ProAc or Harbeths?

Ha, lol, Buconero, partial to British sound? Harbeth "is" the british sound (BBC and all) compared to Proacs.
And Nolitan, if he wants a bigger sound, let him try the 40's.
All this yammering about....we know what you own, quit pushing it on the poor guy and let him decide on his own.

I have sold both and both have ability to perform
with their own strengths in musicality

After all is said and done I think the Harbeth is at its best with a good solid state power amp like a Bryston Jeff Rowland Pass etc and the Proac which was voiced with Audio Research as a reference at its best with tubes or well designed solid state.
Best Johnnyr

May I suggest the D28 over the two.
The HL40.1 & D38 are big speakers and I think the transaction from SHL5 may cheat you (from the size perspective).
If you become used to the minimonitors, the HL40.1 may have a negative impact at you (providing of course the same room).
I had the D38 & D28 and I assure you they differ only at the ability to load the room with low freq. although I admit that I personaly prefer the newer of the two : D28 (clearer & dissapears more effective).
It is the safer for you to arrange an audition between Harbeth & Proac. Their personalities are way different & becomes obvious the one you like from the first second.

George

Thanks for the inputs, guys. I have listened to the ProAc and like it but I was thinking the 40.1 is the flagship model while D38 is only middle in range! Would the 40.1 performs better than the ProAc? Good point about amp matching as I will be using VT100iii. I am not sure if that amp can totally control its bass? I have listened to D28 but I think the D38 is better in all areas. If I can listen to the Harbeth then I will be sure but it is too hard to find in Sydney!

Luna.....I am looking at the same exact speakers. I love it when the ProAc dealers bring out the negative aspects of the Harbeth's and the Harbeths dealers do the same with ProAc speakers. It is all the same rehortic. I really do not have the oportunity to listen to either one and this is a big ticket purchase. I know I am not adding anything to this thread, but I just find it funny. What I have discovered - and it should come as no surprise - is that these are both good companies and are both great speakers. What is constant is the '' look '' of the Harbeth's as being just an ugly baby !