I finally got to hear 40.1's today ....

They were being driven by an 18 wpc Melody integrated with 300B or maybe 2A3 tubes. I don't know the model and it does not look like a current offering. The bass was ever so slightly puffy but the speakers were glorious. Waaaaaaaay bigger sound. Fuller with more meat on the bone. More immediate, upfront sound with right in front of you presence. Just wonderful. For me, no contest if you have the room. I can see how bass could be an issue in smaller rooms with the 40.1. Tons of bass.

Joe,
You will get a much better bass with more power.
Does not need tons of power. 50W is enough or 30W of super high quality like the McIntosh MC225 or MC30's.


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I think you are totally correct Jerome. I will gladly give up a little solid bass for the mid range and treble that I heard. It was great. But yes, I can see how a little more power will tighten thing up.

One thing for sure, they are wonderful speakers.

Chris,

I think the XA-30.8 will be amazing on them.

Absolutely.
30W of high quality class A will be more than enough.



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Interesting that they were driven by an 18w tube integrated. Keep the faith Joe, they'll arrive soon.



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I will. Now I know that I'm in for a treat when they do arrive. I think I have the tube thing covered. Well maybe an Audio note integrated might be fun :)

Interesting that they were driven by an 18w tube integrated. Keep the faith Joe, they'll arrive soon.



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I will. Now I know that I'm in for a treat when they do arrive. I think I have the tube thing covered. Well maybe an Audio note integrated might be fun :)

Oganku for sale on audiogon. I visit the page every once and a while to drool over the audio porn.
 
Oganku for sale on audiogon. I visit the page every once and a while to drool over the audio porn.

Haha, I was at Bob's this weekend. He has a whole bunch of new things that recently came in. I couldn't keep my eyes off the Audio Note Kondo gear. Sigh...:heart:
 
I love my Kondo SUT. My tiny taste of what I would buy if I won the lottery. All Kondo 100 % even the wiring and speakers.
 
I hear you, Darrin! Their Biiyura speakers are amazing!:heart::audiophile:
 
I think you are totally correct Jerome. I will gladly give up a little solid bass for the mid range and treble that I heard. It was great. But yes, I can see how a little more power will tighten thing up.

One thing for sure, they are wonderful speakers.

Joe...the only comment I would say when you are pairing amps is that you actually do want to get the bass output as controlled and articulated and as clean as possible. Otherwise, if you get smearing or resonant bass, you will lose midrange resolution and clarity. It sounds like the speaker has a very forward midrange to begin with no matter what amp you use with it (i.e., that's a dominant sonic trait of the speaker), so spending enough time finding the right amp to control its bass so you get cleanly articulated and punchy bass will pay rewards in midrange and treble clarity and resolution.

PS: I think you have plenty of amps on hand to test out to begin with so I am sure one of your amps will do a nice job anyway (I would try that Supernait and certainly the Hegel) on it. My guess is MC275s will be too much of a good thing with the 40.1s but probably the MC601s will do a nice job as well. I can't see the CJ not being a hit on these bad boys either. So you have plenty to go around to find the right match.

Enjoy and good luck.
 
Cyril,

Thank you so much for your thoughts. I totally understand and agree with you. I was just saying for non-critical almost background music, I can enjoy any amp on these speakers. I am so excited to get them but I am sure my Strads will be here long before the Harbeth. That's totally okay with me :)

Joe...the only comment I would say when you are pairing amps is that you actually do want to get the bass output as controlled and articulated and as clean as possible. Otherwise, if you get smearing or resonant bass, you will lose midrange resolution and clarity. It sounds like the speaker has a very forward midrange to begin with no matter what amp you use with it (i.e., that's a dominant sonic trait of the speaker), so spending enough time finding the right amp to control its bass so you get cleanly articulated and punchy bass will pay rewards in midrange and treble clarity and resolution.

PS: I think you have plenty of amps on hand to test out to begin with so I am sure one of your amps will do a nice job anyway (I would try that Supernait and certainly the Hegel) on it. My guess is MC275s will be too much of a good thing with the 40.1s but probably the MC601s will do a nice job as well. I can't see the CJ not being a hit on these bad boys either. So you have plenty to go around to find the right match.

Enjoy and good luck.
 
Joe,

What other types of music did you sample? Seems like Female Vocals is all anyone really mentions. How do they sound with fast, congested Jazz/Fusion or Rock? Most any speaker sounds ok with a single voice and little accompanying music. Reviewers all seem to use similar Singer/Songwriter or Classical music and it's hard to get a grip on how just about any Speaker or other components will sound with my regular daily play lists of soaring Guitar, full bass lines, drumming that is much more than simple keep the beat.

How much longer do you have to wait? That's the worst part ordering anything with a long lead time.
 
Hi Brian,

I imagine the 40's can rock but I only heard what the guy like to hear. I know what you are saying and what was played certainly played to the strengths of the speakers. There were a few Japanese drum type songs that just filled the room. It was incredible. Soft and sweet to loud and forceful.

I expect a few more months on the 40's, sadly. I think they are having some parts supply issues.
 
The 40.1 can rock at incredible levels. Details, PRaT, everything you would expect from modern music is delivered beautifully.


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:yahoo1:

:exciting:


I should have an update tomorrow or Wednesday. I can't wait.


The 40.1 can rock at incredible levels. Details, PRaT, everything you would expect from modern music is delivered beautifully.


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Joe...the only comment I would say when you are pairing amps is that you actually do want to get the bass output as controlled and articulated and as clean as possible. Otherwise, if you get smearing or resonant bass, you will lose midrange resolution and clarity.

While that seems like good advice, in general; I agree...that Harbeths can take advantage of amp pairings.

Their sound, might indicate...they're an easy speaker to drive; but I have found they respond to more power than you might think.

Of course...Joe has plenty of good units to choose from.
 
sorry to hear that you still can't hear your own 40.1- by the time they do arrive there will probably be a 40.2 to order *L*. btw my cheapo stands are working pretty well on the 30's.Those stands you bought look very nice
 
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