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Why are so many companies like harbeth making old speakers designs and charging thousends?

Hi everyone I am a little confused about the speaker market. I had been two dealers that sell totally different products. The one I had been to which I bought my forests from sells Totem And Monitor Audio and B&W. though I went to the other that sells Harbeth And audio note speakers which they recommended me buying. And the problem I have trouble understanding Is when I spend thousands on a speaker. Especially my next big purchase. That has no real new technology and is the size of my dads old conerwalls and never use to cost Thousands to build. With no technological advancements. to a product such as the totem that is small compact and modern for the wife approval , and to be more exact. The new Element line and technologically advanced like the torrent driver. Which I can get the same speaker as the same cost or less of the audio note and Harbeth and dose not need to take up the whole room or look like the 70's. Whats your opinion? Would you buy a product that is a 30 year old design that costs 5 times as more with the only diffinceses as upgraded silver wire and upgraded crossover components. To a thousand dollar woofer that is machined not stamped and has so much magnetic flux that it ca lift a car and no crossover?
128x128jakecanada
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
If P.T. Barnum were alive, he'd ditch the circus and go into high priced audio.

Today I would advise PT to steer clear of both.  Activists will not allow circus animals anymore and just take a look at the "Whats going on in the audio market" thread in the Misc Audio sub forum.  Both are bad bets to make some fast cash. 

Now selling vintage audio on Ebay is where its at!  Just take a look at the below.  Wouldn't be surprised if this ad was posted by PT himself!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SHURE-V15VX-MR-CLASSIC-CART-AND-GENUINE-SHURE-VN57MR-STYLUS-IN-CASE/182150001947?_trksid=p2141725.c100338.m3726&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150313114020%26meid%3Ddee9cab05e9845af940abf661fea3029%26pid%3D100338%26rk%3D18%26rkt%3D24%26sd%3D351723090580
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nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,834 posts
 
Activists will not allow circus animals anymore....
Yes, but imagine how many models can be sold if they came with this little fellow.
As you can see, he's just outside the Newport show by the marina waiting, just
waiting to entertain as your speakers break in.

All the best,
Nonoise
roguemodel
22 posts
 
Harbeth has a nearly 90 lineage in making speakers, starting with the BBC. The Harbeth form was designed by engineers back in the 1960s and the high end studio monitor was born. IF you hear the Harbeth's you will understand. However, no matter the driver construction, the crossover, and the cabinet, the speakers are still flawed. This is especially true of the LS3/5a. However, older audiophiles love them even with their flaws. There is something about these speakers. They were designed in the non digital analog age and produce the original "organic" sound. Personally, I would not buy them There are so many more speakers for the money which outclasses them, but there is a strong market, especially in Europe.
murphythecat
181 posts
 
harbeth use a excellent midbass in all there speakers. the radial driver is definitely not a old design.

To my eye, harbeth are actually a true bargain. beating and equaling speakers costing many times more.

The sound is anti hyped, natural, and tonally accurate. 
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