Never heard of Quested — I wonder what the chances are that anyone near me carries them?
I would especially like to hear the Harbeth 40.2. But at $20,000 for a pair, there is next to no chance I would ever own them — not unless I win the Lotto!
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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op quested’s are second gen brit studio monitors, very very limited distribution - basically a pro line product, not really for home hifi - like atc, they are true modern studio monitors, which may or may not please the home listening audiophile, a very very different sound than harbeths harbeth monitor 40’s in 40.2 form run about 10-13 grand a pair in the usa, depending on finish and condition... it is the latest versions 40.3 xd or anniversary, that generally trade at 16-19k a pair used (but still approximate new given their very recent release), then you add stands...
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I have auditioned a few iterations of the 30 series and most of the 40s and can second the points made by @orfeo_monteverdi above (and many others). Harbeths are polite and, when you adjust to their presentation, you get musical cohesiveness -- as many have said: it sounds natural, real. The frequency extension is not gut-wrenching on either end, but the critical mid-range is well done on both the 30 & 40 series. Not surprisingly, the 40s offer more weight / volume and amplitude than the 30s and can fill a medium-sized room quite well. I too found that electronic music came out too polite, probably because I expect harsh / dirty sounds with this music -- that you don't get with the big Harbeths... (that said, Tupak's voice was very clear!) |
The SHL5+ sounds more open / less polite than M30 versions with electronic and rock or dynamic music. |
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