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Current or Previous Harbeth Owners…

For those of us that have had or currently have, are there other speakers you’ve listened to that you found sounded “better”?  I’m eyeing stepping into a set of 40.2 or 40.3’s, but am also willing to step in a different direction.  I realize “better” is subjective, but a speaker that does what Harbeth does, but better.  

I have a set of Pass Labs XA100.5’s, FWIW.

toddcowles
toddcowles OP
140 posts
 

All, TY for the responses.

bgross's avatar
bgross
396 posts
 

Interesting post... I had Harbeth M30.1 bought in 2015. Loved them until I happened upon a little know speaker from Canada (by way of Belgium) called the Equation 7. Not a stand mount but a narrow, shallow smaller 2/way tower. Incredibly well built with a beautiful Spanish maple finish. They were great at the shop in NY I found them at paired with a Mastersound integrated so I bought them on the spot. Took them home and immediately inserted them into my setup consisting of Chord, Hovland, Luxman/Hana - was shocked at how much better at everything the Equations were over the Harbeths. A more pleasing sound signature on almost every level. I have since moved on to a more vintage Shindo/Altec setup but I'll never forget how I was floored by a speaker that was so totally unexpected.

ericba's avatar
ericba
39 posts
 

I own a pair of M30.2 40th anniversary. I have listened to some other speakers since I got them 4 years ago. Afraid to lose that outstanding midrange and soundstage that is so superb with vocals. This speaker is so easy to listen to with its neutral and accurate timber.

i recently did an AB comparison with the M30.2 XD and a pair of Fleetwood Deville. Nice but it not float my boat.

However the Devore 0/96 I listened to right after were fantastic. Wow! This was something else. Would not have the bass of the 40.3 but in terms of soundstage, texture and organic sound , the DeVore would be something to consider IMHO. A lot more expensive than my M30.2 obviously, but in the price range of the 40.3

ericba's avatar
ericba
39 posts
 

If I may add. Agree with other comments about stands. The Ton Tragers are without a doubt the best match with Harbeths. They make quite a difference because they allow full resonance of the cabinets. They make the Harbeths sing. Worth the investment if you are a Harbeth owner. 

helomech
1,687 posts
 

Spendor or Graham. I like both better than the Harbeths. The Graham 5/8 is probably the best of the three to my ears. 

IMHO, there are brands that employ more advanced materials/tech that sound better than any of the thin-wall, BBC derivatives. Some of those are Rockport, Acora, Borresen and Joseph Audio. 
 


 

 

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