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Production of Harbeth anniversary edition speakers sold out!!

"For clarity, the entire production of Anniversary Harbeth speakers was sold out some months ago. We calculated how many we could make to clear our stocks of cabinets, crossovers, connectors and so on and offered that capacity to our trade customers, sold it and are in the final phase of production now. So, if you desire these exclusive speakers, you absolutely must visit your dealer and place an order immediately."

- 03.05.2020 Alan Shaw 


arturgorniak
big_katydid
50 posts
 

the XD line also has a pretty significant price hike and might be even more noticeable for overseas buyers.

For what might be subtle change/improvements prior owners might be less ready to change out their regular/anniversary versions (I know Shaw in the past has even advised owners of say a M 30.2 to not buy the super 5 to ’upgrade’ as the difference is there but is it really worth the trade in and extra cost??)

At least the line of (5!) speakers will become a bit more unified for future customers instead of the more difficult choice that the regular/anniversary did, albeit at a steeper price.

I do suppose however there will be strong interest in the older models on the secondary/current market for those with a determination to find the exact sound signature they are looking for.

I wonder how prices will be stateside, regular compact 7 (which seems to be relatively better priced than the 30 or super 5) currently about US$4000 the XD might be....$5000 plus??

arturgorniak OP
80 posts
 
Honestly, I have compared the sound or "regular" 40.2 and 40.2 Anniversaries and in my room - I heard no difference BUT because of the WBT "jewelry" and Olive wood - I chose the pair of anniversaries to decorate my place.....Yes, Harbeth pricing is quite steep in US. 
celo
158 posts
 
Alan Shaw is not only a great speaker designer but he is also an amazing business person. He knows how to design and sell/market for sure!
arturgorniak OP
80 posts
 
@celo 
No question there!
snackeyp's avatar
snackeyp
455 posts
 
Alan Shaw is not only a great speaker designer but he is also an amazing business person. He knows how to design and sell/market for sure!

I assume this is meant as a complement and not sarcasm but it's difficult to tell in a user forum.  
I actually find that Harbeth does not advertise all that extensively and instead relies on word of mouth and dealer devotion to grow their brand.  
They do very small and simple ads in the big magazines and have a very no nonsense approach to the wording they use to describe their products.  That said, Alan Shaw can seem a bit arrogant in the HUG group threads, but I think that's just his confidence in his vision for what his speakers are designed to do.  IMO this is his genius in business and marketing.  People who yearn for a no-BS business model gravitate towards this type of brand message.  
It's obvious that something is working.  They have experienced incredible growth in the last 5 years.  In full disclosure, I am a brand devotee.  
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