I have bought and sold many Harbeths. You are correct about the damage. The grill and corner damage is caused from trying to remove the grill incorrectly. Harbeth should mention in the owners manual that a magnet puller is needed for grill removal. The build quality is outstanding on Harbeths. BTW, when I sell Harbeths I supply a magnet puller for proper grill removal!
Quality of construction on some speakers- namely Harbeth
I have been doing, the what I am sure is impossible, looking for a great consencus speaker to try. Because of my tinnitus and some suggestions- I am looking at cloth or other soft tweeters that emphasis mid range. Harbeth and quite a few other BBC sound speakers are highly thought of and seem to fit my needs. While looking at used speakers out there, I couldn't help but notice that besides being a lot of ham handed owners, a lot of these box speakers are coming apart at the the corners and their veneers are cracking. My question is, English moist country made and then living in drier climates doom these to seperating or is it just knocking them over causing it?