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Can the Harbeth 40.1's boggie ?????

I am not looking for ear shattering volume - but everything I have read ( and no, where I live I cannot listen to them )but I am considering them. But, can they play some rock and roll and get out of their own way ???? Reviewers and owners have noted that they sound great at low volume levels - and they have an '' organic natural sound '' - that's great but can they play Lynard Skynard, some Allman Brothers and god forbid some Grateful Dead that well - like they advertise -sounds like real music ??? I also listen to Eva Cassidy, The Eagles, Jackson Browne, Pat Methany, JJ Cale and most of all The Beatles ....and why do see so many of them for sale ??? Ummmmm.....
garebear
ryder
1,703 posts
 
I guess it depends on the sound that you want. Missioncoonery made a good point on vintage speakers. FWIW my friend who owns the 40.1 actually has another pair of Altec Lansing Valencia in a 2nd system. He got the Altecs so that he can have the best of both worlds. The Altecs gave him the raw, forward and live sound but severely lacked the detail and refinement of the Harbeths. The Altecs were also brighter in comparison and tonality were not as accurate as the Harbeth. The Harbeths gave him the smooth, composed and refined sound but lacked the big and life like presentation of the Altecs. One cannot have everything in one package that does it all.

garebear OP
1,159 posts
 
....at 53, I don't need the SPL levels of a rock concert in my home. The Tannoy's are a very reputable company and make great speakers. The Harbeth's are not a bad speaker...I guess that I just expected more for the cost, the reveiws and the hype associated with them. Art Dudley loved them.....
missioncoonery
1,237 posts
 
Ive never understood the Harbeth following but thats just me.I ran old Tannoys and late 50s JBL 3 ways with tube gear for a long time.Both seem to be real nice for 70s/80s rock even if you dont run them full bore.Not the greatest if detail detail is your thing but 1/2 what the Harbeth 40 series cost..and resell is always great.Lets face it Allman bros/Lynard and the like will never sound "audiophile".
loose
239 posts
 
I have to agree with Missioncoonery... never been a fan of the Harbeths (albeit, I've only heard them in shops, not in my own home).

And Shakey makes a good point, as well; nice to see Garebear voice his true thoughts after an expensive purchase as such.

...not that my post says anything much... just thought i'd chime in.

:D
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,687 posts
 
I asked if these speakers can '' boogie'' and without any hesitation I can now say ...NO.

Just goes to prove that one needs to hear things in their room with their other equipment to get a true representation .Sorry they didn't work out for you.The search continues!!
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