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Harbeth 30.1 or 40.1

I would like to get a pair of Harbeth, and wondering if 30.1 or 40.1 is better.  My room size is about 18’ x 16’.  I currently have a pair of Spatial Audio X5 with large 12” mid range driver.  I would say I listen in low to low-medium volume for Jazz and vocals.  Is 40.1 too big for my area?  I am afraid if I am not listening to what it is supposed to sound like if I don’t turn up the volume.

however, if I buy the 30.1, is that I should get a pair of sub?  Versus for 40.1, I assumed I don’t need subs?
gte357s
cd318
2,636 posts
 
big_greg,

There's always been a feeling that the tweeter used in the 30 and 40 is superior to that of the SLH5 - nothing confirmed - just a feeling kicking around the net for a few years now.

It would be great if you could feed back your impressions of the 40.2s. I've never heard a pair (only SLH5s sadly) but the 40s have long been regarded as amongst the big hitters of the audio world.

At least going back around 20 years ever since an iconic review by Robert E Greene.
big_greg
6,567 posts
 
I own the Super HL5 Plus 40th Anniversary Edition and absolutely love them.  I'm looking forward to hearing the 40.2.  I'll post my impressions.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,919 posts
 
Correction:

The Harbeths I auditioned were 40.2, not 40.1.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 

Yes!  One of the more significant changes from 40.1 to 40.2 had to do with the bass, which made the 40.2 a lot more room-friendly in terms of positioning vis-a-vis the 40.1.  That being said, yours is a decent-sized room and if you have some leeway to experiment with positioning within it, I'd definitely consider the 40.1.  Do the Spatials threaten to overload the room now?  If not, then that's another indicator that the 40.1 should work OK.

I've posted this link before of the 40.2's in a much smaller room.https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/harbeth-monitor-40-2.25222/

I presume you're considering 40.1's for, err, economic reasons.

gte357s OP
281 posts
 
Thanks for all the reply.  I believe the only way to find out if I will the Harbeth is to buy one and use it at home.  Although not yet audition the Harbeth, based on my past experience, it is not that useful; because the room is different, the amp, the source ... everything are different.  So, my approach is buy used, bring it home, and if it doesn’t work out, I will sell it out hopefully won’t lose too much.  
It seems now the determining factor is the price.  Not only the 40.1 is more expensive, I believe it needs a more powerful amp as well which is also more expensive.  
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