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Are Harbeths really "all that?"

Hi,

I am not actually in the market for new speakers (heck, I just GOT new speakers) but I am intrigued, lately, reading about the Harbeth line on this forum. Are those little Harbeths (their "entry level," can't remember the model number right now) as fabulous as most reviewers seem to suggest? What kinds of music do they excel at? What kind of power do they need?
rebbi
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chashas1
596 posts
 
NOPE!
(way too polite, or for me to be polite, I should say, not for me) :)

I had a startling experience in hearing some very expensive gear recently with huge credentials and reviews, and it was boring as the dickens. And it has received raves from reviewers I seem to like.
LESSON---trust your own ears and heart...
xiekitchen
819 posts
 
I was wondering about them too.. I mean they are OUTRAGEOUSLY priced for what you get (or so it appears to me) and what, the similiar Spendor configurations are about half priced?
brianmgrarcom
1,317 posts
 
I had a startling experience in hearing some very expensive gear recently with huge credentials and reviews, and it was boring as the dickens. And it has received raves from reviewers I seem to like.
This doesn't necessarily mean this well praised gear sucks,3but rather the setup you heard sucked.

Many will say the Harbeth's can be in the love/hate camp; I heard the 40.1's at a show last year and they sounded great; I heard the HL5 (supers ?) at the same show this year and was disappointed, BUT I also believe a better (or different) setup may have helped.

Brian
thorman
1,262 posts
 
I tend to agree in it being taste..I had the HL Super 5 in my home for a week and couldn't live with them at all.I found them a touch boring..But many love them so you have to decide by hearing them live only .....
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