Harbeth M30.1+Luxman LX-380 & Audio Note AN-E/SPe Oto SE Sig

Hi Writeface,
My primary criteria for selecting audio components is simple yet significant. The issue is ’naturalness of music presentation and emotional involvement or interaction with the music. I’ve found that the products that seem to pull you deeper into the music you enjoy are the superior one’s and will provide very long term satisfaction. Natural/organic character is vital, instruments and voices must be realistic.

Of the 2 audio systems you’ve mentioned which of them do you feel more effectively and deeply engages you into the listening experience? Which of the 2 seemed more as though you were in the presence of live Musicians? I’d without question would choose the one that fulfills that criteria. Which of these 2 choices had more of this type of quality?
Charles

I have the AN-J/lx's and have heard both the AN-E's the Harbeths. My dealer, Deja Vu Audio carries both brands. I am a fan of the AN sound and really love their speakers. I listened to the Harbeth 30.2's the newer model and thought they sounded fantastic. However they are much smaller than either the E or J and lack a certain amount of bass and richness as well as being less sensitive.

 One thing I will mention also my dealer specifically recommended to me the Lexus copper internal wire and paper rather than hemp drivers. Vu says the SPe  silver sounds too bright as internal wiring and that the hemp drivers sound drier and bass shy compared to the original paper cones.  As a tube and AN lover I know what choice I would make but your ears need to decide.

As usual Charles asks the right questions about your audition. Ponder them and perhaps go back for another listen. Have fun take your time and happy listening!

Of course that Luxman is gorgeous looking, but it is also underpowered. Alan Shaw, Harbeth’s owner and designer, recommends far bigger (solid state) amplifiers. See here for some discussion on the Harbeth User Group: http://www.harbeth.co.uk/usergroup/forum/subjective-soundings-your-views-on-audio/electronics-source...
There is a lot more information on that HUG site that would be very useful reading material, if you are using Harbeth speakers, but also if you are not.
In your case, you could save a small fortune and get much better sound by not falling for the lure of audiophile electronics, and buying Harbeth’s bigger Super HL5+, driven by beefy mainstream solid state electronics (and using ordinary cables). Your dealer may not make as much profit, but that is your gain.

1+ willemj! I own Snell E's and J's. These are the direct progenitors of the Audio Note E's and J's. They work best a bit out into the room - not in corners! Woofers are SEAS paper cones. They sound better and more dynamic with SS watts, rather than low power tube amps. The bigger HL-5's with high power SS amps would be a prudent choice budget-wise over the AN E's (which I think are really overpriced!).