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Moving from Harbeth m30.1 to m30.2 XD

Just took the plunge. I’ve got a pair of 30.2XD’s on their way to me. No way around here to demo the 30.2XD’s but after having the 30.1’s for about 4.5 years I just decided it was time for a change and Harbeth was really my only move. Based upon my experience over the past 35 years or so in this hobby, it was a natural move. I love the 30.1’s.

My expectations are more air on top, more ambience (space) around the performers. Other than those aspects, I’m guessing the speakers will perform similarly since they have the same DNA.

Curious about other experiences moving from the 30.1’s to the 30.2XD’s. I listen mainly to acoustic music and old rock and roll (think CSN, The Band, The Dead, etc.). Jazz like Thelonious Monk, Barney Kessel, Wes Montgomery, etc. You know the type. Lots of guitar. Lots of piano.

I’d like to hear from others that have made the move. My new speakers should be here by the end of the week and I’m excited!

Ps - I’ll be listing the 30.1’s over the next week or two (on audiogon) for any interested parties. I have the original boxes, etc. I’m like you - I have OCD too :-).  

Thanks....

Steve

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xsteveashe
avanti1960
1,480 posts
 

owned and own other Harbeth models and have heard the 30.1 / 30.2XD several times.  

the new model seems to be smoother, more refined, more natural and slightly less detailed but with better bass.  not recommended for pairing with an overly smooth amplifier.  

should be an overall improvement with the type of music you listen to. 

 

noromance's avatar
noromance
9,838 posts
 

Sounds at odds with the OP's expectations. 

tubebuffer
417 posts
 

It like wear thinner condom. My Maggie like bareback.

steveashe's avatar
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steveashe OP
113 posts
 

Thanks for the replies so far.  Interesting avanti1960 on the slightly less detail.  That's not what I'm expecting but heck I appreciate your opinion! That's what I'm looking for.  I'll be able to have my own opinions next week after I get the speakers but you know how it is - we audiophiles - I love hearing what others think.  

And tubebuffer - ha - I get it :-).

Keep those thoughts coming if possible. 

ryder
1,690 posts
 

I have only listened to the 30.1 and 30.2 non-XD. No experience with XD. The 30.2 sounds more open at the top with better clarity and detail in the midrange and treble. Personally I prefer the 30.2 over the warmer 30.1 which I thought lack airiness in the treble. However, there was a 30.1 owner who upgraded to 30.2(non-XD) and found it to sound too bright for his listening preferences. To each his own I guess.

 

The C7ES3 XD is said to be the star of the XD line, sounding more open and balanced than the older model. M30.2 XD should sound slightly brighter and more open at the top, just like all other XD models which have been tweaked to sound like that. Few P3ESR XD owners went back to the original P3ESR as they found the XD to sound too bright.

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