What Is So Special About Harbeth?

op

quested’s are second gen brit studio monitors, very very limited distribution - basically a pro line product, not really for home hifi - like atc, they are true modern studio monitors, which may or may not please the home listening audiophile, a very very different sound than harbeths

harbeth monitor 40’s in 40.2 form run about 10-13 grand a pair in the usa, depending on finish and condition... it is the latest versions 40.3 xd or anniversary, that generally trade at 16-19k a pair used (but still approximate new given their very recent release), then you add stands...

The Harbeth like my librarian friend but wife sister know how to get rock and get crazy. Good have variety.

I have auditioned a few iterations of the 30 series and most of the 40s and can second the points made by @orfeo_monteverdi above (and many others). Harbeths are polite and, when you adjust to their presentation, you get musical cohesiveness -- as many have said: it sounds natural, real.

The frequency extension is not gut-wrenching on either end, but the critical mid-range is well done on both the 30 & 40 series. Not surprisingly, the 40s offer more weight / volume and amplitude than the 30s and can fill a medium-sized room quite well. I too found that electronic music came out too polite, probably because I expect harsh / dirty sounds with this music -- that you don't get with the big Harbeths... (that said, Tupak's voice was very clear!)

I too found that electronic music came out too polite, probably because I expect harsh / dirty sounds with this music -- that you don’t get with the big Harbeths... (that said, Tupak’s voice was very clear!)

The SHL5+ sounds more open / less polite than M30 versions with electronic and rock or dynamic music.

choice of amplification also determines whether they will sound slow, polite or boring.  

an explosive preamp and amplifier can get them moving on a dime- example pass labs class A, vinnie rossie MOS FETS, Cary Audio solid state power amps.