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