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Why are so many companies like harbeth making old speakers designs and charging thousends?

Hi everyone I am a little confused about the speaker market. I had been two dealers that sell totally different products. The one I had been to which I bought my forests from sells Totem And Monitor Audio and B&W. though I went to the other that sells Harbeth And audio note speakers which they recommended me buying. And the problem I have trouble understanding Is when I spend thousands on a speaker. Especially my next big purchase. That has no real new technology and is the size of my dads old conerwalls and never use to cost Thousands to build. With no technological advancements. to a product such as the totem that is small compact and modern for the wife approval , and to be more exact. The new Element line and technologically advanced like the torrent driver. Which I can get the same speaker as the same cost or less of the audio note and Harbeth and dose not need to take up the whole room or look like the 70's. Whats your opinion? Would you buy a product that is a 30 year old design that costs 5 times as more with the only diffinceses as upgraded silver wire and upgraded crossover components. To a thousand dollar woofer that is machined not stamped and has so much magnetic flux that it ca lift a car and no crossover?
128x128jakecanada

Showing 4 responses by nonoise

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,590 posts
 
Like dweller said, never mind the speaker, buy it for the sound. You have cars makes that rest on their laurels, mimicking what they looked and performed like 50 years ago. Audio is no different. People and makes can buy into their own hype and therefore feel no need to improve, albeit incrementally.

I don’t mean to sound so harsh when it comes to Harbeth but every time I listen to them, I walk away feeling "meh". Others are bowled over by the sound so if you aren’t enamored by them, then by all means, walk away and don’t look back.

All the best,
Nonoise

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,590 posts
 
I didn’t mean to imply that Harbeth doesn’t innovate with newer technology but in the end they seem to strive for the same sound (very mid range centric at the expense of the extremes). A well proven but old formula. My auto analogy would be something like a modern Mustang: same looks, same NVH, despite now having fully independent rear suspension and a newer platform. Despite all the advances, they haven’t really changed the car and for the money, you can get better, unless you’re into nostalgia, or in the case of Harbeth, their house sound.
If you like it, fine.

All the best,
Nonoise

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,590 posts
 
If P.T. Barnum were alive, he'd ditch the circus and go into high priced audio.



nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,590 posts
 
Activists will not allow circus animals anymore....
Yes, but imagine how many models can be sold if they came with this little fellow.
As you can see, he's just outside the Newport show by the marina waiting, just
waiting to entertain as your speakers break in.

All the best,
Nonoise
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