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JBL 43xx va Harbeth 40.x

I owned a pair of Harbeth 40.1, and recently listened to a pair of JBL 4343.  While I really like the Harbeth, I also like the JBL very much.  To the best of its own, the JBL sounds more dynamic, more lively, and bigger slam at the bass.  The Harbeth is one word - smooth.  
I think for vocal, Harbeth wins.  But JBL will be able to play all kinds of music, I feel.  What do people think comparing them?  Which one do you prefer and why?
gte357s
mr_gray
62 posts
 
that is a very interesting perspective crustycoot

i drifted towards jbl rather than standard drivers and i listen to studio recorded music in the main.  something about standard drivers that does not do it for me and i do not listen to classical.
edgewear
543 posts
 
@crustycoot, interesting observation. There's definitely a similarity in the sonic presentation (which you so aptly described) of old 'new england' speakers (like AR) and certain new 'old england' speakers (like Harbeth). I would say Maggies are also examples of this type of presentation, albeit using totally different design and technology. I have Maggie 20.7 and AR11 speakers in the same room and although they're driven by different systems they essentially sound very much alike. 

@6119: agree with crustycoot. Go for the 3 series if you can stretch it, as there's really no substitute for Maggie's true ribbon. But make sure you have sufficient power to drive them properly.


joey54
434 posts
 
Before you dump your Harbeth's you should read this:

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/harbeth-monitor-40-2.25222/

Also, and just my opinion, the MC275 is not a good match for the Harbeth. IMHO tubes cannot bring out the best in Harbeth speakers. I tried 3 different tube amps with my original 40's and the SHL5+ and they did not work for me in my system. You will find plenty of folks who will disagree with me. YMMV.

If you have a way to borrow a good solid state amp I urge you to try it before you make a decision on the Harbeth. Harbeth uses QUAD SS amps to voice their speakers. Good Luck!
gte357s OP
281 posts
 
@joey54 wow, that is a looong post in the link.  
No, I am not thinking to get rid of the Harbeth 40.1, at least not for now.  But I think the Spatial X5 sounds more similar to JBL.  Both are efficient speakers, but the X5 is open baffle, while the JBL has 15” driver.  If I am going to get the JBL, I think I will sell the Spatial.  But the open baffle offers excellent live music feeling, and it is very good also.
6119
32 posts
 
crustycoot; thanks for the input. My Proton d1200 can put out several hundred watts per channel. there' a youtube about it. but can i put a 3.7i in an 11x12 ft. room? very thick carpeting,llive walls. back and front walls sheetrock, side wall bifold wood closet doors and wood blinds over windows.i understand the 3.7i doesn't have the so called "maggie grain" which i sometimes think I hear......Also I was on this thread because i have been interested in Harbeth speakers. 
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