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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
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.

bassdude
497 posts
 
RE: the Harbeths... I’m trying them with a "lowly" ATI AT6012 SS amp right now, which is specifically designed for my Linkwitz Orions. And... as you might have guessed (if you know Harbeths)... the AT6012 is making them sound very much like the YouTube videos I referenced - greater tranparency, and clarity, with more controlled bass and mids. Still have the great Harbeth rich mids, but with greater detail and clarity, and less boomy base.  Though - I would note... I think the room treatments in those videos do a lot to achieve the sound you hear in those videos.  

So... it would seem... you can achieve the great sound in those YouTube videos... IF... you find the right SS amp to drive and control the Harbeths. My AR150SE may ultimately produce much the same sound (after full burn-in)... we’ll see. But, if you don’t want to have to wait for the burn in of a tube amp - I think you’ll be surprised at the great sound they can produce with the right SS amps. I’m guessing, the Hegels, the ATI’s, and the McIntosh MA252 or MA352 can all do that - just so long as the amp has a very "neutral" sound and lots of current and damping to clear up the bass and mids.

And... I’m sure... the Maggies with the right amps can produce as impressive a sound. I’ve got the Peter Gunn modded Maggie 1.6 Magnestands, which have a superb sound also - may have a bit more clarity and soundstage than the Harbeths. Despite the fact the Magnestands have much better bass and dynamics than the stock Maggies - the Harbeths may still best them in those areas, which when added to the rich mids of the Harbeths, may give the edge to the Harbeths - close, hard to say.
gte357s OP
281 posts
 
Thank you every one.  I missed that there is a page 2 so only see the comments now.

as suggested, I decided to have an audition first, but then I found out the seller is quite far away from me.  So, an audition is not preferred.  Eventually, I gave an offer and it is accepted.  So now, the fight between my left and right brain is done.  My emotion won.  =)

I will use with the Almorro for a while, until I sold my other gears.
ryder
1,690 posts
 
M30 is my least favorite Harbeth--by far. It does not have the same magic that their other models possess.

Same here. The M30 and 30.1 series are my least favorite as well. SHL5 Plus is a much better balanced speaker.
bassdude
497 posts
 
@ pdreher

Agreed - My experiences with the 30.1’s and the 40.2’s are similar to yours - especially with a good SS amp that brings out the best in the Harbeths.

I did consider the SHL5+ with the Rel subs - but, decided the 30.1’s or 40.2’s with the Hegel H590 Integrated SS amp - sounds better to me - much richer, organic sound, while having a very clear, detailed and transparent sound brought out by the SS amp.

Though, if I were going to use a lesser SS amp or tube amp... I’d prolly... prefer the SHL5+.
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