JA Pulsars vs Harbeth 30.2

Something I wish I knew ahead of time-

You should check to see if the JA Pulsar model you are interested in has a Magnesium cone woofer.

i purchased a pair of Opera Callus bookshelf speakers that have SEAS  Magnesium cone woofers. The speakers sound wonderful. However, over time the magnesium cones have corroded. (Magnesium is a highly reactive metal) A Google search confirmed that others have had the same problem. SEAS claims that the corrosion does not affect the sound. I hear no difference.

The problem is that I cannot sell the speakers if I want to change my gear. Would you buy used speakers with corrosion on the woofer cones?

i purchased a pair of Opera Callus bookshelf speakers that have SEAS  Magnesium cone woofers. The speakers sound wonderful. However, over time the magnesium cones have corroded. (Magnesium is a highly reactive metal) A Google search confirmed that others have had the same problem. SEAS claims that the corrosion does not affect the sound. I hear no difference.

JA has used the magnesium drivers in the Pulsar, Perspective, and Pearl speakers for years and I’ve never heard anyone anywhere mention anything about corrosion. 

I concur with Soix.

I haven't heard the JA's but owned 30.2 XDs for 2 years. They are not thin but they do not rock-out. I don't listen to a lot of classical music but I don't think the small Harbeth's excel when there is a lot going on. Jazz, blues, vocals, acoustic, well recorded stuff like Steely Dan sound great and not fatiguing.

I bought them because I heard them and could not get the sound of the midrange / vocal reproduction out of my head. I'd listen to both if I were you you'll probably be drawn to one or the other and it will be an easy call unless you hate them both!

btw I also bought 2 REL T/9x subs at the same time as the 30's - I have a large non-dedicated room - I think you'll need a pair of subs to be really happy, maybe with either choice. 

Having said all that, I now have the 40.3's and I sold the RELs. Much happier. As someone else pointed out, in your room why not go full size?

Lastly, FWIW Harbeth shows with Hegel and while the 30's worked well with Tubes for me, they really are best with beefy SS.

@soix @rsf507 @bigkidz @macg19 ​@rlb61 @arafiq 

Thanks for your input. I really had no idea what the Harbeth’s sounded like and nowhere to listen to them. So your input is greatly appreciated . @2tuby you scared me a little concerned with the magnesium cone. I believe I will stay away from the Harbeth line.

Thanks, 

Tom