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Harbeth M40.1 vs. M40.2 vs. M40.2 Anniversary Edition vs. M40.3XD

Anyone have experience with the multiple iterations of big Harbeths? I'm thinking about replacing my Wilson Sasha W/P with something leaner on the top end and overall more pleasant. I like to listen at 90dB+ occasionally and want impact without fatigue. From what I've gathered, some people have found the Anniversary and XD versions a bit too analytical, less of that relaxed Harbeth sound.

Amps are ARC Ref 160M's, PrimaLuna EVO 400 preamp, Holo May KTE DAC

For context, I've lived with and LOVED Harbeth P3ESR's in another system for years. Love the midrange beauty, they've always just sounded right to me. 

audio_bidder

Showing 2 responses by pdreher

pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,185 posts
 

@audio_bidder Congrats on your purchase.  If I had to do it all over again, I would have kept my 40.1's and passed on the 40.2 Anni's, as the two are very similar and I think I found the 40.1's more enjoyable than the 40.2 Anni's, 

pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,185 posts
 

I owned 40.1's twice, spanning approx 8 years and also owned 40.2 Anni's for approx. 2 years.  I found the 40.2 Anni to be more transparent and balanced, but looking back, I found the 40.1's to be more enjoyable, warm and full bodied, excelling on female vocals, acoustic music, jazz and classical... never fatiguing.  If I had to pick one, I'd get the 40.1's.

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