The Harbeth sound

[ATC2]

I’ve been wondering what other speakers sound similar to Harbeth.
I know that some of you may have experienced many different speakers, did you ever hear another that sounded like or reminded you of the “Harbeth sound” ?
I’ve wondered if the speakers developed under the BBC style/standards may sound alike.

RC

[PHC1]

Sure, you will find some similarities across the British speakers over the decades and models. I have not heard all of them but have heard more than half on the list. They are obviously all different but some would leave you stumped if you were not familiar with a recording and did not know which speaker was behind the curtain that you were blindly listening to. I am a Harbeth fan but some of my other favorites on the list are ProAc, Quad, Spendor and PMC

https://www.whathifi.com/us/features...rs-of-all-time

[PHC1]

If Harbeth is your benchmark, why look for alternatives?

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by PHC1

If Harbeth is your benchmark, why look for alternatives?

Just re-read a review of the 30.1s by Pauy Seydor. The speaker he likened them to were the Quad 57s.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Just re-read a review of the 30.1s by Pauy Seydor. The speaker he likened them to were the Quad 57s.

I’m a bit less inclined to draw a parallel than Paul when it comes to a modern Harbeth 30.1 and Quad 57 sound. They each have their strengths but the 57 had many more limitations. As an intimate and late night listening speaker, many of the Quads excelled.

Having said that, the 57 went on to: “The original ESL, in production between 1957 and 1985, sold 54,000 pairs during its life. Despite some major weaknesses, it is universally hailed as one of the most important speakers of the 20th century”

[ATC2]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Sure, you will find some similarities across the British speakers over the decades and models. I have not heard all of them but have heard more than half on the list. They are obviously all different but some would leave you stumped if you were not familiar with a recording and did not know which speaker was behind the curtain that you were blindly listening to. I am a Harbeth fan but some of my other favorites on the list are ProAc, Quad, Spendor and PMC

https://www.whathifi.com/us/features...rs-of-all-time

Spendor and ProArc also on my list but I can only comment on what I’ve heard. Interesting models some I’ve never heard of. Funny thing, Harbeth is not on the list Humm... or did I miss it?

[ATC2]

I’ve heard and read so many comments on Quads, I have to listen to them before I die...

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by ATC2

Spendor and ProArc also on my list but I can only comment on what I’ve heard. Interesting models some I’ve never heard of. Funny thing, Harbeth is not on the list Humm... or did I miss it?

Not on that one I guess. But that is just an opinion of the author of the article?

Originally Posted by ATC2

I’ve heard and read so many comments on Quads, I have to listen to them before I die...

And You should.

To me they are fairly obtrusive looking boxes that you are looking/listening almost at a downward angle "into" but they do tend to draw you in big time.

I also believe a big part of this hobby as with any other is "confirmation bias". When you hear opinions of others over and over confirming they like something, it does tend to effect your choices. The masses can't be wrong?