JA Pulsars vs Harbeth 30.2


Well still investigating different speakers. In the used world these speakers are similarly priced and both have great reviews.  Does anybody in the Audubon family have familiarity with these two speakers. Which one would you recommend and why.  I have a dedicated room approx 20x 15 with no special acoustic treatments. Wall to wall carpet. I mostly stream with bluesound node 2. I have a Hegel 390 Integrated amp and project turntable and Yamaha CD player both around $300 - $400.  Mostly listen to blues, folk and rock. Some classical too.

look forward to hearing from you

tjraubacher

Here ya go!  Listen to these - you will be amazed! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E8ExBUC64c

I have both the 30.2's and the 40.3's - both of which sound very much like the Quad ESL 57's - which is one of the best sounding speakers at any price.

Though... these all excel with jazz, classical, blues, country - and all things acoustic!  You may prefer alternative speakers for rock, or similar sounds.  

If you're into those types of music... you will have difficulty trying to best Harbeths.

But... they must be driven with great, powerful, SS electronics - such as those Harbeth demos their speakers with at shows (Hegel amps).  I drive mine with the Hegal H590 - which produces their best sound.  Harbeths are not at their best with lesser electronics.  

With the right electronics they have a warm, rich, full sound with great clarity, which is not hard and strident.  A sax, or cello, or upright bass - sound live - like they're in the room with you.  

Listen to the above demo (and similar demos on YouTube), and you'll get a good idea of how live they sound.  And... if you want greater treble and dynamic emphasis - the SHL5 XD will provide that, while still providing the rich, warm, full sound.  

@bassdude 

Wow OMG what a beautiful sound.  Harbeth are back on my list.  Will my Hegel H390 be a good match for the Harbeth 30.1 or 30.2.

 

Tom

@tjraubacher my guess is if you went with the Harbeth's you would be disappointed with their mellow character unless you only listen to elevator music. I've heard them and midrange is wonderful but very soft sounding just didn't get me wanting more. Just my opinion we all have our on views which is why there are so many speakers to choose.

Oh crap! Well I don’t listen to elevator music. Blues, acoustic, folk, folk rock, rock and classical encompass my tastes. Emphasis on blues. Love the blues guitar, harmonica and saxophone. Love female voices too.