How good are the Harbeth 40's?

Emster:

One of the people you might want to contact about Harbeth speakers is Charlie, one of the Audiogon "oldtimers". Charlie owns Harbeth speakers, and he corresponds regularly with a goodly number of other Harbeth owners. Charlie's user name here on Audiogon, as I recall, is "Danvetc". Charlie is a great guy, and I'm sure he'd be glad to offer an informed response to your post.

Sdcampbell, thanks a lot. I have sent Charlie an email and will keep you up to date. Thanks also to Mike and paulwp.

Hello Emster,

Mr. Campbell is too kind. It is easy, especially on Agon, to confuse enthusiasm with expertise! But, sir, I do know where you can find answers from users who enjoy the M40 in a variety of circumstances.

Please go to the Harbeth Smartgroups site:

http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/harbethspeakers

There you can join and post the same question and you will be getting some help very quickly. Also check the archives as this same question has been addressed more than once.

Paul and I use the C7, (well actually Paul has several Harbeth speakers,) and we have no direct experience with the M40. They are used in very small BBC recording studios, however, which does confuse me, as Paul's suggestion is consistent with what we hear from other M40 users. (Most have big listening rooms and keep them well off the back wall.)

Paul mention Dr. Greene of TAS. He is frequented by many musicians in his home, and he is supposed to be a decent violinist himself. One of my favorite statements he made about the M40, "... To someone who knows the sound of real music, hearing the M40s is a shock of recognition."

What else can be said?

I use an M&K sub with my C7s and am very happy in my small room.

Check out that Smartgroups info and visit harbeth.com.

Happy New Year,

Charlie
by Danvetc