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Harbeth

Thinking of a new compact design speaker for my bedroom system. Currently using cambridge audio ht receiver with quad 11L. Fine setup but just want a change. I'm considering Harbeth 7es-2 preowned with a YBA 201 integrated versus merlin tsm-mxe with ars filharmonia amp, I already own. The harbeth/yba combo with cost around the same as a new set of TSM-Mxe's. Anyone a/b'd these? I'm mostly into jazz/standard singers/acoustics.
jamesw20
farmdoc
45 posts
 
Glad for your input Jamesw20. Always, (especially in this economy and after waiting this long) we need reassurance that our $$$'s are well spent. Looking forward to getting the system up and running. Now if only BobbyP would push things along a little faster!
usblues
1,217 posts
 
Definately as James20 says,owner biased.I have Merlins,but would have Harbeths in a second and be just as happy.Either way you can't lose,good luck to a man who could'nt be luckier in the Year of the Speaker,cheers,Bob
magnumpi205
504 posts
 
Shadorne said it in one word-Harbeth.
madfloyd
411 posts
 
Are Harbeths dark sounding? Is the bass warm to the point of being inarticulate? Do they have any air?

I hear lots of accolades but also enough adjectives that scare me off of them. I'm looking for very detailed & airy speaker that has articulate bass and warm midrange.
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
I'm looking for very detailed & airy speaker that has articulate bass and warm midrange.

You are asking for an oxymoron. In essence an articulate tight bass will tend to strip the midrange of some warmth or softness. A warm sloppy bass will mask the midrange to a fair extent (due to masking) and soften everything.

Masking is the way low frequencies hide higher frequencies to our hearing.
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