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Harbeth M40.1 vs. KEF 205/2 vs. Spendor SP100R2

Three UK built speakers that offer near state of the art sound and are "relatively" affordable to many of us on Audiogon. My experience with the 3 models is limited so your opinions will be interesting and valued. My most recent demo was the Harbeth 40.1. My opinion was left incomplete due to the amp driving it. A Luxman 505u was used to drive the big Harbeth making them a little slow and soft. IMO more power and refinement is needed for the 40.1 The KEF I heard was the original 205 with the super tweeter. Let me just say it is one of the best box speakers i've heard. Maybe it was the magical synergy of the MAC 352 amp or the unknown(can't recall)cables? From what i've read the current 205/2 is not as amp or cable sensitive. I've heard several Spendor speakers but NOT the 100R2. What impressed me most with the various Spendor models was the "Quad" like tonality without the excessive warmth of some other British speakers. I would like to hear your comments regarding these iconic loudspeakers. As always I appreciate your comments.
Evan
dayglow
dayglow OP
1,951 posts
 
It would be very helpful and interesting if current/former owners could state the strengths and weaknesses of these 3 iconic speakers. I know your out there, please share your thoughts!
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
Dayglow, I have experienced the ATC SCM40s. They're an excellent speaker. The distributor demonstrated them to us in the LVAC (Las Vegas Audio Club.) It was very rewarding.

I also have heard them at the recent CES. They were just as good.

The JBLs are cool too. I have the model one step above those, the S4700s. The S3900s are very close at a cheaper price.
erikminer
433 posts
 
I'd very strongly suggest an audition of the ProAc D40R http://www.whathifi.com/review/proac-response-d40r
dayglow OP
1,951 posts
 
Dave72-Thx for the insight! Did the new ATC 40v2 have a slightly more "relaxed"(less worklike) character then the previous model? From what i've heard on Youtube(I know)the JBL S3900 seems very amp sensitive in the bass region regarding bass tightness, is this also true with the S4700?
Finally was Marten at the CES, and did you get a chance to hear the Django models?
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
You're welcome Dayglow! Basically, the new SCM40 is both rich and transparent. It's not as dry as previous ATCs. Yes, for the S4700, I recommend an amp with a high damping factor regardless of wpc. You can definitely run the speakers with a lower powered amp because of the high sensitivity, but if it has a low damping factor, you'll have mushy bass.

I didn't get a chance to see or hear Marten! Sorry!
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