, H390, or H590. Prolly the Hegel amps, which have superb damping factors, though the tube output of the McIntosh amps sound great with them too.

That’s one aspect I like about the set up I’m using, the AR Ref 5SE adds just enough tube sound to them to make them sound superb. I’m hoping the Ref 150SE maintains that sound, with a bit greater resolution, clarity and air, while improving the control over the woofers. The AR amps have a more neutral sound than many tube amps.

I’m not sure I would use other types of tube amps with them, other than possibly, something like the Atma-sphere M60, etc. - that have the current to properly control them, and to produce the resolution and clarity they can provide, if matched properly. Their sound is already very, very rich - almost too much so, without adding an overly rich tube sound.

But... I think... you would be pleased with the sound of the 30.1’s / 30.2’s driven by one of those amps. And... I’d get the Yggy, or one of the other R2R Dacs that sound similar or better (the Audio Mirror Trubadour or Dennifrips Terminator).  Though, the Hegel already has a superb DAC, though it may not have the R2R sound, it nevertheless sounds superb.  

So... one of the setups you see on YouTube that sound so incredible will probably please you the most. I’d prolly go with the Hegel and the 30.1’s / 30.2’s.  And what a bargain you have with the that set up!

I have not tried the SHL5's, but they have a similarly impressive sound to the 30.1's / 30.2's, but with a bit less dominant bass, and somewhat brighter highs.  It's very possible that they would be just as pleasing to you, though they don't sound as impressive on the YouTube videos.  Sometimes I think I might try them for a pair that have less dominate bass and brighter highs, though maybe a bit less rich mids. 

But, if you're after the sound that you hear in the YouTube videos, I'd start with the 30.1's / 30.2's and a matching integrated amp.  I think you'll find they will provide just the sound you're after at lower to moderate volume levels.  

They're easy to sell, if you want to try one of the others.  Or, you might end up keeping them and using them in another room.  

@ pdreher

Agreed - My experiences with the 30.1’s and the 40.2’s are similar to yours - especially with a good SS amp that brings out the best in the Harbeths.

I did consider the SHL5+ with the Rel subs - but, decided the 30.1’s or 40.2’s with the Hegel H590 Integrated SS amp - sounds better to me - much richer, organic sound, while having a very clear, detailed and transparent sound brought out by the SS amp.

Though, if I were going to use a lesser SS amp or tube amp... I’d prolly... prefer the SHL5+.