Are Harbeths really "all that?"

Try them and then decide. i did and bought them. To me, worth every penny.

Harbeths do present a relatively high input impedance though I think which would make them natural mates with tube and other SS amps that may not deliver a lot of juice compared to others. That is other end of the spectrum from speaks like Dynaudio and OHM even however.

Yeah, let's knock that 'old technology' as EVERYBODY knows that ceramic or metal drivers with complex crossovers in skinny, dead cabinets are the ONLY way to make speakers that sound like music.

"EVERYBODY knows that ceramic or metal drivers with complex crossovers in skinny, dead cabinets are the ONLY way to make speakers that sound like music"....

No one has, or is saying that. Dont get your skinny up..no need to be sarcastic....The thread is about Harbeths in comparison to other makers,right?.. They fall short compared to the competion & nothing I would consider buying.If you belong to the Harbeth audio society,more power to ya..To the original poster,go take a listen and decide for yourself

As with all competently designed and built audio equipment, we are in the realm of personal taste. There is a thread initiated just above this one that provides a glowing review of Von Schweikert speakers. I've heard three models in three different setups and really don't understand all the fuss. I'm not saying they are bad speakers but simply that they are not for me. I owned a pair of Compact 7ES's and have heard both the Monitor 40 and Super HL5 and find them to be close to perfection. Could they have more realistic dynamics? Yeah. Could they have tighter, deeper bass? Yes. Are they rather large, ugly boxes? Yes. Are they a little expensive given the current exchange rate? Yes they are but you could spend a lot more money and get much worse sound. So, Rebbi--you just have to go and listen for yourself.