Simplicity, Objectivity, Fidelity….
Harbeth loudspeakers have their origins in a simpler time when objectivity was the path to greater fidelity, and we’ve progressively improved those designs over the last fifty years. Here we apply citizen science* in exploring practical, universal and cost-effective ways to maximise their natural sound potential at home. In matters Harbeth, this forum is the wellhead: as close as you can get to our brand, products, values, people, facilities and ethos, and we thrive on harmony, good manners, mutual respect and mature discussion. We are vigilant to prevent social influencers from misusing this forum.
Making great music with your Harbeths is remarkably simple. Drive them from any hi-fi electronics designed in the last 50 years or so (a choice of thousands, if performing as manufactured) and music just flows. The 'A', 'X', and 'Z' lists amps used by members. What is the very best high fidelity amplifier? Ideally seek one which has a frequency response when driving a loudspeaker load** which deviates less than a dB from flat across the audio spectrum. More than that, and you will introduce a loudspeaker/load amplifier sonic personality onto the music, which you may like but others not. The reality of the amp-speaker electrical interface and how it impacts on all brands and models of amps and speakers has been discussed throughout HUG.
Consider this when selecting audio equipment. Audiologists, acousticians, sound engineers, film producers, musicians, actors, composers, orators, whispering lovers, the military, and wailing infants invoke quantifiable differences in loudness to steer human auditory experience. Yet, relative replay loudness is rarely if ever managed during audio equipment evaluations, resulting in consequentially skewed and reversible subjective perceptions. Louder sounds trigger more auditory neurones and create a more dramatic subjective experience. So, if two otherwise identical elements in the audio chain differ in loudness they will take on distinctive subjective sonic characteristics.
This Forum does not offer commentary on audio amplifiers, cables, power supplies, connectors etc. as we do not make these products. Music should come first, especially in these challenging times.
Take pride in being an independent thinker! That independence created these musical, transparent, enchanting loudspeakers.
Tolerance and respect for a century of audio science is the backbone of HUG. Contributions deemed combative or disruptive will not appear. The Moderator's decision is always final.
“The real purpose of the scientific method is to make sure nature hasn’t misled you into thinking you know something you actually don’t know.”
― Robert M. Pirsig; Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values. ISBN 0-688-00230-7
Boundaries and Governance for the benefit of all: HUG Terms & Rules for membership and content
Working through A-B testing and the issues presented
The Harbeth User Group is owned and run by Harbeth Audio Ltd., a commercial enterprise, and is moderated within that reality. We consciously down play marketing of our products - they speak for themselves. With that all said, welcome and enjoy.
* Example of citizen science in action here.
**Published in Stereophile magazine every month
Revised Nov. 2024
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