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Zu or Harbeth

Hello Gentlemen,

I soon may be in the market for some new speakers. I currently have a pair of Vandersteen 3a's ( my "waterproof" digital camera got soaked, so I haven't updated my system photos for a while) and I really enjoy the sound. That said, I am sure there are better speakers out there.

The Harbeth 40.1 has been on the top of my list since the beginning, but lately I have been looking at the Zu Definitions and/or Presence. At this point in time I am only interested in speakers from these 2 companies for various reasons, esthetics being one of them.

I have read all the reviews for each of the speakers and would love to hear from anyone who owns/has owned these speakers.

My room is about 16'x25' with an a-frame ceiling with a 20'peak.
Also I have a Mcintosh MC 2500 beast of an amplifier, which I love, and have no plans on upgrading, not sure how this would mate with the Zu's.

I also plan on buying used.

Thank you in advance.
hanaleimike
tvad
9,467 posts
 
While I don't own either, I have heard them both at shows and/or dealerships. They have very different presentations, IMO.

The Harbeths are a little recessed in the mids and highs. More of a mid hall presentation, whereas the Definitions are more forward and detailed in the mids and highs. If you like a very lively sound, then you may prefer the Definitions.

Of course, the Definitions (or the Presence) will go deeper due to their active subwoofers.

Based on the volume of your room, the Definitions may deliver more satisfying decibel levels depending on your listening preferences.

However, with the McIntosh amp, the Harbeth's will also play quite loudly.
azaud
156 posts
 
I have heard both also (at shows), and the 40.1's are the ones between the two that had me trying to figure a way to get them into my listening room. One of the nicest sounding/presenting speakers I've heard to date. Not neutral/uncolored, however. But the coloration is purposeful within the design, like the resonance in a guitar.
I am a neutral junkie, so I stayed in the Harbeth room long enough to be pretty sure that I wouldn't get fatigued by these speakers. If anything, they evoked that addictive quality we look for.
Better with accoustic music; but a good overall speaker (not just monitor) IMHO.
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
828 posts
 
I think you'd love the 40.1's... I sure do. I can't speak to the sound of the Zu's, as I have never heard them, however, while I like that they are very efficient, I am turned off by the way they look (I know many would say the same about the 1970's retro look of Harbeth). Your room size would be great for the 40.1's... and I think your decor would also blend well with the Harbeth's.
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