Moving from Harbeth m30.1 to m30.2 XD

ullogu1 thanks!  That's the kind of feedback I'm looking for. 

I actually spent some time at a friends house recently listening to the SHL5+XD's.  Very very nice - to me they are more of  stereo speaker than a monitor.  More like a bigger version of the C7XD's.  Full, big, meaty, great sound.  I was on the fence about ordering a pair but for my musical taste I think I'll stick with the monitor series.  Since you have the m30.2XDs you might want to demo a pair SHL5's before you buy them.  A very different sound.  The bass on the SHL5'S was more extended for sure though.  I ended up buying an SVS Micro 3000 sub to augment the 30.1's.  Love it.  

I don't believe there is a Harbeth dealer in my area.  Seems like a lot of people like them.  I was surprised to read they are only rated at 85 db.  I would think buying a speaker that is at least 90 db might possibly produce less distortion.  Doesn't matter because I am sure the sound quality is there.  

Hi Larry.  The 85db references the sensitivity of the speaker, not the maximum sound level.  85db is not very sensitive but my Pass INT 25 powers them just fine; for me at least.  It's rated for 25 watts, but very conservative rating.  Most solid state amps should be able to power these babies without problem.  

I think Harbeth makes really good speakers if you're not into Head Banger music (Metallica, Black Sabbath, etc.).  Actually I used to love Black Sabbath, but that's a lifetime ago.  Today I'm more interested in accurate sound reproduction of mainly acoustic instruments and vocals.  That's where the Harbeth's shine.  Maybe to my detriment (but not by much if so) but I didn't even consider other brands - well outside of Graham or Spendor.  I'm a fan of British speakers.  

Please let us know how your impressions about the XD ?

im still with 30.1 this year and mark the longest speaker to keep .