Are Harbeth the only warm and euphonic speakers in town ?


I've looked far and wide especially for bookshelf speakers with prominent full mids and a lush sound. So far the only name that comes up is harbeth. Maybe Sonus faber but are there other speakers that have similar tone but are made by a different company?

smodtactical

Something like the Harbeth 30.2 and Falcon LS3/5A speakers are nice warm sounding speakers, but, for some reason the Boxers are overlooked and they are considerably cheaper than the likes of the Harbeth 30.2.  They certainly should be auditioned. 

I am particularly fond of Audio Note speakers, but, they are a bit more expensive.  They are made to be put near the corner of the room, which is often a plus with small stand-mounted speakers, but, that does mean a shallower soundstage.  Still, at a local dealership, most of the walk-in interest is in Harbeth speakers, but, those that are willing to listen to alternatives, often end up walking out with Audio Note speakers.  There is less of movement in the other direction.

 

The Nola Boxer is a wonderful speaker. I agree with @larryi that they are often overlooked.

If you're looking for the BBC sound, I agree with Big_Greg, the Sterling LS3/6 is hard to beat.  I own the Harbeth M40.1 and the Sterling LS3/6, both are great speakers.  The M40.1s work well in a big room and because they need a lot of space.  The LS3/6 works well in mid sized rooms.  I use to own Harbeth SLH5 speakers and I like the LS3/6 quite a bit more.  

I also vote for VA and another brand we don’t hear much about lately is meridian, they have a nice midrange tame tweeter and good bass, self powered though.

@steve59 bought a used haydn grand, its coming.

I am also going to get a pair of Gato- FM8 to try.