Harbeth 40.2 Anniversary

[GreginNH1]

After an exhaustive and expensive search, I have found a speaker that finally brings me into the music like no other.

While I was very pleased with my KEF Blade 2 speakers, there were still moments of annoyance with some of the higher frequencies. Cables did help, going back to a Luxman Class A helped. I wanted a bit more. I was questioning my sources such as my K-01X and embarqued on a search for a MBS DAC.

When questioning one of my local retailers who actually sells Esoteric and MSB, their response was that the Harbeths would take care of what I was trying to accomplish.

The owner and another associate guaranteed that I would love the speakers. They were so sure, that they brought a brand new pair of boxed speakers for my in-home demo NO STRINGS ATTACHED.

I was amazed at how these speakers performed in terms of realism and neutral presentation. Gone are the annoying parts of my reference tracks.

I’m sure there are many who are rolling their eyes as they read this post but if you haven’t heard these speakers, you might be very surprised.

Now it’s time to listen to MUSIC!

[Audio 1]

Congratulations Greg!!
The Harbeth's definitely are a pleasure to listen to and produce beautiful music.

[PHC1]

Congrats on the Harbeth 40.2' Anniversary edition Greg! They look great!

As a 30.2 Anniversary owner, I can certainly relate to your enthusiasm with these wonderful speakers.

Interesting how we both went in very large circles with audio gear and ultimately wound up on the same Luxman/Harbeth combo.

Let them settle in a bit and if your experience is similar to mine, you will soon forget all about searching for other gear.

[PHC1]

Gotta love those German Bavarian Alps region hand crafted TonTraeger stands. Each pair is lovingly hand crafted for each Harbeth model and the quality is very impressive.

By the way, I have experimented with my Harbeth pair with a different stand in the beginning (metal and mass loaded) and the TonTraeger stands add much of the magic to Harbeth speakers. Harbeth do react to various stands more than many other speakers due to the nature of Harbeth design and how they "breathe". Must be a sympathetic resonance thing going on. They make the Harbeth sound "so right"!

[PHC1]

I keep my grills on by the way. Alan Shaw designed and tuned them to work best with grills on. There was much discussion going on about it on the Harbeth owners forum in UK so of course I had to experiment for myself. I heard no advantage with the grills off in terms of additional air or clarity of sound. Back on the grills went. That is the reason they are not exactly easy to remove in the first place by the way.

[PHC1]

Greg, let me know what you think of Tubes on Harbeth! The Luxman and PrimaLuna HP both see equal play time in my system. Love them both.

[Poppyhome]

Congratulations on your new Harbeth's. They are on my radar but only wish they would come out with a center channel speaker.

How is the speaker cabinet and overall quality compared to others in the respected price range?

Ron

[GreginNH1]

Thanks Buddy and Serge.

Serge - regarding the grills, they sure are difficult to remove. Once I get used to the sonic signature, I may put them back on and experience the difference.

I haven’t tried my PrimaLuna with them yet (I have the DiaLogue Premium) but looking forward to doing so!

It is in fact, quite interesting that we both have travelled in the same audio journey only to arrive at almost the same conclusion.

[GreginNH1]

Originally Posted by Poppyhome

Congratulations on your new Harbeth's. They are on my radar but only wish they would come out with a center channel speaker.

How is the speaker cabinet and overall quality compared to others in the respected price range?

Ron

Ron - cabinet quality is first rate. I chose an upgraded veneer called Tamo Ash. It was the closest finish to my racks.

[PHC1]

I'll second the notion that the Harbeth cabinets are of superb quality. Here is my pair of 40th anniversary in Silver Eucalyptus. Difficult to photograph as they are even more gorgeous in person.