Harbeth speakers vs Audionote

I listened to both and like both but like Larryi there is a way the AN-e's play music that made me prefer AN. The E's are more efficient and can be tucked away in the corners that also pushed me to AN-e. (NYC apartment friendly). Beware - I started with solid state electronics with the E's and liked it but when I heard them with 300b tubes in my livingroom I was compelled to head into SET country. The E's love tubes-thats obvious though if you spend any time on the AN website.

Where do you live? I know a really good dealer that sells both brands, and does a pretty good job setting the stuff up so you can get a good demo.

For now...Dallas,Tx but by fall I will be back in Scottsdale, AZ.

Thanks guys for your explanations!
Jake

The only place I know of in TX is Galen Carol Audio. That may be too far though, and I'm not sure if he has both brands. I think he has Harbeth. He does have a great reputation, and for me at least, that goes a long way.

I was thinking that if you were in FL, you could visit Wellington Audio (http://www.wellingtonaudio.com/). He's really into the British gear. If you wanted to compare both brands, that would be the best place I know of. There are a few B&M stores that are a cut above the rest, and Wellington is definitely one of them.

02-17-15: Larryi
…….The Harbeths have a tighter, more accurate bass response and deliver a reasonably detailed and lively sound while being on the warmer side compared to many current speaker designs. My only big "issue" with the sound is that there is a slight raspiness or sibilant edge to vocals, but, other listeners like that little bit of crispness to the sound…….

Really? I've owned Harbeth m30.1's for 2 years and they have amazing vocal quality - and highs in general. Free of any sibilant edge unless present in the source. This is one their greatest strengths in comparison to 'hifi' speakers IMO. The C7es3, which I previously owned for a couple of years was perhaps less gorgeous sounding than the 30.1 - but still plenty good.
I use a solid state pre/power.

Can't comment on the Audionotes, but nice speakers by all reports.