Bosendorfer VC-1 vs. Harbeth 40-1

[JPM]

I have the opptunity of buying either one of these speakers used for around $8,000. I haven't had the opportunity to audition them yet as it is Christmas day. I was wondering if any of you guys had any experience with either of these speakers. From reviewer reports they are both outstanding. The pros. an cons of these reports is the Bosendorfers will be fussy to position in a room while the Harbeths will not. The pros are both speakers are they fairly efficient and easy to drive, which means my VTL 25 watt tiny triods should be able to drive them easily. At the moment I am using the Spendor S9 speakers, which I love with the VTL tiny triods that seem to drive them very well. I am suspecious the Harbeths will sound very simular to my Spendors. But, like every audio nutball, I'm seeking the ultimate audio nervana in the universe but am being held back by a buget. Am I wasting my time and MONEY if I should make this upgrade? Responce please !!! :wacko::audiophile::exciting::S

 

[joeinid]

I had the 40.1 and generally liked them but honestly think 25wpc is not enough. I feel Harbeth open up and wake up with more power. The 40.1 can get a bit boomy in the bass if not isolated properly or set up properly. They had wonderful vocals and room filling sound. On more complex music they struggled a little for me.

I know a few useres here who had/have them. Hopefully they will post about them here.

 

[Paul]

To me , not a question. Harbeth all the way. In a worst scenario you won’t have a problem to sell it which other speakers are probably impossible to sell. Also M40.1 is very musical speakers with 12 “ driver with full body of music.

Just my 2cents.

 

[JPM]

Today I got around to auditioning the Bosendorfers. I didn't audition the Harbeth and here's why. I was completely inraptured by the Bosendorfers. These are the only speakers that made me feel like crying. The Mosart piano contreltos were absolutely stunningly beautiful in their natural beauty and detail. They may not be as good as the Harbeths for hip-hop and rock, but that's that not my type of noise (music}. My Spendor s6's are very good and I 'was' very happy with them but against the Bosendorfers, they sounded rather crude and unsophisticaded. The Bosendorfers are highly efficient with about 91 dB rating which means they should be good match for my VTL 25 watt tiny triods and I won't have to go out looking for a high priced new amp.