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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
 
I hate to sound like I'm on repeat, but what you describe rings true to what I heard from the Audio Note speakers at RAMF, and at CES a couple of years ago.

From what I have heard of Harbeth, they do not convey what I interpret you to be describing. To my ears, they do not sound "live" as do the Definitions.

The Definitions get closer to what you describe, but they aren't as natural sounding as the Audio Note, IMO.
gsm18439
738 posts
 
I wonder if Zu's return policy applies to "a tiny rock in the middle of the blue pacific."
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
either way, you'll get 'different', but unless you spend on the Harbeth 40(maybe), I don't think you can do more than arguably top your vandy's.
tom_hankins
850 posts
 
Just my 2cents, but I think the SHL5 tops the Quatros & Quatro woods in every area but bass depth. With the addition of a good subwoofer they gain that area too. IMO the 40.1 would be a very big upgrade over the Vandies you use now. The two Quatros and the Harbeths were in my top 4-5 speakers before deciding on the Harbeths. I will be hearing the ZUs with various amps in a couple weeks, looking forward to that demo.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I tend to agree with Jaybo that the neither the 40.1 nor Definitions will be a substantial upgrade over the 3A Reference, but I also understand the desire to change for the sake of having something new.
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