JA Pulsars vs Harbeth 30.2

Forgot to add. My current speakers are B&W 705 S2s. So what I am looking for over the B&Ws are:

• keep detail
• better base response
• bigger and fuller soundstage
• smidgen warmer treble/highs
• better musicality
• i love clarity in female/male voices

I hope this helps.

Tom

I am familiar with a friend's B&W 705s and have owned the Harbeth 30.2 for about an year. They are very different to the B&Ws. The bass is not better IMO, just a different take on it (less punchy / tight, different timbre, probably somewhat less extended, better suited to reproducing a cello than an electric bass). Treble is not as elevated and is softer. Overall the Harbeth's are more refined but less dynamic and fun - depending on the rest of the system, probably better for classical and jazz and equal or worse for most everything else. Listen before buying, if at all possible.

I haven't heard the JA speakers.

I got to hear the 705 S2 and the original Pulsars in the same room, and the Pulsars will provide all the improvements you’re looking for in spades.  Performance wise the two speakers are on different planets, as they should be given the price differential.  The Pulsars excelled at providing a larger, deeper, more 3D soundstage while pulling off a much better disappearing act that JA speakers are known for, and they sounded much more natural and balanced without any perceived lack of detail/air.  Bass capabilities were also at another level entirely.  I also much preferred the Pulsars to the 805 D3 (also in the same room) for many of the same reasons although the performance differential was not as severe as you might expect.  Given what you’re looking for I think you’d be mightily impressed with the Pulsars.  I’m not familiar with the Harbeths, but I would be a little concerned the treble might be a little shelved down compared to what you’re used to and/or looking for, but that’s just a guess FWIW.  Hope this helps, and best of luck.

I’ve got the original Pulsars and have heard the Harbeths as well. IMO, the Pulsars will give you all for which you are looking, plus some more. The Harbeths aren’t bad, but they sound a bit thin, particularly in the upper registers.

Both Harbeth 30.2 and JA Pulsars are excellent speakers but they’re not going for the same buyer profile IMO. 30.2 is more of a monitor speaker and has a distinct sound. I would never advise anyone to buy the 30.2 without listening. You will either hate it or fall in love with it. 
 

Pulsars are more traditional in the sense that they will sound more similar, but overall much better, than your existing speakers. 
 

Having said that, given your room size why are you looking at bookshelves? You can easily accommodate floorstanders in that room. 

One more thing, Harbeths will never sound thin. Whether you like them or not, one thing they’re not is thin sounding. 

I've heard the Pulsars many years ago but they burned a very good impression in my brain, was very impressed (although don't think they are made anymore). Harbeths are very soft sounding IMO not my cup of coffee.

Harbeths need a beefy amp to drive them. If they sound thin or soft, usually because the amp is not powerful enough to drive them. But yes compared to Joseph Audio or Focal etc, they’re not treble-focused. 

Something I wish I knew ahead of time-

You should check to see if the JA Pulsar model you are interested in has a Magnesium cone woofer.

i purchased a pair of Opera Callus bookshelf speakers that have SEAS  Magnesium cone woofers. The speakers sound wonderful. However, over time the magnesium cones have corroded. (Magnesium is a highly reactive metal) A Google search confirmed that others have had the same problem. SEAS claims that the corrosion does not affect the sound. I hear no difference.

The problem is that I cannot sell the speakers if I want to change my gear. Would you buy used speakers with corrosion on the woofer cones?

i purchased a pair of Opera Callus bookshelf speakers that have SEAS  Magnesium cone woofers. The speakers sound wonderful. However, over time the magnesium cones have corroded. (Magnesium is a highly reactive metal) A Google search confirmed that others have had the same problem. SEAS claims that the corrosion does not affect the sound. I hear no difference.

JA has used the magnesium drivers in the Pulsar, Perspective, and Pearl speakers for years and I’ve never heard anyone anywhere mention anything about corrosion. 

I concur with Soix.

I haven't heard the JA's but owned 30.2 XDs for 2 years. They are not thin but they do not rock-out. I don't listen to a lot of classical music but I don't think the small Harbeth's excel when there is a lot going on. Jazz, blues, vocals, acoustic, well recorded stuff like Steely Dan sound great and not fatiguing.

I bought them because I heard them and could not get the sound of the midrange / vocal reproduction out of my head. I'd listen to both if I were you you'll probably be drawn to one or the other and it will be an easy call unless you hate them both!

btw I also bought 2 REL T/9x subs at the same time as the 30's - I have a large non-dedicated room - I think you'll need a pair of subs to be really happy, maybe with either choice. 

Having said all that, I now have the 40.3's and I sold the RELs. Much happier. As someone else pointed out, in your room why not go full size?

Lastly, FWIW Harbeth shows with Hegel and while the 30's worked well with Tubes for me, they really are best with beefy SS.

@soix @rsf507 @bigkidz @macg19 ​@rlb61 @arafiq 

Thanks for your input. I really had no idea what the Harbeth’s sounded like and nowhere to listen to them. So your input is greatly appreciated . @2tuby you scared me a little concerned with the magnesium cone. I believe I will stay away from the Harbeth line.

Thanks, 

Tom

There has been no reviews or forum discussion that are not highly positive on the JA Pulsars.

@tjraubacher - some of the Harbeth have such a beautiful mid-range you can easily simply fall in love with the music.  The speakers I mention a way less expensive and top to bottom are just impressive.  For $5K hard to believe but that's what we heard and we have heard more than most.  Driven by Line Magnetic integrated amp was just magical.

Happy Listening.

you scared me a little concerned with the magnesium cone. I believe I will stay away from the Harbeth line.

the magnesium cone issue was reported by a JA (not Harbeth) owner 

 The Harbeth 30.2 woofer!

The smallest Harbeth to be engineered around the exclusive 200mm RADIAL2™ bass/mid unit – derived from the reference M40.3 – this space saver monitor disappears into any listening room.

Thanks @bigkidz 

As macg19 said, the magnesium cone speakers are used by JA. 
Harbeth does not use magnesium cones

@bigkidz , do you sell the Revival speakers?

No we are not dealers we are manufacturers of audio components and a repair shop.  We get to hear so much stuff and these just impressed me.  Mike O'Keefe at HiFi Direct in Hackensack NJ

@tjraubacher 

The Pulsars are amazing sounding speakers but to my ears not big enough.  The 30.2 are also amazing sounding speakers and would be my recommendation to you- however based on what you are after- bass, vocal clarity etc. get the Harbeth SHL5 XD.  

@2tuby @macg19 

I can see why you thought I was referring to the Harbeths having magnesium cones. Poorly written response by me. I know the JA’s have the magnesium cone. I have a feeling the Harbeths may be a little to laid off on the high end for my tastes. I like highs just not overly harsh. It would be nice to hear both side by side.

Thanks for clarifying and good luck in your search

When buying speakers you do need to listen whenever possible. As I mentioned earlier I have the Opera Callus speakers that have the SEAS magnesium cones. They are similar in size and look to the JA Pulsars and I loved the sound of the Callus speaker.

I have always liked the sound of the Harbeth speaker as well and earlier this year I found a used pair of Harbeth SHL5 on USAMart for a very good price and purchased them. I listened to both speakers side by side in my listening room for many days and to my ear the Harbeth was a little bit better. I could very easily live with either speaker.

To me the best part is looking for the next piece of equipment. Good luck!

op we are getting revivals as well they are excellent I would also look at the new dali rubikore series as well

Dave and Troy

audio intellect NJ

kef,atc, dali, cabasse alta audio dealers

Very interesting dilemma. I have the Harbeth 30.2 40th anniversary. It is one of the best if not the best monitor speaker around. For those who like the monitor sound. A big plus is its midrange, fluidity and ability to convey lifelike instruments with impressive precision without getting earring fatigue. However, I agree it is not the most dynamic speaker. The pulsars may be better fitted for rock and come with a little price premium. I'd be interested to listen to them side by side with different types of music. Good luck and keep us posted on your choice!

@bigkidz 

thanks on ur input. I am going to read up on the Revivals.

What revival speaker is on par with the pulsars?

@tjraubacher the top of the line one for $5K I forget the name but it is the model 5

the Revival Audio Atalante 5 sounded bass and midrange centric and did not have the resolution of the Pulsar.  It does have a big bold sound that the Pulsar cannot compete with.  

Pulsars with a pair of quality subwoofers would be an interesting way to go.  

@tjraubacher

I’ve owned both Joseph, audio speakers and Harbeth.

I’ve got a good bead on their sonic qualities.
(You might also look up Herb Reichart’s review of the Joseph pulsars’s

As he compares them to the Harbeth monitor and he nails the essential difference

1. Look up the audiogon thread comparing the Harbeth SuperHL5plus

speakers versus the Joseph audio perspective speakers. In that thread, I do an extensive Comparison between the Harbeth sound qualities and what you get with Joseph. Pretty much everything I say there applies to the basic differences between the Harbeth 30/pulsar.

2. Don’t worry about driver corrosion. I’ve never seen any
Joseph audio owner report it. Bit more to the point:

Joseph audio updated their drivers quite a while ago

To The Graphene coated versions. The main point of

the graphene coating Is that it stops corrosion. (Which is only an issue in certain climates anyway).

Here ya go!  Listen to these - you will be amazed! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E8ExBUC64c

I have both the 30.2's and the 40.3's - both of which sound very much like the Quad ESL 57's - which is one of the best sounding speakers at any price.

Though... these all excel with jazz, classical, blues, country - and all things acoustic!  You may prefer alternative speakers for rock, or similar sounds.  

If you're into those types of music... you will have difficulty trying to best Harbeths.

But... they must be driven with great, powerful, SS electronics - such as those Harbeth demos their speakers with at shows (Hegel amps).  I drive mine with the Hegal H590 - which produces their best sound.  Harbeths are not at their best with lesser electronics.  

With the right electronics they have a warm, rich, full sound with great clarity, which is not hard and strident.  A sax, or cello, or upright bass - sound live - like they're in the room with you.  

Listen to the above demo (and similar demos on YouTube), and you'll get a good idea of how live they sound.  And... if you want greater treble and dynamic emphasis - the SHL5 XD will provide that, while still providing the rich, warm, full sound.  

@bassdude 

Wow OMG what a beautiful sound.  Harbeth are back on my list.  Will my Hegel H390 be a good match for the Harbeth 30.1 or 30.2.

Tom

@tjraubacher :Alan Shaw actually uses Hegel in his shows..Check this out...
https://youtu.be/lhuaUn8Tqag?si=MJdV_3CioaFrq9WW&t=356

@tjraubacher my guess is if you went with the Harbeth's you would be disappointed with their mellow character unless you only listen to elevator music. I've heard them and midrange is wonderful but very soft sounding just didn't get me wanting more. Just my opinion we all have our on views which is why there are so many speakers to choose.

Oh crap! Well I don’t listen to elevator music. Blues, acoustic, folk, folk rock, rock and classical encompass my tastes. Emphasis on blues. Love the blues guitar, harmonica and saxophone. Love female voices too. 

@rsf507 you should have your ears cleaned & a hearing test!
 Harbeth midrange is only soft if they are driven by a low powered SET amplifier..There are VERY VERY few speakers with the midrange clarity of the Harbeth's.They are absolutely the closest dynamic driver speakers I've ever heard to electrostatics..
 I listened to Chicago & Delta Blues,Classic Rock,Reggae,Classic Jazz,Big Band,Classical,you name it on my M30.1's,driven by a Single Ended,KT150 tube amplifier & NEVER heard anything but sweet,beautiful music!

@freediver 

Thanks for ur input. It is very difficult with such divergent takes on the same speaker. Which gets us back to how the sound of speakers is very personal. I do believe that both of these speakers are excellent. I have to admit that link that @bassdude had did not sound mellow to me. Very confusing 

Besides the obvious cost difference between the Harbeth 30.1 and 30.2 does anyone have input on what the difference in sound is?

Definitely go for the 30.2 if you’re planning to audition. Harbeth has tuned the 30.2 to be a bit more open and airy (better treble) compared to the 30.1. If you feed it with good amplification it will not be ‘soft’ at all. What it won’t do is to throw the detail in your face. You will notice that all the detail in your music is still there, it just doesn’t ‘prioritize’ higher frequencies compared to the rest. This makes for an excellent speaker for long, fatigue free sessions. 

I don’t have the Pulsars but I do own a pair of Tyler Taylo Reference speakers that use the same Seas drivers (albeit a larger woofer) as the Pulsars. 
 

For me the choice would be easy, I’d go with the Pulsars. They have a tweeter that retails for nearly twice the price of the Seas unit in the Harbeths. The improvement of the costlier tweeter is definitely audible to my ears.

The 30.2s paired with Hegel will give you a very warm and easygoing listening experience, but you’ll also be leaving a lot of detail and resolution on the table vs speakers like the Pulsars, especially if the latter are paired with more neutral electronics. 

@tjraubacher 

I would expect your H390 to sound very similar to the Harbeths driven by the H590 - there is not that much difference between the 2 amps.  I believe several of the Hegel amps in the Harbeth videos on YouTube are the lower powered amps. And... Hegel often uses lower powered amps to drive them in shows.  

Also, you may note that the McIntosh MA252 is driving them in some of the most impressive of those videos, which is only 100 watts into 8 ohms and 160 watts into 4 ohms (Harbeth's impedence).

And... if you prefer a different sound after you've tried them for a while, they're very easy to sell.  They will require a few hours of burn-in to sound their best (if new).  But... for acoustic sounds... you'll have difficulty finding anything to match their rich, warm, airy, life-like sound and imaging... or... have to replace them with a pair of Quad ESL-57's!  

@tjraubacher

If... as you said... you listen primarily to acoustic music - you will have a very difficult time to find anything that matches the Harbeth’s rich, warm, life-like sound and imaging - except for the ESL 57’s and maybe the Maggie LRS+, which I also have, and like as well as the Harbeths.

Especially with strings, horns and all things acoustic!

Though, if you want a bit more of a "bite" in the instruments - the SHL5 XD will provide that, as well as the 30.2 XD - perhaps at the expense of a bit of some of the smoothness.

I have owned a pair of the JA Pulsars, which I switched back and forth with Focal Utopia Diablo III’s.  I have also listened to but haven’t owned the Harbeth 30.2’s, so I can opine on the comparison but I really know the JA’s as I owned them and listened to them all of the time, whereas, the Harbeths I only listened to at a dealer.  I am a huge JA fan.  The Pulsars are an amazing speaker for $4000 used.  I would pick them over the Harbeths.  For a little speaker, the Pulsars have a surprising amount of bass and the overall JA “house sound” is very pleasing to my ears.  Plus, they are beautiful speakers and you can sell them for what you paid for them used. 

Agree for OP Harbeth is better choice than Pulsar:

• bigger and fuller soundstage
• smidgen warmer treble/highs
• better musicality

Harbeth fits better

• i love clarity in female/male voices

Not specifically clarity, but the Harbeth is known for emotionally engaging voices

Agree that Harbeth + Hegel is a well known great match. This is a fabulous musical combo I hope to own as a 3rd/4th system. I also love the Devore Orangutan O/96, the most musical speakers I’ve demoed, maybe with a Leben CS600 or some other tube amplification.  My current systems are neutral-linear and flea watt floorstanders.

Seems the prevailing opinion is the sonic uptick from Hegel H390 to H590 is negligible so it’s not worth the increased price.

I think you should buy a bee farm