I never thought they were anything special.
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?
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Yep, apologize. Harbeth is not an IAG China product. However, Mission, Audiolab, Wharfedale, Quad and some others are. So the fact that Harbeth is paying their workers a reasonable wage in the UK could explain the price point for their speakers. Anyway, again sorry, I should have looked it up first. I do hear that British speakers, Sterling, Rogers, Quad, Harbeth, etc... all share a common characteristic in that they are forward sounding. That itself could be a make or break attribute. |
@goofyfoot That is a good point — the cost of manufacture in England versus a low-wage country, and the impact that has on price. As for listening to Harbeth, the only local high-end audio retailer specializes in big projects, like wiring houses for complete audio-video systems, though they probably carry some individual speakers. I feel a bit uncomfortable going there just to hear the equipment with no plans to purchase. Might just bite my lip and go in. |
Harbeth speakers definitely have a slight emphasis on midrange but I don't think we can characterize them as forward sounding. Other than the midrange emphasis, I find them to be very balanced. Also, as @jjss49 mentioned, there is a substantial difference between SHL5 (non-plus) and SHL5+. I often hear folks making comments on the basis of owning the non-plus model. There is no comparison. I heard the non-plus version and own the plus version. The super tweeter in SHL5+ makes a huge difference. You simply cannot extrapolate based on your impressions of the non-plus model alone. |
@bob540 If you do go audition a Harbeth, please keep in mind that these speakers are very balanced, and can sound rather non-descript or bland during a short demo. But that is because nothing stands out and they don't call out for your attention. About 3 years ago, I went to audition Bowers and Wilkins speakers at a dealer who also happened to have Harbeth SHL5+ (I think a trade-in since he didn't carry the Harbeth line). I asked him to play the Harbeths, and after listening to them for a few minutes, I thought why would anyone pay so much to buy such a boring speaker. I bought the B&W but soon got tired of the sound signature (don't mean to offend any B&W owners but they're just not my cup of tea). A few years later I ended up buying SHL5+ and realized that what I initially thought was boring was actually an asset since it allows longer, fatigue-free sessions. |
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