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?

bob54002-02-2022 4:51pm

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avanti1960 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,411 posts 02-27-2022 at 03:01pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete choice of amplification also determines whether they will sound slow, polite or boring. an explosive preamp and amplifier can get them moving on a dime- example pass labs class A, vinnie rossie MOS FETS, Cary Audio solid state power amps.
twoleftears Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,313 posts 02-27-2022 at 06:53pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete This is a well-known video relevant to the present discussion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3WpRY-EtX8
trentmemphis Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 282 posts 03-02-2022 at 01:32am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I think they sound awfully good, but, as has been mentioned, are rather overpriced for what they are. They do that magical midrange thing so many BBC monitors are known to do. If that meets your needs, and you don't mind the relatively narrow restrictions they put on your choice of amplifier, and you have the cash, they'll be hard to beat. That's not meant to sound smarmy. As far as I can tell, getting one thing extremely right is basically what Harbeth set out to do, and I'd say they did it. That's worthy of respect. It just isn't worth what they're charging for it, to me.
bassdude Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 462 posts 03-02-2022 at 08:57am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I have the 30.1’s and the 40.2’s driven by the Hegel H590 integrated DAC/Preamp/Amp... and... they are superb for classical, jazz, country... all things acoustic. You will find very few speakers that can match them when driven by matching electronics - which means Hegel, or McIntosh MA252 or MA352, or similar high current SS amps with high damping factors. Their bass and lower mids need the control provided by a high current SS amp. They sound very similar to the Quad ESL57’s - the best speaker there is for that type of music. When I first got them, I was not impressed and would not have kept them had I not purchased the Hegel integrated - which is the amplification Harbeth demos them with at shows. It makes a noticeable difference - in their resolution, clarity, dynamics and detail. I also supplement them with the Townshend Super Tweeters, which I think helps them a bit with detail resolution, clarity and air. They’re mids and lower mids / upper bass are superb - very rich with wonderful presence. Some call it "warm." They will not give you the ear piercing highs of a BE or Diamond tweeter - they have more natural highs. And... though they do sound fine at low volumes, they really need to be driven to produce their best clarity, dynamics and detail. Unless you really are a basshead... you will find their bass very good - so long as driven with a high current SS amp. They’re best with other components that are not voiced with a "warm" sound. Though - if you are a "rocker" you will want JBL or Klipsch - which will provide you greater impact and a bit faster, cooler bass and mids, while still sounding great with the types of music noted here. While the SHL5+ will have greater treble emphasis and maybe a bit faster bass, the 30.1’s, 40.2’s and P3ESR all have a very simiar sound, with the P3ESR being superb for nearfield listening in small rooms. The others have a bit too much bass for smaller rooms. If you are wanting to try them... you might start with the P3ESR’s in a smaller room (e.g. say 10x12, or so), though they will sound great in a bit larger rooms. The key is the matching electronics. This will give you a great idea of the sound that we’re describing - mine sound very much like these:
bassdude Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 462 posts 03-06-2022 at 04:28am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Well... If I were going to spend as much as some of you have suggested for the 40.3's... I probably would go for the ATC-100's... because they are so transparent, and the clarity is superb. I'm uncertain, if they have as much "magic" (rich, weighty sound) as the 40.2's / 40.3's... Although, as I sit here and listen to the 40.3's just now... they do have a very real tone, timbre and texture with strings, and horns - it is difficult to imagine much better.