Speaker Suggestions/Opinions


I’m in the market for some new speakers. Budget up to about 3k. I prefer to buy used. Currently running some Totem Rainmakers. Have also Run Totem Forest and Arros. I love the Totem sound clearly, but still curious what I’m missing out on.  
Most important to me is a lush midrange, musical, the ability to disappear, and they have to image very well. I run McIntosh for amplification so I’m comfortable with a speaker that may be a touch hot in the tweeter. I’m very drawn to Harbeths based on everything I’ve read but really don’t dig the look of those fat boxes.  And why for the love of god do they have 20 screws visible on the front baffle. It’s almost as if they trademarked the look, but it’s terrible. Proac, Spendor, and Sonus Faber are few others I also find intriguing. Especially Spendor but they don’t seem to have a large market in the US. I also find there line up a bit confusing, lots of options. I really don’t like to purchase anything that doesn’t have good resale value and a fairly high demand on the used market as well. Anyways look forward to all your thoughts. 
brylandgoodman

Showing 3 responses by donvito

In case you didn’t know Harbeth speakers per Alan Shaw are to be used with the grills on. BTW, many including me find the fit and finish great looking!
" Especially Spendor but they don’t seem to have a large market in the US."

That’s not true. Spendor has many dealers in the USA. The Harbeths are to be used with the grills in place so why do you care about the screws? Proac has the least dealers of the ones that you mention. ATC is another one that you can add to your list!
BTW, I have owned many of that type of speaker and the Harbeth is my favorite!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqFIaiPT_kY
If you buy Harbeths and you want to use them with the grills removed you should get a magnet puller to remove the grills. Many used Harbeths are damaged from the grills removed incorrectly. This is the tool that I use!
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-100-lb-Pull-Power-Handle-Magnets-96544/203613179
Here is a review!
  Harbeth P3ESR Review! - Bing video