Harbeth 40.3 XD versus Harbeth 40.2

When I picked my P3ESR from dealer and walked into room where he had the 40.2 I had no idea how big those boxes were. You can't tell from photos. They look like wine fridges 🙊

I agree with Pdreher, I’m listening to the XDs right now, and really is hard to notice much improvement from my actual 40.2s,

My take is that the difference is so small it's not necessary to upgrade.  The only reason to buy the 40.3XD is if you don't already own the 40 series speakers.  That said, this hobby does not always bring out the most conservative decision making in many of us.  If you have the upgrade bug I will certainly not try to talk you out of it.  If you do decide to upgrade I would love to hear your impressions.  I personally don't hear much difference.  
Happy listening!
Peter

I read on the  Harbeth forum basically that in the SHL5 + and the 40.2 Anniversary they are essentially the exact speaker, but since they are no longer in their Anniversary year they are renaming them the .3 XD. There were bigger changes to the crossover to the smaller speakers but those changes occurred already in the top 2 speakers for the 40th Anniversary. I own the SHL5+ 40th Anniversary. In my 12.5’ x 16’ x 12th room they sit on the long wall 7’ apart and about 8.5’ from my chair pointing at my shoulders. They completely disappear. I run a REL T7i sub crossed at 40Hz. I’d love the 40.3 but I think it’d overpower my room, though Alan Shaw uses them in an even smaller room. 

I have spent time with 40.2 AE and the 40.3XD.
 It’s as though the .1 to the .2 has taken a small step again. XD has a tad more detail and the bass seems a tad tighter.  It’s as though the tweeter is playing a bit further down. It’s very subtle change but it’s noticeable.  AE is just a bit warmer ( ever so slightly).  I would say the upper midrange had a tad more detail ( touch more dynamic). The XD is appropriate description. 
 Both are just fantastic. If your room presents a small degree of rumble good chance XD may solve that.  Again subtle but noticeable.  Not a review expert but I’m a Harbeth fan. Trying to help out is all. I own Wilson and Rockports and would never be without 40.2AE or 40.3XD. I won’t disclose which one I kept. I will say that either  one is fine for me.