Harbeth 30.1 or 40.1

To me they are very different speakers I like them both but the 30.1 is a great small monitor speaker. The 40.1 though stand mounted is totally full range you definitely wouldn't need a sub with it. With 30.1's you may not need a sub either unless you're a bass freak. Do you have a chance to audition them and see which you prefer?

gte357 to me there is an optimum listening volume for each piece of music not so much for each speaker. To my ears the difference between the two is the 30.1 images a bit more precisely but the images don't have the density of the 40.1. Also you get more sense of the room the music was recorded in with the 40.1 because of their much deeper bass. The 40.1 is much deeper in the bass but a tad less airy on top. Both speakers have a top notch midrange detailed and transparent with natural warmth. 

That's very funny like @mapman I heard the 40.1s at Deja Vu Audio and Spatial at Cap Audiofest. I heard the 30.2's at both Deja Vu and Cap Audiofest.  I like all 3 speakers actually I thought Spatial Audio with LTA was one of the best rooms at Cap Audiofest last year. 


Harbeth, both models, will be notably a bit warmer than Spatial with more richness if not depth to the bass. As far as bass at louder volumes the 40.1 is 85db sensitivity so you do have to give them some power to open up though they are pretty benign impedance wise.


If you can buy used Harbeth's are an easy resell so you will have a chance to audition at home that is a solid plan. Good luck!