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

It's dreadfully difficult to design dynamic speakers. Specifically the cross overs. I pretty much listen to classical exclusively, so for me Quad electrostatics are best. I think it's safe to say, that designing electrostatic speakers is much less of an accomplishment to designing a great sounding pair of dynamic speakers.

op

plenty has been written harbeth on this forum

the search bar above is your friend

like any successful, enduring make of hifi gear, it appeals to a certain audience that values certain attributes

good stuff is rarely cheap, harbeth is no exception, especially bought new

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.

 

they are amazingly underwhelming aesthetically. (ugly in my opinion)

I am pretty sure they sound incredible from what I read, I have yet to hear them in person.

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