“much better” and “no contest” descriptors are frankly just not helpful
your preferences are just that, preferences, nothing more
describing what you hear, explaining sonic differences, clarifying and comparing can help others understand and maybe help lead them to make informed choices; the ‘why’ of your preference is what matters, not simply the preference
that said, my preferences in speakers now include aesthetics AND sonic presentation; as a result the SF brand is really tough to beat (IMHO !), they look and sound fantastic (Olympica lll)
I’d very much like to listen to a pair of Harbeth speakers but based on looks alone they would never find their way into my living room, I much prefer the looks of the SF product
I’m very much interested in the sonic differences between the 40.1s and the Olympica lll’s, only because both are very popular and learning more about the hobby makes it more fun, not because I’m considering a change
this I know; without sufficient power and room to breathe, it’s just not realistic to think you’ve heard what the Oly lll’s are capable of; 150 Pass Labs watts were not enough in my experience, once I upgraded to the X250.8 the SF’s literally came alive
I had an opportunity recently to demo the Sopra 2’s which are often included in lists of considered speakers in the price range; couldn’t live with them. Aesthetically no comparison vs the SF product, and far too bright sonically, IMHO! The Oly lll’s are coherent, smooth, dynamic, detailed, and cast such a huge soundscape they just captivate me. A comparison with the 40.1’s would be interesting.
