Harbeth 40.3 XDs


An opportunity has come up to potentially purchase a pair of heavily discounted Harbeth 40.3 XDs. These are larger than I had been considering, but they are awfully beautiful. They'd be placed 2-3 feet from the front wall but only a foot or a bit less from the side walls. Any advice?

polanskyd

To my ears a very pleasant and very colored speaker. The smaller the model the better they sound, simply due to reduction in the size of the very resonant cabinet. I would not buy without listening at length. If you like a more neutral sound stay away. If however you find some of the more modern designs like Magico thin and lifeless it may be your speaker. The 40.3 are my least favorite in the line. They do transition well from one driver to the next.  

Post removed 

Enjoy your new toy.what else do we have to do. I buy used or open box but if it's a good price do it.celebrate America and the 4th.

I owned 40.2s and sold them a few months ago. They need plenty of breathing room and must be at least three feet away from all walls to sound their best. Otherwise, they can get a boomy. But if you position them properly and feed them with high quality SS watts, you will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful midrange and vocals. Good luck. 

FYI, I vaguely remember at one time that the importer recommended Skylan stands as a cost-effective stand.