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What Is So Special About Harbeth?

SLike probably all of you, I just received notice from Audiogon of a 20% discount on Harbeth XD. I clicked on the tab and found that the sale price is about $2700. I have read so many glowing comments here about Harbeth — as if just saying the name is the password for entering aural nirvana. I admit, I haven’t listened to Harbeth speakers. But looking at these, they just look like smallish bookshelf speakers. I’m not questioning how good others say these speakers are, but HOW do they do it out of an ordinary-looking box?

Is it the wood? Is it the bracing? Is it the crossover components? Is it the cone material? What is the reason why these Harbeth’s are such gems compared to other bookshelf speakers? What is it about the construction or technology that makes these speakers a deal at $2700 on sale versus the $800, 900 or $1,000 that others normally cost? What is the secret that makes audiophiles thrill to get such a costly bargain?

bob540

Showing 2 responses by big_greg

big_greg
6,563 posts
 

I was enchanted by the Harbeth sound after hearing the P3ESR and Super HL5 Plus at a friend's house.  The detail and soundstaging were amazing, and as others have said, the midrange.  It was easy to close your eyes and imagine Jennifer Warnes a few feet away and hearing every breath as she sang.  My friend went on to the 40.2s, which were incredible.

I ended up buying both for my home.  I'm still in love with the P3ESR which are set up in a small system near field with a small sub.  The Super HL5 Plus don't hold up (in my room, with my gear) when pushed to loud volumes.  I usually listen at moderate volumes but like to rock out once in a while, and that's when things get a little bright.  I also have a pair of Stirling LS3/6 which are based on the same design as the Super HL5 Plus.  They are not quite as detailed but are a little easier to listen to at higher volumes and are soundstage champs.  You have to hear them to appreciate them.

big_greg
6,563 posts
 

Some pretty funny stuff in this thread - constipated, ugly, poor soundstage, get some Klipsch instead, crappy parts...  At this point, I feel like I should use mine for firewood.  They would probably have a bad smell though with all that constipation.

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