ProAc vs. Harbeth

[admin_exported]

As a fan of British monitors, I'm looking to replace my old but wonderful KEF Reference Model 102. The 102's are a 165mm (6.5") two way monitor, so I'm interested in something similair in size. I listen to all types of music (except rap, hip-hop, or country) and mostly to Classic Rock, Rock, Pop and like a lot of volume at times. Curious on your thoughts how the ProAc or Harbeth stack up and might sound in comparison to the older KEF's. Unfortuetley, KEF's smallest Reference is too much at $6,000 and it seem both the ProAc and Harbeth have a nice reputation.

System
Audio Research VS55 amp
Audio Reaseach LS2 pre amp
Cambridge Audio DAC Magic
Roku Soundbridge
Hsu Research VTF2 mk3 sub

 

[jaxwired]

In my opinion, in the last 20 years, many of the high end speakers have moved to a more lean, analytical sound. Those older KEFs has a more rich warm full bodied sound. I think this will be your problem. I used to own KEF Ref 103/2s. Very different sound than today's pro-ac speaker.

If I were you, I'd look at Dynaudio Focus 140. This is comparable in size and will have a similar warm sound to those old KEFs.

 

[Bodfish]

I've only had experience of the big(ish) Harbeth 30.1 but if you are after a 'proper' monitor, I'd definately go for Harbeth over Proac.

Don't discount Spendor either if you can audition them too.

 

[Anonymous]

why change you wont get better

 

[lordmortlock]

I think it also depends on your price range. Some of the higher spec ProAcs are awesome.

 

[Anonymous]

I am the origional owner and just prepairing if they should....go, given their age. I had another pair and the surrounds came undone. I guess the glue just dry rotted after all the years. Also, I wonder if the crossover components or other age factors have decressed their origional preformance specs, although they still sound great to me.

 

[chebby]

The KEF 102's are very efficient at 92db.

The similarly sized little Harbeth P3ESR have 83.5db quoted efficiency. That is going to be a huge difference unless you are used to listening at moderate levels.

But you have already stated you prefer much louder volume levels so this is going to be a problem.

Small sealed box monitors of LS3/5A lineage like the Harbeths and Spendor S3/5R (or even the SA1's) are typically 82db - 85db and are best suited to smaller rooms given that they are variations on near-field monitor designs.

If you are prepared to spend 'Harbeth money' and are used to the volume levels set by a 92db speaker then I would seriously consider looking at something like the Living Voice Auditorium 2 (IBX) speakers. (94db and beloved of valve amp owners.)

 

[Thaiman]

to answer the question, Harbeth is better value. The highend proAc is nothing short of excellent but at cheaper range I think Harbeth can give you more sound for the cash.