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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
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,182 posts
 
Another thing to consider with sound on YouTube is the room. Same speakers in different room probably sound much different. Including yours. Also who is to say how the production of the videos differ?  

In any case choosing speakers based on Sound on a YouTube video alone is very risky business IMHO.
honeyooi
124 posts
 
well ..since the M40 is local why not ask them to demo for you ?
you can bring your amp there and maybe their room is similar to yours .
Or even if Room smaller You can get the feeling if the bass too much or you can live with it !Me own the C7 and now M30 ,my room is small just bout 10x11 and listen average Level in near field ...sound is beautiful and tight 👍

cd318
2,636 posts
 
mapman,

'In any case choosing speakers based on Sound on a YouTube video alone is very risky business IMHO.'


I'd second that. Throwing an extra transducer between yourself and the recording of the original seems risky at best.

Unless there is a some way to record demos to play back on YouTube which give a close representation of the sound heard in the room. I've seen production values on YouTube (microphones and cameras) look quite impressive, but are they accurate?

It would be great if it was possible and then we could all play them back via a neutral pair of headphones (or monitors) if we wanted to etc.

Perhaps someone can answer that?
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,208 posts
 
You'll always be able to find a used pair of 30.1's or 30.2's, but 40.1's come available only a few times a year... and local availability is a huge plus as you avoid shipping costs.  If you get the 30.1's you'll likely be content, but also always second guessing how much better your sound could have been had you bought the Harbeth flagship model 40.1.   Low to medium volume jazz and vocals mimics my listening habits and I've yet to own another speaker that comes close performance wise to the 40.1's, including stints with Dynaudio Confidence C2's, C4's, Daedalus Ulysses and Harbeth SHL5's with a REL sub.  Also consider many giving their opinions to your post have never owned 40.1's... or if they did, maybe their listening habits/musical tastes don't mirror yours.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 

There's always socks, foam, etc. that you could stuff in the ports in a pinch.  But I really don't think they'll overload, so long as you don't have them stuck in the corners.

That said, if you like the Spatials and liked the big Maggies on audition, no box speaker, however good, and the Harbeths are among the best, can do some things a planar/open baffle speaker.  On the other hand, they can do some things better.  You'll get a frisson from the 40.1's, but it won't necessarily be exactly the same as one from and 3.7i or a 20.7.

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