Harbeth vs. Tyler


Newbie here (long-time musician), looking for my first (and hopefully last) real set-up. Planning a system around a Creek Destiny amp for a moderately sized bedroom. Listen to everything from classical to hip-hop, but not at excessively loud volumes. I've heard good things about both of these brands of speakers, and wanted to know if anyone has experience with both of these and can describe the differences. Unfortunately I'm not in a place where I can audition either of them. I'm particularly interested in the compact 7's and the linbrook bookshelves, but would welcome any general comments as well. Thanks for the knowledge . . .
ooka
Yep, gotta agree with Muzikat on this. Harbeth uses real wood, similar to Daedalus (sp?). It's a different way of thinking (from a speaker design standpoint) from veneer and MDF, but cheap looking?
Sighhhhh - too much of the world thinks that real wood should look like laminates - it doesn't - it's natural, and inconsistant. And beautiful.
Harbeth uses a different approach to cabinet resonance control. Instead of massive panels that absorb/store energy, they use light panels that dissipate energy quickly, I believe. The only reviews that are hard to find are negative ones. Harbeth has an enviable reputation, they were one of the original manufacturers of the LS3/5a.
I had the Taylos at one point, and never really got the sound sorted out in my system. I felt I was battling a meddle woofer sound. Other speakers including Totem Ones used in comparison did not seem to have this signature. Keep in mind this is just my experience, as you know many here at Audiogon have reported much better results.
I have never compaired these speakers side by side, but if I were going on faith, I would probably lean towards the Harbeths.
This is for the those who have never heard the Harbeths. I have owned many speakers and I have yet to see any which deliver more for the buck than do the Harbeths. They do what a speaker is supposed to do. They deliver the pure music and get out of the way, no more no less.

There are reviews out there on all the variious Harbeth models, and I have yet to see a bad review on any of them. Not my favorite, but last month's (I believe) Stereophile had a review on the ES73. Read it.

Regards,

AEW
Ahh here's the big difference for me. harbeth is british. i do not like the british sound. Though Ooka may like it. Its personal preference. And i was not refering only to the cabinet. The poly drivers look cheap.
If you think it's hard to find a Harbeth review, try finding a thread on Tylers (or even not on Tylers), without Bartie shilling all day long.

Really - they're both good, but take the resident promotional goon's words for what they're worth.

And anyone who finds the Harbeth cabinet "cheap looking" is probably allergic to natural fabrics too.