What Is So Special About Harbeth?
SLike probably all of you, I just received notice from Audiogon of a 20% discount on Harbeth XD. I clicked on the tab and found that the sale price is about $2700. I have read so many glowing comments here about Harbeth — as if just saying the name is the password for entering aural nirvana. I admit, I haven’t listened to Harbeth speakers. But looking at these, they just look like smallish bookshelf speakers. I’m not questioning how good others say these speakers are, but HOW do they do it out of an ordinary-looking box?
Is it the wood? Is it the bracing? Is it the crossover components? Is it the cone material? What is the reason why these Harbeth’s are such gems compared to other bookshelf speakers? What is it about the construction or technology that makes these speakers a deal at $2700 on sale versus the $800, 900 or $1,000 that others normally cost? What is the secret that makes audiophiles thrill to get such a costly bargain?
jjss49"according to harbeth/alan shaw, the xd models are supposed to give a very slight treble lift and midbass lean-out compared to each respective models' prior versions (mon 30, 40, super 5 and compact 7)"
That is why I got the Hegel H590 to drive my 30.1's and 40.2's - because I wanted more of a treble balance and leaner mid-bass sound, as the new models seem to have. The H590 cleared them right up, as does the 16ohm taps on my AR tube amps seem to. |
very much agree w comments by @bassdude @prof @bassdude great call on hegel h590 - the 590 in particular has a little extra sparkle over the warmer voiced 390... and it is not an accident that alan shaw uses hegels in development and at audio shows, he ain’t no foo’... 😁 not to say there aren't other amps that make these harbeths sing beautifully |
Bob540 - I suggest you check out their website for alot of information about their speakers' design aspects. Also there are plenty of reviews on the web, done over many years which provide comprehensive insights into their sound and what reviewers have liked and not liked about them. I did all of the above before I bought my 30.2 XD speakers. That was a year ago and I've been very happy with them. |
