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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 chorus

chorus
976 posts
 

It does appear that Harbeth may be in need of cash. They are discounting models

on the TMR website and now this.

The 30.2 XDs at $7k can be made to sound very good. 

What is special about them? The cabinet is tuned to be part

of the listening experience. The British way. Works nicely for 

some music.

People seem to enjoy the special status awarded a Harbeth owner.

My MSRP of Harbeth would be about 50% of their mark.

 

Recently the Crossovers were examined at GR Research and

found to be composed of lower grade components as well as hopelessly

complex. 

I do hope the next time Harbeth orders more of the metal screws they love to use

on the faceplate they will consider splurging on some that match the wood finish.

 

chorus
976 posts
 

arak- If you were producing hand-made, high end speakers in limited quantities  in

the UK, how many seconds would you produce in a year? Darn few I'd venture.

Would you ship them to the US to sell or unload them locally?

It is obvious these folks are hurting.

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