ProAc or Harbeths?

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 !

I have got the opportunity to bring my VT100iii to test out the D38R and within minutes, I have come to the conclusion that it does not provide enough juice for that speaker. Having enough volume and sounding well controlled is two different things, the combination has good top end air but the bass and sound staging could have been much better with other matchups. The Harbeths HL5s mating with cheap Audio Space EL-34nova has much more magic in the mid-range. I don’t think modern ARC and Harbeths are good match. I am back to square one and will be selling the VT100iii!

Amp/speaker synergy is critical. I preferred the manley/SHL5 combo over the same amps with the 40.1s. The sound was very good, but never felt like the 40.1s got out of the way of the music like I thought they should. Now with increased power, using different power tubes, the 40.1s are doing there magic in my room. they are a big upgrade over the SHL5s in all areas.