Harbeth vs JM Reynaud

The 30.1's filled my room very nicely. I guess the reason I am interested in the JMRs is that there are the several reviews from folks that have Spendor and/or Harbeth preferences/tastes/leanings that favorably compare the JRMs. In the review here:

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue48/jmreynaud.htm

The reviewer concludes:
["I am notably monogamous when it comes to loudspeakers: while I know plenty of audiophiles who "flip" their speakers with regularity, my relationship with the Spendor/Harbeth/BBC school lasted from the mid-'90s to 2009. But that relationship has finally been supplanted, and these two brilliant offerings from Reynaud are my new ideal of sound—the standard against which others are measured."]

I know each to their own in terms of the sound they like, but this seem like pretty high praise that at least begs some mental consideration of the JRM Offrande Supreme 2s over the 30.1.

I live in the Chicago area and the Harbeth dealer here is very good. In store auditions were done with Rogue preamp and Cary tube amps. Sounded very good.

Anyways, thanks for everyone's thoughtful replies.

Thanks to all who have provided their thoughts and suggestions. I thought I would update folks on where I am in my speaker upgrade process. An Audiogon member kindly invited me over to hear his big Reynauds to give me a feel for the JMR sound. They sounded very nice, but no enough to convince me that the smaller JMRs would be better than the Harbeths. However, he also had on hand a pair of Omega Super Alnico Monitors, which when he played them for me I could not believe how wonderful they sounded. As a consequence, I ordered a pair for a 30-day at home audition (which is something not doable with Reynaud). I am expecting delivery at the end of next week and am looking forward to what they will sound like in my home. The Harbeths are still in my mix, but if the Omega's sound as good for me at home as they did at someone else's place, it will be hard not keep them and save a couple thousand $ that I can use for music! If they don't do it for me, I simply return them and just pay for return shipping, and move on to getting the Harbeths. I will let everyone know how my at home audition goes as well as my final decision.

I am approaching 50 hrs break-in on them. Even right out of the box, vocals and acoustic instruments (e.g., guitar, mandolin) sound phenomenal - having no previous experience with single full range driver speakers, I am amazed at what these speakers can do. The 'hype' folks post about what these speakers do with vocals, acoustic instrumental music, jazz combos is absolutely dead-on correct.

Pc123v: I only was able to audition the 30.1s at home. Compared with the Omegas, they are pretty similar in imaging (both very very good), vocals were also very good and similar with both. The Omegas might be a bit clearer in the vocals/enunciation (better definition/clarity?). Two differences right now (I am still breaking in the Omegas). 1st, even though the Omegas have a much higher efficiency and folks drive them with <10 watt SET amps, with my amp I do have to turn up the volume much more with the Omegas than I recall having to do so with the 30.1s to get a really full sound. One poster on a different forum this might be an issue with a ss amp. 2nd, while things have been improving as break-in proceeds some aspects of the top end are bothering me (but not others in my family?!). When it comes to a snare, cymbals, a high hat, or brushes, things sound thin and almost strident. In contrast, acoustic guitar, mandolin, and banjo sound fantastic. I contacted Louis (owner/designer/builder) at Omega and he said they still need more break in. They do sound better in this area then they did a few days ago, so I am hoping this continues to improve. If I was coming from a different speaker background (Spendor BC-1 and s5e), and not having home auditioned the 30.1s, I probably would not notice the top end as much as apparently only I am doing, and would be completely satisfied at this point in the auditioning.

Taters: This is exactly why I posted my question in the first place. I don't have deep pockets, this is a family-approved 60th birthday present, and will likely be the last speaker purchase for me. So I want to be as completely satisfied as possible with my selection. That said, $5.7K vs $2K is a big deal and not one to be glossed over.

While some posters on other forums have mentioned the potential for getting a different amp (SET) to get the best out of the Omegas, this is not an option for me. Not that I can't do so, but I don't want to. I got great sound with the 30.1 with my current system, and really like my Unison integrated amp. I had wanted that amp for a l;one time and was finally able to get one and have no desire to change unless there is a catastrophic failure in its electronics.

Success!!!!  Well, I've made my decision.  The Omega Super Alnico Monitor is the winner. How a speaker can sound this good for such an affordable price is beyond me. After some initial concerns regarding some high end harshness, all that fell away when I hit about 70 hr break-in and made a minor stand adjustment.  This single driver speaker is simply amazing.  As I indicated she I started this post, I have had some pretty good speakers (at least to my ears), have home auditioned the Harbeth 30.1, have listened to Maggies, KEFs, B&Ws, GoldenEar, and others, with extended listening sessions of fellow audiophile buddies as well as in store.  That said, the sound and qualities that the Omega's bring to the table are beyond reproach.  I had my next door neighbor come by a few days ago to have a listen.  His main speakers are Vandersteen 3As ( a move up from 2ce's), and a Klipsch home theater setup.  Well, his wife has been telling my wife that all he talks about is how great the Omega's sounded. Another friend came by yesterday, whose speaker history includes the Spendor BC-1, an older Thiel model I can't recall, the NHT XDA system, and most recently the top-of-the-line JanzSen floor standers.  We spent the entire morning listening to music he brought, and he also was amazed at the clarity, detail, and overall full range that the Omega's produce.  So in closing, my speaker search as ended.  And I encourage anyone considering speakers in the sub-$5k range and especially in the $2-3K range to take up Omega on it's 30-day home trial - you will surprised.  Plus, it is always something extra to support a small, made-in-Amerca business. Tank you Omega and thanks to all who have provide their insights, thoughts, ad suggestions in my speaker purchase journey.