The very best review of the Harbeth M40.1 speakers

[Toobs]

Jerome
I'll add my 2 cents albeit I have the SHL5's and not the 40.1's. Harbeth does make a superb speaker no matter which model the listener chooses

Enjoy yours as I do mine.

[kev313]

Originally Posted by Alberto

Jerome, I am happy you've found your ideal speakers. I am also very attracted to them based on all the descriptions of how they sound --- a great match for people whose sonic tastes lean toward the "Shindo sound". Alberto

The Harbeths have a lot of fans. I've read many reviews that make me think they are great. That said, the idea of how to get the "Shindo Sound" has been pretty clearly laid out. By Shindo.

It's not easy. It's not cheap in an absolute sense, though it may be in a relative sense. I don't think it has ever involved a Harbeth or modern production Tannoy. Or digital. Or 2/3 of the cartridges commonly used.

Does Shindo work outside of a full Shindo set up? Absolutely. With digital? Heck yes. As much as I would love to, I don't use a Shindo 301. I also use Zanden digital from time to time. But it isn't the Shindo sound. No one is saying it isn't good. No one is saying it isn't great. I would never suggest that you should use something else when you have found something that clearly brings much joy to you. That is the product for you of course! But it is not the "Shindo" sound.

[Vinyljh]

Amen to Kev313.

[Volks]

I truly must give the Harbeth 40.1's another try..........last time i sat and listened to them for almost 2 hours............they were hooked up to Ayre mono blocks and a Ayre CDP and to me they sounded so very flat/dull/dry.............i was actually surprised............i wish i could hear them hooked up to my Mcintosh.

[Jean-Marc jmajma]

I'll be able to report saturday afternoon, I'll meet Jérôme at his place, and we will have serious listening sessions.

I'll be able to listen again to the fabulous JC Verdier too; being actually in the process to replace my TT (only because of a major LuFlu changitis...), where other competitors are Avid Acutus SP, SME 20/3a and perhaps VPI.

[John49]

Originally Posted by Jerome W

John, BTW your avatar is just too much...

My pleasure...

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by Toobs

Jerome
I'll add my 2 cents albeit I have the SHL5's and not the 40.1's. Harbeth does make a superb speaker no matter which model the listener chooses

Enjoy yours as I do mine.

I am sure of that. Acctually Paul who had both SHL5 and 40.1 preferred the SHL5.

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

[PLK]

Harbeth nearfield listening:



Larger image:

http://www.regonaudio.com/Listening%20room.jpg

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by kev313

The Harbeths have a lot of fans. I've read many reviews that make me think they are great. That said, the idea of how to get the "Shindo Sound" has been pretty clearly laid out. By Shindo.

It's not easy. It's not cheap in an absolute sense, though it may be in a relative sense. I don't think it has ever involved a Harbeth or modern production Tannoy. Or digital. Or 2/3 of the cartridges commonly used.

Does Shindo work outside of a full Shindo set up? Absolutely. With digital? Heck yes. As much as I would love to, I don't use a Shindo 301. I also use Zanden digital from time to time. But it isn't the Shindo sound. No one is saying it isn't good. No one is saying it isn't great. I would never suggest that you should use something else when you have found something that clearly brings much joy to you. That is the product for you of course! But it is not the "Shindo" sound.

Kev,

You'll notice that Alberto stated " leans to the Shindo sound". Of course the full Shindo sound is with a full Shindo system only, no doubt about that.
Harbeth speakers, as Jeff wrote in his review are not "audiophile" speakers. They are for music lovers. In this regard, they are clearly cousins of the Shindo philosophy. Like DeVore and others.

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

[242]

Hello Jerôme,

You have nice systems. I have seen your love for Harbeth on ls3/5a forum. (I am French.)
I also get a pair, but the smallest one, P3esr.
I think there is a family sound and I am not so far away from yours!
Anyway I love the way they immerse yourself to the music.
Congrats!