Move from my LS3/5A orig ownr to Harbeth which

I started on a pair of Spendor 3/5SE's and upgraded them to Harbeth M30's about two years ago. I drive them with a Cary SLI-80 integrated tube amp and use a REL T5 sub. This combination totally satisfies me (finally). I also listen to vinyl mostly and some digital as well. The M30s are the best speakers I have heard. I've compared them to other speakers selling as high as $15,000 and have not liked any of them in comparison to the M30s. I would not say they are over rated, but they are not for everyone. They are designed to reproduce sound as it was intended to sound and nothing more. Some people don't want music to sound that way. It's completely subjective so if your ears prefer an accurate and somewhat polite presentation (as mine do) then you should be very happy with the M30s. FWIW, I have not heard the 30.1s yet, but I have been so happy with my 30s that I do not feel the urge to upgrade. The 30s are available on the used market for less than $3000, which is a bargain IMO.

Melida, thanks for the response. I was simply curious as someone who often thinks about changing from my vintage 15 ohm ls35a's to something different. But is different mo' better-lol

In other words im really curious to know how a good ture vintage ls35a would sound right next to the new harbeth, sterling V2 or even the kef's ls-50s.

While it would be a great service to a large amount of readers with smaller rooms (or second systems) none of the current audiophile "magazines" really has enough guts or to compare these head to head.

If you get a chance to listen to the harbeth's please let us know as a vintage owner what you think

I had the 15ohm Rodgers LS35a as ell as the esl-63s. If you are looking for similar sound but more frequency extension, the Harbeths are a very good choice.
As you already have a large speaker (esl-63) I suggest that the Harbeth 40 is the model that would make a significant difference. Sonically the 30.1 is smaller; to put it simply, a concerto for string orch will sound slightly larger with yr 63 than with the 30...

BUT, both Harbeths need amplification I don't think you have at this moment. IIRC the Paoli mono's excel in high frequency reproduction -- but they don't have much power.
Try a Mahler 2 5 or 8 on the Harbeth 40 driven by any top quality, medium powered SS amp (100+W, or ~50W class A) and you will be pleasantly surprised I think.
I suggested a good SS amp as there are many more of these around and they are usually cheaper, than tubes...

Thank you all for your thoughts, Its been many years since I've had my listening room ( had to give up to help aging parents) and now dusting off my equipment and redoing my room. The quads esl 63's, as well as the Rodgers have been very enjoyable, also have a pair of Martin Logan CLS (original. The quads developed a crackle in one speaker and was ready to take apart.. Turns out that running a dehumidifier in the room cured the problem, at least for the moment. Look foward to listening to other speakers that are musical for my classical vinyl and cd collection. Just got a Cambridge 752 and it is quite wonderful for cd's... Not very fussy but would like something as enjoyable as I have... Sometimes I switch to my D79 or D150 when I have help to move them!!

http://www.audioht.co.kr/atl/view.asp?a_id=3688