Speakers known for great midrange.

+1 for HARBETH

Sample reviews of the 30.2XD

THE LISTENING

Harbeth’s Monitor M30.2 XD is a loudspeaker with a very easy listening feel; there’s some gentle midrange warmth that seems to add to rather than diminish the sonic experience. Still, it’s pretty transparent all the same, meaning that it favours good recordings where it stays out of the way more than you might expect. It certainly doesn’t sugarcoat bad recordings, that’s for sure. In addition to this, the Harbeth shows real musicality; it accurately handles rhythms and dynamics, whilst never shouting at the listener…. I heard outstanding midrange clarity and excellent smooth integration with the treble, producing realistic tones.

The new version of Alan Shaw’s Harbeth Monitor 30.1...is the best compact two-way speaker system I have ever heard, regardless of design type, cost, or complexity. The Monitor 30.1 is a constant joy and pleasure to listen to, consummately natural, unbelievably beautiful."

- Paul Seydor, theabsolutesound.com

@big_greg 

I'm also wondering whether metal drivers are finally coming of age.

As you say, it's difficult to describe the sound, but words like precise and clean come to mind.

Wilson Audio Duette.

Salk audio Exotica Raal Monitors.  I use them with a Pass XA - 25.

I must agree with the comments about Harbeth speakers - which have great rich midrange, well controlled bass and superbly clear, smooth highs.  I have both the 30.1's and the 40.2's - which sound very much alike, as do the 3PSR's.  When driven properly, they sound a lot like the Quad ESL-57's - which are the best.  

While I prefer them driven by the SS Hegel amps (H590 in my case) as demoed by Harbeth at most shows, they can also sound superb with selected great tube amps - which may even give them an even more real, live sound - just depends on the specific set up.