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Harbeth 40.3's. Should I buy them?

I've owned a lot of speakers. I've just finished auditioning a pair of Alta Audio Alec's. Not good at all in my system. I own a pair of Spatial X3 open baffle speakers. I really like them and my wife doesn't. I recently bought a pair of Buchardt S400 MKII's for a second system. I say second system because I have a dedicated 2 channel room 15' x 19'. Upstairs in a much larger room, the Buchardt's were anemic, fine, 2 Adam subs solved the anemia. Then just for the heck of it (and because audio is a hobby) I moved the Buchardt monitors downstairs in the 'big guys' room. The Buchardt's loved that room and my wife loved the Buchardt's except they are to small for the listening room and our listening tastes.

I'm tired of buying and selling speakers. I've been to a hundred audio shows and have "favorites". Harbeth have always sounded great, not a show stopper, but, at shows, they've been totally inoffensive, warm and engaging in the same way I like Audio Notes AN-e.
We play all types of music. My wife especially likes classical, leaning towards female singers but too, she'll rock out on Led Zeppelin, Ozzy Osbourne, Black Keyes, Journey, you get the idea. Me, classic rock but anything that soothes my soul works. I like to play loud. My wife - louder, but not teenager loud.

We have an awesome front end to work with. Allnic T2000 30th integrated (60wpc in triode 150wpc in pentode), Allnic H5500 phono and Allnic D10000 DAC.

Why wouldn't we happy with this speaker?

128x128desalvo55
richdirector's avatar
richdirector
266 posts
 

Never sell those allnics they are end game .... Fyne audio and Tannoys do classical jazz and can rock out too ...

desalvo55's avatar
desalvo55 OP
252 posts
 

ozzy62. The Spatial's X3's do not need subs. I did feel like they could be improved with a more powerful plate amp, however, and a few X3 owners have done that. I cannot use separate subs in my system due to the lack of pre-outs (although I'm cheating at the moment).

I've listened to Audio Note many times and know their capabilities. I don't believe they are the best option for us. For a second system, heck yeah. I WILL build one of their kits one day. Then I'll get an AN E-D.

I've never liked the Zu sound. But I get their allure.

Allnic A6000's w / an A4000 pre? Damn. That would make my early 60's Zenith clock radio get up and perform 3D music. I might pay just to hear that combo!  That combo might even smoke my former best, the Joule Electra VZN100's. I may have to revisit the AN E-D.

I know a former X3 owner that went the Fyne route.

mcslipp's avatar
mcslipp
122 posts
 

If you like Harbeth an ANE's but wanna be able to rock out more I'd through Devore O-96's into the mix.

coppy777
118 posts
 

You should have enough power to drive most of what has been suggested here.  I drive my Wilson Yvettes, 86 efficient, with a 36WPC c-j class A amplifier.  Jazz and classical. I do use a JS Audio F113 sub.

If you want to get your money out of them later, the well respected brands like Harbeth, Wilson and Vandersteen are best.  Look at resales for reference.

Only you can determine what speakers appeal to you.  You have to listen to them in person for an extended session.  Some nice suggestions here but they are all different presentations.  I don't care for Magico, a personal thing.  They seem only to match with big solid state. 

All speakers need to have the front baffle at least 48 inches out from the back wall if you want image depth.  

coppy777
118 posts
 

Nobody mentioned B&W... that's odd.

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