A Real Test For 30.1 Monitors

I've spent the past month or two making some changes to my system - first to my turntable/arm, then to my integrated amp, and then by adding a subwoofer. Each change was a substantial improvement and I'm thrilled with the way the system now sounds. The one constant was my Harbeth 30.1 Monitors, which have never sounded better. To really test things out I had a dinner party and record listening session last night with some friends, including the lead female singer for the Monocle Band, which released its second CD a few months ago. At the end of the evening, around midnight, she asked to hear her CD, particularly the last cut (The Clearing) because they had spent months working on that one song with their producer and engineer. Every one in the room had heard the song multiple times, including live, and of course Monica was the creative force behind the song. We settled in to listen to all 11 minutes of the song and, at the end, we all sat there stunned and Monica had teared up. I can't think of a better or more successful test of a system than that and the transparency, soundstage and presence of the Harbeths were just amazing. You can hear the song for yourself at the link: https://themonocleband.bandcamp.com/album/the-clearing