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What Is So Special About Harbeth?

SLike probably all of you, I just received notice from Audiogon of a 20% discount on Harbeth XD. I clicked on the tab and found that the sale price is about $2700. I have read so many glowing comments here about Harbeth — as if just saying the name is the password for entering aural nirvana. I admit, I haven’t listened to Harbeth speakers. But looking at these, they just look like smallish bookshelf speakers. I’m not questioning how good others say these speakers are, but HOW do they do it out of an ordinary-looking box?

Is it the wood? Is it the bracing? Is it the crossover components? Is it the cone material? What is the reason why these Harbeth’s are such gems compared to other bookshelf speakers? What is it about the construction or technology that makes these speakers a deal at $2700 on sale versus the $800, 900 or $1,000 that others normally cost? What is the secret that makes audiophiles thrill to get such a costly bargain?

bob540

Showing 4 responses by goofyfoot

goofyfoot
1,318 posts
 

It's dreadfully difficult to design dynamic speakers. Specifically the cross overs. I pretty much listen to classical exclusively, so for me Quad electrostatics are best. I think it's safe to say, that designing electrostatic speakers is much less of an accomplishment to designing a great sounding pair of dynamic speakers.

goofyfoot
1,318 posts
 

I might be mistaken but I thought Harbeth had moved its manufacturing to China, sharing the same manufacturing facility as Quad. This would actually be a good thing if it were true. The current Quad ESL's are better built than any of there UK manufactured predecessors. Also in theory, the cost of Chinese labor should  lower the prices that get passed on to the consumer (in theory).

goofyfoot
1,318 posts
 

Yep, apologize. Harbeth is not an IAG China product. However, Mission, Audiolab, Wharfedale, Quad and some others are. So the fact that Harbeth is paying their workers a reasonable wage in the UK could explain the price point for their speakers. Anyway, again sorry, I should have looked it up first.

I do hear that British speakers, Sterling, Rogers, Quad, Harbeth, etc... all share  a common characteristic in that they are forward sounding. That itself could be a make or break attribute. 

goofyfoot
1,318 posts
 

jjss49

'you are mistaken, harbeths are made in britain still'

Yes, I already apologized.

It's difficult to describe in words, what we hear in audio. British speakers to my ears are more forward sounding than American speakers. My Quads sound balanced while being slightly forward at the same time. I happen to like that with the majority of the recordings that I own .If to you I am wrong, that's fine, to others I am right.

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