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In Reply to: Re: I've owned both posted by Mr Blue Sky on April 8, 2007 at 21:07:19:
This is really tough. They both sound great. I would prefer the Harbeth sound ...I think it's faster and more neutral. The Spendor is famous for it's 'sweet' sound. You've really got to hear them both to get the diff. They are very similar.The Harbeth was a speaker I ordered sight unheard because I'd heard to much about them for so long. They are very good. The SHL5's which I got to hear once are insanely good speakers. (But big and expensive).
I have come around to just giving up on this stuff, though. The first time I bought SP1's, twenty years ago they were $850 a pair. Now they're four thousand. What has increased in price four-fold over the past twenty years? Forget gold, I should have bought SP1's in 1987.
I mean it about the Magnepans, too. I think they just beat most dynamic speakers into the ground. A pair of MC1's with a good, small sub (say a Totem) would only be about $1200 and would just be an incredible system.
-M
PS: For what Harbeth and Spendor sell for these days you could get a pair of Wayne Piquets rebuilt Quad ESL 57's. End of discussion.
Follow Ups:
What model Magnepans are you talking about ?
I mentioned MG12's earlier, only $1100 MSRP. I also mentioned the MC1, a very interesting design, 46" high, 10" wide, and designed to be used near walls and with a sub. Retail is $750. It give the magnepan sound in places where you couldn't fit a pair of floor standers. Google 'magnepan mc1' and lots of info will pop up.
So you are saying that the Spendor is sweeter than the Harbeth, basically...perhaps a bit thicker or more syrupy? Is that what you mean? Yes, I plan to definitely hear them but I also find your comments extremely helpful.Yeah, I almost bought a pair of Quads today. I've owned '57s before and they're without question the finest loudspeaker system in the world. It's just that I occasionally like to party with my system and the Quads aren't a party speaker. I can't throw them on, walk around the house, entertain guests, etc. I was also paranoid about blowing them. But that is the sound I want....exactly. Smooth, fleshy, velvet, natural...very similar to the tonality of the M30. The Quads obviously sound bigger, faster, more coherent, seductive, and MAGIC....
I sold mine ten years ago when it looked like parts would be an issue. Now there is a veritable cottage industry of people making 57 parts. Who knew?-M
PS: If you love the Quad's listen to the Maggie MG12's. Same amazing 'boxless' sound, but much more bass, higher volumes (a LOT) and very unfussy (no power cords for example). In fact, as much as I love the 57's, I'd probably rather keep my MG12's. Incredible sound, less hassle.
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