Interesting to read this thread, since I’ve obsessed over Harbeths for a long time. The larger models (30 & 40) interest me most, but there’s nowhere for them in this house--and they’re way too large for my robust (but space-constrained) desktop audio + headphone system.
Speaking of which, I managed to snag a used pair of the "other" brand that I’ve obsessed over--ATC. I have the SCM12 Pro passive monitors. That has the same drivers as the SCM19s, but in a somewhat smaller, distinctly less upscale cabinet. These ATCs have been a revelation: I’ve never heard such effortless resolution, accuracy, and bass from a 2-way before...and not from many 3-ways, either. Yet it’s not fatiguing or hyped. At this late date in my audio career (35+ yrs), the ATCs are recalibrating my ears & expectations.
I’ve learned that any changes/improvements I make in the upstream components will be markedly apparent through the ATCs.
Still obsessing over the Harbeths, though.
Speaking of which, I managed to snag a used pair of the "other" brand that I’ve obsessed over--ATC. I have the SCM12 Pro passive monitors. That has the same drivers as the SCM19s, but in a somewhat smaller, distinctly less upscale cabinet. These ATCs have been a revelation: I’ve never heard such effortless resolution, accuracy, and bass from a 2-way before...and not from many 3-ways, either. Yet it’s not fatiguing or hyped. At this late date in my audio career (35+ yrs), the ATCs are recalibrating my ears & expectations.
I’ve learned that any changes/improvements I make in the upstream components will be markedly apparent through the ATCs.
Still obsessing over the Harbeths, though.