Harbeth 40.3 and 40.2 Anniversary


I have seen some older threads as well as Googled this topic. Can anyone share experiences of these two to each other, or share their opinion of the "updated" sound of the 40.3 in terms of the treble (bright). or if it has lost that Harbeth midrange? Any comparisons as well in terms of tone compared the Graham LS5/5? I did hear that speaker this weekend and it wasn't set up properly in the store, but still liked how they sounded.

It is so difficult to hear the. 40.3's. I live in SC and planned a drive up to NJ. I called pretty much every Harbeth dealer between NC, VA, DC/MD and NJ and no one has one to try out. Definitely frustrating.

TIA.

 

 

 

ken6217

In my demo I didn't notice tonal differences between the Grahams and the Harbeths.  It was not a case of increased apparent detail by goosing the presence region or trouble.  If anything, the Grahams increased resolution made them more relaxing because it was easier to connect to the music.  I also wouldn't say that the Grahams are at all clinical.  I can listen to Eva Cassidy (not really my thing) without thinking it's intolerably bright.

The 5/5s image very well.  Don't let their boxy shape fool you.  About a month ago I asked my wife to listen to a really well recorded song (Kate Rusby's Mark Radcliffe folk sessions version of Ghost), and she said they are right there in the room with you; it doesn't sound like anything's coming out of the speakers.  She doesn't have much interest in the stereo and usually reads when I listen. 

So after all is said and done, I bought a pair of the Graham LS5/5. I went back and listened again and they just sounded simply amazing.