People That Have Upgraded From Harbeth 30.1s....

I was also wondering which post inspired the rant, but I agree with jethro1964. I own and enjoy Harbeths, but I simply can't understand why Mr. Shaw sidesteps the amplification thing. To say any well designed amp over 50 (or whatever) watts will give you great sound does not make sense to me. It's a very well designed speaker, and it will easily allow someone to hear the flaws in a mediocre amp. Then on the same token, it will allow a better amp to shine. 

@d2girls Thanks for your helpful response. Do you own both the GR12 and JBL? Is there anywhere to audition the Coherent Audio speaker in US?

I’ve found out easier to listen to midrange often don’t have the dynamic contrast and punch for rock music. For example, Devore Super 9. It has propulsive bass but a bit flat sounding for rock. But the midrange to die for.

Do you think the GR12 has the dynamics punch and grunt for rock compare to JBL? And the GR12 would be better for rock compare to the Harbeth sound? It’s safe to assume both Harbeth and Coherent Audio speaker makes average quality rock recording listenable?

Btw, max tricked out GR12 can be close to $6k.

Also, for a room of size 17'x12' Harbeth or GR12/15 would suit better? From your post, JBL 4367 seems very small room friendly. However, the humongous size gives me pause. 

What don’t you like about the 30.1 that you feel an upgrade is needed? I'm just curious!

Best speaker purchase I've done in 30 years was to try a pair of rebuilt Quads ESL 63's by Electrostatic Solutions. Rebuilt totally and an updated power supply which really took this already great speaker up another few levels.  Very natural, perfect tone and color, and placement of performance eerie good. Best vocals on any speaker, and with 2 subs they really become special. You do have to dampen the wall behind them and have them pulled out 2-3 feet, side walls not a big issue. They play at loud enough levels for most listeners, good dynamics, and the bottom end down to 35hz with no sub. Power Cords do make a huge impact in their sound, that surprised me, the standard cord was just thin and bright, added the Anticable reference power cords and wow! other cords like Lessloss worked fine also, I am sure others would also. The sound is so good that I never once think of changing the speakers or other parts of my system. It sounds like music, and you feel the music. This is what the hobby is about.    

The minute we move and I have enough space I will buy a set of ESL57s from Kent. That’s what I had before the Harbeths but our new place is too small. I move the 30.1s in when I listen and then the go back to their resting area afterwards.