The Harbeth 30.1, which I own, is a far better speaker than the KEF 103.2, which the Harbeths replaced in my system. Seriously, no comparison, which is not to say the the KEFs are not excellent, especially for their era. The KEF 103.2s have a noticeable bass tilt, which is what you are hearing. That was designed-in by KEF, to make the speaker sound bigger than it is. In fact, they sounded even bassier than the 105.2s of that era, which had a huge bass driver. Since this thread is now almost a year old, it's probably too late for me to advise you to experiment more with room placement on the Harbeths. I did move mine closer to the wall than AS recommends, but in my room, it did the trick. In truth, neither the KEFs nor the Harbeth 30s are the best choice for hard rock listening; their virtues lie elsewhere.
From KEF 103.2 to Harbeth 30.1 and back....Your advice sought.
I was a happy KEF 103.2 owner for over 15 years...then the upgrade bug hit.
6 months later I'm out of love. Sure - the Harbeths have gorgeous mids and realistic timbres. But they lack guts. There's no oomph. Piano music and jazz sound great - but forget Lou Reed. The Stooges can't get loud enough. Even classical sounds cut off at the waist.
I'm tempted to upgrade back to the 103.2s. (And pocket several thousand while I'm at it.) Listening to them was effortless, and warm. Perhaps not as detailed or as accurate, but much more satisfying.
Only, I'm left wondering if something else might fit my fancy. A *new 103.2, so to speak.
I'm eyeing the NOLA BOXER II, for example...I also spent about a week with a pair of KLIPSCH 160s off Amazon. Fatiguing as hell, but that horn tweeter was awfully exciting. Really made me wonder what a high-end or vintage Klipsch might be like...
Can you folks point me in some directions??? My criteria are rather straightforward:
- Sub $3500, used or new. I have no "lower" limit. I'll try anything.
- Preferably not floor standing
- Well-suited for rock and roll, classical (orchestral), jazz and blues (in that order)
- Will play nice with a a Sonneteer Alabaster SS amplifier
With thanks for your time!
6 months later I'm out of love. Sure - the Harbeths have gorgeous mids and realistic timbres. But they lack guts. There's no oomph. Piano music and jazz sound great - but forget Lou Reed. The Stooges can't get loud enough. Even classical sounds cut off at the waist.
I'm tempted to upgrade back to the 103.2s. (And pocket several thousand while I'm at it.) Listening to them was effortless, and warm. Perhaps not as detailed or as accurate, but much more satisfying.
Only, I'm left wondering if something else might fit my fancy. A *new 103.2, so to speak.
I'm eyeing the NOLA BOXER II, for example...I also spent about a week with a pair of KLIPSCH 160s off Amazon. Fatiguing as hell, but that horn tweeter was awfully exciting. Really made me wonder what a high-end or vintage Klipsch might be like...
Can you folks point me in some directions??? My criteria are rather straightforward:
- Sub $3500, used or new. I have no "lower" limit. I'll try anything.
- Preferably not floor standing
- Well-suited for rock and roll, classical (orchestral), jazz and blues (in that order)
- Will play nice with a a Sonneteer Alabaster SS amplifier
With thanks for your time!