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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 1 response by trentmemphis

trentmemphis
282 posts
 

I think they sound awfully good, but, as has been mentioned, are rather overpriced for what they are. They do that magical midrange thing so many BBC monitors are known to do.  If that meets your needs, and you don't mind the relatively narrow restrictions they put on your choice of amplifier, and you have the cash, they'll be hard to beat.

That's not meant to sound smarmy.  As far as I can tell, getting one thing extremely right is basically what Harbeth set out to do, and I'd say they did it.  That's worthy of respect.  It just isn't worth what they're charging for it, to me.

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