I was literally minutes from purchasing the Special 40's...


...when Shaun on YouTube brought out the MoFi LS3/5a's, I did some research, and now I'm torn. This midrange sound is what I've been seeking ever since I heard a pair of Proac SC1's back in the day. Would I get more of that midrange magic/reality from a LS3/5a ?... and if that's the right choice, should I spend the $3000 on a Gold Badge Falcon?
128x128hailtothevictorz
Thank you Rumble, that's excellent advice of course. 
When I catch the audio 'bug', which I get bad from time-to-time, like the flu, I'm like an impatient kid. Nice Harbaugh reference, by-the-way. 
I have heard both the Proac Tablette and Harbeth P3ESR as recently as January 2019. The dealer talked me into listening to a pair of Special 40's and maybe it was just the uptick in dynamics and the extra bass, but I loved them. What I ended up buying was something I hadn't even heard, the Harbeth C7's, which quite frankly, I found a bit lifeless and not nearly as transparent as it's smaller sibling. 
I appreciate the responses from everyone. I'm kinda looking for something I can enjoy in the house at night while others are in bed, something that sounds fantastic at lower volumes, probably will pair with a Naim XS3 or Hegel 120.
After reading Art Dudley's article from last year comparing the two Grahams and the Falcon, I may be leaning toward the LS3/5a by one or the other. I've also considered the ATC SCM11 and Kef LS50 meta.
 Most important thing is that magical midrange transparency, insight, layering... if it can get up and rock when called for, hey, that's a bonus.
Also, if the MoFi LS3/5a has Shaun thinking of replacing his P3ESR's, and this is a guy that never listens loud, yeah, I'm really anticipating that further review of the MoFi's. 
MoFi is already reporting low stock. I hope these aren't limited time offers.
@yogiboy ,

Thanks for the link. The least ambitious Harbeth might well be the best loved.

I've always been wary of JA since he ended up on Peter Aczel's infamous list of audio's black hat wearers way back when.

Still it's interesting enough. 

"Toward the end of the review period, I was giving the speaker a workout with some high-level rock when the soundstage lurched to the right and the balance became bright and brassy. "What the . . . ?"


Wrong music, wrong speaker?


@vitto,

Great link.

A well-balanced review and comparison of the bargain priced Sound Artist LS3/5 v Harbeth P3ESR. From a Harbeth owner no less!

This could be the stuff of nightmares for Haywards Heath based company.

Yet there is still another serious contender that needs to be considered.

What about the Harbeth P3 ESR v  the KEF LS50 Metas?

Makes you wonder whether we're in a new golden age of the mini-monitor?
I’d consider trying the LSA-10 Statements available here for $2500 and offer a 30-day trial period to see if they indeed work for you in your room/system.  Sold direct so you’re getting good bang for the buck considering the engineering/development and parts quality that goes into them.  Read reviews for more impressions, and best of luck in your search.