Harbeth M30.1 Speakers (Monitor 30.1) - Video Demonstration

[@AudioNostalgia]

For an in-depth review, please visit my website: audionostalgia.co.uk/harbeth-m30-1-review/. The purpose of this video is to demonstrate the look and feel of Harbeth Monitor 30.1 speakers and not their sound.

[@jakal1591]

Never had KZbin sound so good

[@clicheclicksphotography6566]

What a sound... fantastic

[@trekjudas]

GORGEOUS! I LOVE MINE!!

[@jjrosaria]

Love Lake street Dive!

[@ArnaudSiemons]

Just sold these. I do fine with a set of Rogers LS6.....

[@mbehan212]

I cannot decide if I like these more then your Tannoy's. Which are your preference? I love your videos, you have great set-ups in lovely rooms. I'm very envious. In a good way. ;)

[@AudioNostalgia]

Thank you for your kind words. I lived in 3 different properties since I started making KZbin videos. I only have one listening room and couple sets of speakers. The room you can see in this video is my latest listening room. To answer your question, my preference is Harbeth over Tannoy. I'm currently working on Harbeth speaker reviews. When ready, I will drop a link to my website if you are interested in how I perceive them vs all other vintage speakers I tested so far. All the best!

[@mbehan212]

Thank you so much for the reply. I think you're right in preferring the Harbeth's over the Tannoy's. I feel the same way myself. Since I cannot afford M30.1's I'm looking at Spendor SP1 or SP1/2's to get in the ballpark. :) I look forward to the video. @@AudioNostalgia

[@brandonhahm8210]

Mark Behan spendor sp1 is also a great set! You won’t get disappointed at all! Congrats.

[@jianboo]

Interesting conversation you have there. I've bought tannoy MG12 and 3LZ in a heartbeat but I'm having hard time getting myself to buy the harbeth M30.1, they are the only speaker I prefer over the other harbeth models. I auditioned m30.1, p3esr, compact7 and I am only interested in a 2 way design. My indecisiveness over the harbeth is, when you get to hear speaker in a tannoy scale it is hard to weigh in other speaker's advantage. Ditto the advantage of tannoy over harbeth and vice versa is like taking the red pill over the blue pill you can't really have both at the same time. But I am not giving up on the harbeths. That is why, if somebody can recommend a poorman's harbeth m30 (a 2 way not 3 way speakers), I might buy it in a heartbeat as well.

[@mbehan212]

@@jianboo To get anything close to Harbeth, you need a BBC voiced speaker. If you must have 2 ways, I would suggest a used pair of Spendor 2/3's or Rogers Studio 1a or LS7. For new, either the Graham Chartwell LS3/6 or the equivalent Stirling Broadcast model but they're pricey as well. I so want to audition the new Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary. It's a 3 way that, at least on the surface, looks very much like classic Spendors, Rogers, and Harbeths, but they are only $1500 with a very sturdy set of stands included.

[@brandonhahm8210]

Nice sound!

[@leeoooooooooooo]

Can really hear the integration and lack of coloration they're famous for - as the camera/mic passes over the baffle between the two drivers, doesn't even sound like a speaker at that point, sounds like direct audio! something to aspire to for an accurate transducer

[@aleksandarstojceski3139]

Yes most speakers sound like honks if you record directly.

[@leeoooooooooooo]

@@aleksandarstojceski3139 I'd really like to see/hear someone do a Harbeth video with a pair of high quality mics setup about a metre in front of the speakers at tweeter height. I've got a feeling the result would be difficult to tell apart the mic'd up speakers to the actual recording, give or take a few minor "giveaways"

[@leeoooooooooooo]

at 0.44 just as the cameras mic is perfectly on axis you can just hear it all "snap into place"

[@massimocover]

Beautiful! Which type of qed cable do you use? Thank you

[@asheshchand3616]

Amazing sound! Thanks for the demos. Would you consider these pairs to be have best synergy with yamaha amplifiers? Or are there any other speakers that outperform these on yamaha? I'm looking for a vintage looking speakers for my yamaha A-s1200. Thanks again.

[@vangstr]

I think these 30.1 are slightly warmer compared to the 30.2 version. If you have a system that already is more lean to clinical these 30.1 would be a better fit. However if your system is slightly on the warm side already, perhaps the newer 30.2 xd will be a better match.

[@asheshchand3616]

@@vangstr thank you for replying. I have Yamaha as1200, it is neutral or bit lean sounding. Also lacks bass/body a bit. I think it'll be a good match. I see a good deal second hand on 30.1😊

[@vangstr]

@@asheshchand3616 Yes. Just because something is newer does not necessarily mean it is so much better. System synergy is most important.

[@asheshchand3616]

@@vangstr 💯 true!

[@AudioNostalgia]

Thanks and sorry about the delay in getting back to you. Based on the blind tests I've conducted, I believe that there is very little difference in the well-designed modern gear. If you are having to use amplifier to compensate for shortfalls of the speakers or vice versa, than something is not quite right. Personally, I have not experienced the phenomena of 'synergy' with well designed equipment. I only experienced this with either poorly designed amplifiers or with valve amplifiers, whose frequency response can be affected by the impedance of the speaker. Long story short, based on my experience, Harbeth M30.1 will be absolutely fine with your Yamaha A-S1200. All the best, Shem

[@MrToonfish]

To : Hi-Fi Haven (who deleted my post !) MrToonfish No smartphone was used, only Focal headphones with a tube amplifier. Listening to it on my main system I used my Audionet Maxx amplifiers, and Magico M6 speakers. It seems you're really NOT understanding things don't you ? I am NOT talking about your own system and listening condition BUT the way that video was taken certainly with a smartphone... My gosh, why things are so complicated ? You could have the best system in the world at home, if your are listening a video clip on KZbin recorded with a smartphone, YOU CAN'T JUDGE the quality of the sound, it's impossible... Again, not an theory, just an hardcore and empirical fact !

[@AudioNostalgia]

Although I completely agree whit your comment about not being able to judge sound quality via KZbin recording, I don't quite get why you posted it here, especially if it is aimed at HiFi Heaven?

[@MrToonfish]

@@AudioNostalgia Why here ? Simple... Hifi Heaven drop a comment about me and I responded to him that your video can't be judged here on youtube, because, at first he said, nice sound, defined treble and accurate bass (something like this !) and certainly you or another one, deleted our comments. Hifi Heaven drop me an email in this way, so I simply respond to him. I know well those speakers Harbeth, I'm not in any case an hi-fi troll. You have to understand that I do not criticize your video at all and the speakers, I just wanted to say to this guy he's wrong if he's judging speakers on KZbin. So silly. Anyway.

[@AudioNostalgia]

@@MrToonfish Just to be clear - I don't delete any comments unless they are spam. If your comment was a reply to another comment and it disappeared, the most likely the answer is that the person who posted their original comment, removed it, and subsequently your reply was removed too.

[@massimocover]

Beautiful video And sound! Which type of qed cable do you use? Thank you

[@AudioNostalgia]

Thank you. QED Genesis Silver Spiral. Not that I think it makes any significant difference - I just like their look.

[@aceofspades6667]

Anybody compared a harbeth 30.1 to 30.2 xd to 30.2 40th anniversary? If so what are the major differences?

[@joeygonzo]

I don't have the words to describe how they sound outside of sweet.

[@locmanw1583]

I wonder how sound would be if sealed box like the P3ESR?

[@AudioNostalgia]

You could easily find out by plugging bass reflex ports. Most drive units are designed with certain enclosure type in mind, so I would imagine that this driver is optimised for vented enclosures, as this is how it is used across the Harbeth range. An exception is the M40 series, where this 8in driver sits in a tightly packed small enclosure mounted to the front baffle, but from what I understand, this is not the same driver - it's tweaked to optimise it for using in this type of enclosure.

[@locmanw1583]

@@AudioNostalgia ok cool I didn't know that😊

[@ralbin5734]

What stands are you using for your 30.1's? Skylan? Oh... I see from your web site... that you built the stands. I just ordered a pair of 30.1's like yours. I got them because I thought they had great clarity and detail resolution, with a sound similar to the Quad ESL 57's. I hope they have a clear sound without any muffled veil, or boomy bass - though based on your comments, I'm a bit worried they may. I'm thinking metal / steel stands might help with their clarity - though - I would not want any ringing.

[@AudioNostalgia]

Glad you've found the answer. Let me know how you find the M30.1s when they arrive. I have a lot of time for them. If it wasn't for the M40.1s, I'd still have a set of the M30.1s.

[@ralbin5734]

@@AudioNostalgia OK... got the 30.1's set up with a great Yggy DAC, Audio Research 5se preamp, A21 amp... and... the sound is superb - great detail and clarity... not muffled or veiled, or boomy. The Yggy DAC and AR 5se give them a very airy, big, bold sound, and the A21 controls their bass very well. In fact, I like them so well... I just bought a new pair of 40.2's - got a huge discount - huge! Anxious to get them set up to compare them.

[@AudioNostalgia]

@@ralbin5734 Wow! Congratulations! Let me know you impressions once you've had a chance to compare please.

[@ВадимМалатчев]

Super!

[@tersiii]

Is the finish Cherry?

[@AudioNostalgia]

No. It is Rosewood.

[@TheCooler2k]

So, after all, what is your favorite? 7, 5, or 30.1?

[@AudioNostalgia]

IMHO, starting with the best: M40.1, M30.1, SHL5+, P3ESR, C7ES-3

[@TheCooler2k]

Audio Nostalgia thank you! I’m on p3esr now. Thinking about upgrade and can’t decide between 30.1 & 7.

[@AudioNostalgia]

@synairesis Too my ears in my room, the C7s have less higher frequencies which does not suit my taste. If I was to exaggerate just to illustrate my point - the C7s sounds a little muffled compare to P3s.

[@hushpuppykl]

Audio Nostalgia ... a very accurate exaggerated description 😬

[@ysk249]

I've had several Harbeths and I agree with Audio Nostalgia that Compact 7ES-3 is very muffled. P3ESRs have a small sound stage. M30.1s are very good speakers based on my extensive listening experience.

[@FrontSideBus]

Very nice. What type of mic are you using btw?

[@AudioNostalgia]

Glad you like it. I filmed the video and recorded the sound using my iPhone SE - nothing fancy. The video was meant to just show the look and feel of the speakers and not demonstrate their sound.

[@junichiikeda5860]

Wow, those sound great even with an Android tablet. Envious!

[@AudioNostalgia]

Haha this is very interesting. I do not really film my videos with the sound in mind - I just want to show the look and feel of the speakers.

[@ryanbailey112]

excellent demonstration thank you will read the article now. How would they compare to ATC SCM 11 or 19? Does anyone have direct comparison experience.

[@AudioNostalgia]

Thanks. I've not yet experienced any ATCs in my listening room, so it is hard for me to comment. However, a good friend of mine who used to use M30.1 as his main speakers also had a set of ATC SCM19. If I remember correctly, he said that ATCs sounded more lean, and lacked the low end extension. He mentioned that ATCs had a better treble and more control in the bass. Other than this, I cannot help you much. Good luck.

[@audiophilipp]

Can u compare this with 7es-3 ?

[@AudioNostalgia]

You can read my views on both speakers here: audionostalgia.co.uk/harbeth-c7es3-review/ audionostalgia.co.uk/harbeth-m30-1-review/

[@ashman0071]

Pandora's box has now been opened - Benchmark DAC with a tube pre-amp running either Genelex or Telefunken ECC83's - you have been warned ; P

[@igorpadalka5737]

How do they play rock music and metal?

[@AudioNostalgia]

In my perception Rock and many other music genres sounds good on these speakers. I don't listen to much metal, so cannot really comment on that.

[@brianholmes936]

song/artist/album?

[@AudioNostalgia]

Video Description

[@jackryder6732]

Can this be used for movies

[@AudioNostalgia]

Hey Jack. I don't see why not. I used these as my main home cinema speakers without any issues. Saying that, if majority of stuff that you watch is with special effects, then you will probably want to add a sub.

[@jackryder6732]

@@AudioNostalgia sounds good, I see they are mainly used for two channels. I heard Evoke and this brand, for some reason I felt more inclined towards this brand. I have to hook up to Arcam and see how they perform. Dynaudio are 4oms and these are 6 oms. Another reason I am little dissapointing with Dynaudio. Require lots of power to drive them. Thanks

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

how high are hose stands? 50cm?

[@AudioNostalgia]

630mm to get the tweeters at the same height as my ears. You can read up more about building of these stands here: audionostalgia.co.uk/harbeth-speaker-stands-diy-project/

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

@@AudioNostalgia thanks, neatly done, and indeed custom tailor the height to your ears:-).

[@uzairsohail1645]

what song is that? im gonna try it on my speakers

[@AudioNostalgia]

Lake Street Dive - I Want You Back FYI - I always include song titles in the video description.

[@jazzowutube]

May I know your room dimension? Thanks.

[@AudioNostalgia]

Sure, approximately 6x4m.

[@jazzowutube]

Thanks for your reply. My room size is 14’x10’. I guess this speaker is too big for my room,right?

[@AudioNostalgia]

@@jazzowutube No, I would not say so. I generally don't believe in speakers being too large for the room. Sure, in some cases you may not be able to physically place large speakers in an optimal position, and in others, your room may be casing issues with low end extension. But in my opinion, you should not try to fix room problems with your speakers. My room is just slightly larger than yours and I use Harbeth M40.1 as my main speakers - have a look here: audionostalgia.co.uk/harbeth-m40-1-review/. And there are significantly larger than the M30.1.

[@Billybob_1976]

Please can you state the track playing? I know it’s ABC but whose version?

[@aman-mn5kc]

Add soundhound to your smart phone and it will tell any song in the air.

[@earlygail]

It’s not ABC, but “I Want You Back”

[@richarddutchholland4780]

Lake Street Dive, I want you back....

[@bananasplitbrain476]

There is magic and delicacy to Harbeths I have nor found in any other speaker. Be it Graham, Spendor, Rogers, Whardedales, Stirling, Falcon. No.

[@noseonscent1935]

Each to their own, bass is incredible almost jaw dropping but whilst the treble is exceptionally clear it seems to have a too sharp almost brittle essence to it. I could easily imagine listener fatigue setting in unless you master eq the treble off slightly. Much prefer the sound of Buchart MkI or even II or Heritage Klipsch etc.

[@AudioNostalgia]

Interesting. Never had a chance to compare these side by side to the Buchart or Klipsch Heritage speakers. From my experience however, Harbeths tend to be rather easy to listen to and not fatiguing. Are you talking about your own experience with the speakers or is your comment referring to what was recorded on this video?

[@noseonscent1935]

@@AudioNostalgia what the sound from video is is what I am basing my opinion however ridiculous this might seem.

[@delukxy]

Very nice, but so they should be for close to £3k. Listened to these after the Tangents, difficult to put into words how much better these are in all areas. However, the T's can be had for less than £100 so I'd expect nothing less!

[@AudioNostalgia]

It is surprising that even in a compressed sound recorded with poor quality microphone we are able to pick on some of the differences.

[@Billybob_1976]

Apologies, now I see!

[@bertiradisch7056]

Suggestion for next video: Don't present 4.20 mins the same song. Different music styles behave differently with speakers, so it is interesting to hear that. Unfortunately 99% of the youtubers only play their favorite music.

[@AudioNostalgia]

Thanks for the suggestion. However, I don't believe video recordings of speakers can provide any meaningful insight about how given set of speakers may sound in your room. As such, I record these videos only to show the 'look and feel' of the speakers, and not to demonstrate their sound. The videos are embedded on my website where I review the speakers, and they are there to compliment the photographs.

[@bertiradisch7056]

​@@AudioNostalgia Believe me, you hear whether it is a tape recorder, a computer speaker or a hifi speaker on youtube - with eyes shut. And you hear for example how basses are realized. And so on. Of course you are right that the room makes the sound, and the rooms of us will not be the same as yours. But that does not eliminate the differences you hear while comparing youtube videos.

[@mae5280]

Touring around the speakers when playing them, for me, it spoils the all experience..

[@AudioNostalgia]

When considering purchasing something online without seeing it in person, people often find it useful to see the items on the video from all angles. This videos are not intended to convey the sound of the speakers.

[@Tomasz-y3e]

Not impressed.. for the price my active yamaha gives a more ballanced sound

[@xflnx756]

Those speakers need some THRASH METAL music to really bright !

[@trekjudas]

They can do it! They're amazing!

[@sisto4871]

Why don't you stand still in order to listen carefully to the loudspeaker? Turn left and right !?

[@AudioNostalgia]

Because I don't believe video recordings of speakers can provide any meaningful insight about how given set of speakers may sound in your room. As such, I record these videos only to show the 'look and feel' of the speakers, and not to demonstrate their sound. The videos are embedded on my website where I review the speakers, and they are there to compliment the photographs.