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Can the Harbeth 40.1's boggie ?????

I am not looking for ear shattering volume - but everything I have read ( and no, where I live I cannot listen to them )but I am considering them. But, can they play some rock and roll and get out of their own way ???? Reviewers and owners have noted that they sound great at low volume levels - and they have an '' organic natural sound '' - that's great but can they play Lynard Skynard, some Allman Brothers and god forbid some Grateful Dead that well - like they advertise -sounds like real music ??? I also listen to Eva Cassidy, The Eagles, Jackson Browne, Pat Methany, JJ Cale and most of all The Beatles ....and why do see so many of them for sale ??? Ummmmm.....
garebear
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,687 posts
 
I asked if these speakers can '' boogie'' and without any hesitation I can now say ...NO.

Just goes to prove that one needs to hear things in their room with their other equipment to get a true representation .Sorry they didn't work out for you.The search continues!!
erikminer
433 posts
 
I think the problem are the Purist cables. I've always found them to be on the laid back and dark side, exactly the wrong thing for harbeths. Before you sell them I'd try borrowing some cables from The Cable Company. I'd try kimber,xlo, nordost,audience anything fast and open.
erikminer
433 posts
 
Oh and I'd also pull all the ASC stuff. You may have the room over damped.
ryder
1,690 posts
 
Again, Erikminer made some valid observations. Although the Harbeth will not rock like some other speakers, Classe + Purist + "Harbeth" + Overdamped room can be a recipe for disaster if one seeks thrill and excitement. If using ASC absorption panels on 1st reflection points or anywhere else, may I suggest taking them out(and replace them with diffusion if you have some). In my room I always prefer diffusion than absorption as the latter kills life and dynamics in music especially with the Harbeth.

Something to think about to alleviate the current situation.
paullb
131 posts
 
No, Harbeth monitor 40.1s cannot boogie. Read Bob Neill's comments about them. He got tired of them and moved on because they never could lose their stiff upper lip.
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