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?
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. |
@acdvd, the big improvement for the shl5 was going from the non-plus to plus model. The subsequent models (40th Anniversary and XD) only had small incremental updates. If you have a good deal on the plus, I would go for it. |
I had the opportunity to buy the SHL5+ or the XD and chose the +. The XD model was too smooth and laid back to my ears, more like the 40.2. It did have excellent bass. The 5+ is clearer and more detailed yet still a smooth, warm speaker overall. The tweeter is very well integrated with the woofer and never bright or harsh. I love the sound of the 5+ . |
