Harbeth P3ESR vs the new XD

^It would have to be a significant improvement in clarity and detail to warrant such a statement.

 I auditioned the “SE” variant not that long ago (a precursor to the 40th but essentially the same I was told), and even they were not that impressive in terms of resolution. I consider them a neutral, non-offensive speaker for low-level listening of low complexity music. Great for an office desktop system. 

When I see the words “groundbreaking”, I need to take pause.  

Ok - visit your local Harbeth dealer and take a look at the New "IMPROVED" XD line - cheap manufacturing, really cheap looking and feeling to touch veneers, no more engraved plates but rather white stickers!!! $500 Quads from China has a better finish than whole XD line....did I mention MAJOR price increase in US???? Harbeth became a total joke in my eyes...terribly overpriced and overhyped.

If you really want pair, get Anniversary edition - they are discontinued BUT some dealers still might have a pair or two....as for difference in sound - NONE!!!!!
I own 40.2 Anniversary and my local dealer is a friend of mine so I had a chance to hear all models from XD line.....the whole change was done to charge EVEN more for same speaker - Alan is a BRILLIANT business man!

Sounds like Harbeth has a great marketing department!  Ground-Breaking!  Wow. 

I love my P3ESR SE.  And my Super SHL 5 Plus 40th Anniversary.  I'm sure they could be improved on, but both are already fantastic speakers.

Well, the sales have been much higher with these improvements. Why dont you call the distrubitor and ask him..rather then posting here. I dont care if you buy them or not. But, if sales are higher and the improvements were based on what customers wsnted..id say its a good move for them. If you prefer, im sure others can give you 75 different speakers. As to marketing from them..thats what this hobby and most things are about...getting you excited. Are we in the 1970s ??