Why do Harbeth speakers have such a cult following

Taters, I too am a bit curious about what appears to be your obsession with Harbeth. But as to your question, I can only answer for myself. My goal is to come as close as possible to reproducing the sound of live unamplified classical music, and Harbeth Compact 7s achieve this better than any other speaker I'm familiar with. I'm not sure whether that's good enough for admission into the cult that you seem to think exists, but it's the only answer I can give.

I owned the 5's and it always was enjoyable. It drew you into the music. Someday I will own a Harbeth again.

I loved my time with Harbeth 40.1's. There's a good chance I'll go back to them some day.

I think because they have a signature sound. They do some things very well. If those things are what appeal to you, you are likely a fan. Cult type products tend to appeal to a small segment of the population who see them as special in some way.

Cult type products tend to appeal to a small segment of the population who see them as special in some way.

I like that definition of "cult". At least as it pertains to "things", stereo eqipment, motorcycles, etc.