So, how does one take the grills off Harbeth speakers ? ....

Hi Jerome,

Not totally sure, but leaning towards grills on. Some songs can sound better with the grills off, but some can sound a little sharper.

So Joe,

Which sound do you prefer ? Grilles on or off ?
 
Whenever I've heard Harbeth they sounded very dark (but oh so beautiful) so I almost find it hard to imagine that grills off could be sharp.
 
I'm the guy that does not like too much treble. It bothers my ears. That's one of the main reasons the TADs had to go.


Whenever I've heard Harbeth they sounded very dark (but oh so beautiful) so I almost find it hard to imagine that grills off could be sharp.
 
Joe, im my acousticaly treated room, the treble is truly rolled off with the grilles on. Without the grilles, a good friend was at home today and said " very very good, but the treble is a bit rolled off for me". I too have some trouble thinking about sharp treble with Harbeth, even with the grilles off. But what sounds good to you is what suits better your room. It must be a bit reflective.



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Hi Jerome

I guess sharp isn't the correct word. I'll go back to grills off and listen but I see what you mean about the sound with the grills on. It's not objectionable either way just a little different. Using tubes or solid state affects my opinion too but that's the beauty of these speakers, no matter what you or I decide is fine and it's what we like that matters. I don't feel my room is too live. I have panels up on the walls and carpet and some furnishings to soak up the sound. You can ask anyone who knows my taste and I tend to shy away from overly bright systems.
 
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Joe
That finish is gorgeous:heart: Did you know that Harbeth speakers are venered on the inside also:audiophile::audiophile:
 
Hi Bob

I had no idea. They are stunning with the grills off. I may not be able to resist going nude. :)


Joe
That finish is gorgeous:heart: Did you know that Harbeth speakers are venered on the inside also:audiophile::audiophile:
 
Hi Jerome

I guess sharp isn't the correct word. I'll go back to grills off and listen but I see what you mean about the sound with the grills on. It's not objectionable either way just a little different. Using tubes or solid state affects my opinion too but that's the beauty of these speakers, no matter what you or I decide is fine and it's what we like that matters. I don't feel my room is too live. I have panels up on the walls and carpet and some furnishings to soak up the sound. You can ask anyone who knows my taste and I tend to shy away from overly bright systems.

I got it Joe.
Then you will like A LOT the 40.1....


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I'm so happy to read that Jerome. I do think you're right. If these 30.1's are any indication, I'll never get any more sleep. Oh man they are wonderful.

I got it Joe.
Then you will like A LOT the 40.1....


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Hi Jerome,

I've been listening all day with the GRILLS OFF. Holy cow, what a different speaker. So much more open and electrostatic-like. I have to be honest after some more listening, I think for the majority of music, I might prefer the grills OFF :)


So Joe,

Which sound do you prefer ? Grilles on or off ?
 
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Hi Jerome,

I've been listening all day with the GRILLS OFF. Holy cow, what a different speaker. So much more open and electrostatic-like. I have to be honest after some more listening, I think for the majority of music, I might prefer the grills OFF :)

Ha ! I told you buddy. Grilles on must be for most popular untreated rooms. Small sizes and very reverberant.
Grilles off has a more straight tonal balance...
Enjoy my Friend !
 
Joe
Use your fingernails around the edge of the grill cover and gently pull outward starting at a top corner. Once you get a corner out you can wiggle the cover to get it completely off. Do not force it as you don't want to bend the steel frame.

Although the speakers may look better without the covers, Alan Shaw recommends leaving them on.

He's also a flat earther. :)
 
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