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Damn it

Ok, I have a problem, granted it is a gold plated one. I thought I had this down to two choices, Burchart S400, Harbeth E30.1 or Elac Adante AS61. That's 3, I know.. Now, I came across info on Watkins Gen Four that were $2,000 a pair and actually called the place in Tennessee earlier but they had closed up shop for the day. However, I see on the website that the introductory price has been withdrawn, so now they are $3,000 a pair. What started this whole thing was me trying to follow advise from fellow audiophiles (I could be one in the making) and thought, ok, I'll spend a larger/higher amount on the speakers because they factor or weigh on the outcome of the end product. Now, the Adante's are really just too damn large for the application I plan on using them for. That really leaves the Burchart S400's & Harbeth 30.1. To compound this dilemma not many have heard the Watkins Gen Four, that's my question, has anyone heard these super speakers or believe they worth their value @ $3,000?  Any input will be greatly appreciated..      
mrdon
cd318
2,636 posts
 
It's always interesting to read other peoples views on loudspeaker strengths and weaknesses. However we know that no loudspeaker is capable of sounding entirely life-like so it can be useful to know where the sound shortcomings fall. Resolution, frequency range, dynamics, imagery, tonal and timbral accuracy, timing etc. As far as I'm aware the only sound issue with the Harbeth 30.1s might be the low bass. If you can live with that..

Then there are the practical aspects - how loud can they play, how much power do they require, what are the grilles like, are the tweeters protected, how much space do they require, and lastly but certainly not least (esp for larger designs) - what do they look like? In all these areas the 30.1s seem fine. I love the classic look of Harbeth speakers, especially in the lighter colours.. 

Ultimately though I'd strongly recommend a listen first, nothing can beat that.

Bear in mind also that Harbeth's do tend to have a  high resale value if things don't work out, but again, a listen first could help to avoid that.
mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
I would consider the S400 or the Gen 4.  
  
The Gen 4’s gives a lot of info regarding specs, more than most any other company I’ve seen. However, they are using a 1st order crossover between a 1” tweeter and  6.5” woofer, which I can likely assume that it will have poor imaging around the crossover region. The S400 uses a large waveguide to help with it’s crossover integration, and they provide a good amount of measurements to show that it performs very well (of course, they don’t give you everything, like distortion and the transient response nor decay).
mrdon OP
109 posts
 
@mzkmxcv, (@CD318)
Thanks for the feedback back on the Watkins Gen 4. I would never had known anything about the 1st order crossover and challenges it present to the music quality. The Gen 4's were very close in the running but I went ahead and pre-ordered the S400's and feel it was a pretty damn good choice. I will not know for sure until after they arrive and are unpacked and connected to my new PS 700 monos.   
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