Short answer: the Harbeth M30.3 XD2 is the newer model that replaces the Harbeth Monitor 30, but only the Harbeth Monitor 30 has been measured and ranked so far, so this comparison is on specs and features rather than sound. The Harbeth Monitor 30 is discontinued, so it is now a used buy.
The case for the Harbeth M30.3 XD2: The current version of Harbeth’s Monitor 30, with an 8” (200mm) RADIAL4 mid/bass driver made by Harbeth and a 1” ferrofluid cooled tweeter in a compact front ported cabinet.
On the Harbeth Monitor 30 side: Sensitivity of 85dB and a 6-ohm nominal impedance (150W handling) make it reasonably easy to drive despite the impedance dropping to about 4.8 ohms at points.
On paper: The Harbeth Monitor 30 is more sensitive, 87dB against 85dB, so it needs less amplifier power to play loud.
Price: the Harbeth M30.3 XD2 lists at $6,290 and the Harbeth Monitor 30 at $3,200.
Buy the Harbeth Monitor 30 if you want a speaker whose sound quality has been measured and ranked. It also has higher sensitivity.
Buy the Harbeth M30.3 XD2 if you want the newer model, and you can wait for measurements to confirm how it sounds.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Harbeth M30.3 XD2 | Harbeth Monitor 30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $6,290 per pair | $3200 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | - | #118 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Dimensions | 460H x 277W x 275D mm | 18.1”H x 10.9”W x 10.8”D (460 x 277 x 275 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” (25mm) ferrofluid cooled tweeter, 8” (200mm) RADIAL4 mid/bass driver | 7.9” bass/midrange driver, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB, free space, manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 150W programme | - |
| Recommended Power | 25W per channel or more (manufacturer suggested) | - |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 11.6 kg each | 25.6 lbs (11.6 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported, rear |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 64.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 46.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 4.58 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.05 (spinorama.org) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Harbeth M30.3 XD2: $6,290 per pair House of Stereo eBay
Older model: the Harbeth Monitor 30 (rated 2.5/5).
Pros: The current version of Harbeth’s Monitor 30, with an 8” (200mm) RADIAL4 mid/bass driver made by Harbeth and a 1” ferrofluid cooled tweeter in a compact front ported cabinet. Harbeth rates it at 50Hz to 20kHz within 3dB in free space with the grille on, and a 6 ohm load that it describes as easy to drive, with amplifiers from 25W per channel suggested. Handmade in England and offered in five real wood veneer finishes.
Cons: No independent measurements have been published for this version, so its linearity, directivity and real bass extension are unknown. The older Monitor 30 measured with a deep on axis dip around the crossover region, and it isn’t known whether this revision changes that. Sensitivity is a modest 85dB at 2.83V, and the 50Hz lower limit means most rooms will want a subwoofer for deep bass. Harbeth tunes it for placement away from walls, and it costs far more than most 2 way standmounts.
Full Harbeth M30.3 XD2 review and specifications →
| DIY Kit | No |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 460H x 277W x 275D mm |
| Drivers | 1” (25mm) ferrofluid cooled tweeter, 8” (200mm) RADIAL4 mid/bass driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB, free space, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Power Handling | 150W programme |
| Recommended Power | 25W per channel or more (manufacturer suggested) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 11.6 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- These figures are manufacturer-specified rather than independently measured.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Harbeth Monitor 30: $3200 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Harbeth M30.3 XD2. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we can’t confirm that yet.
Pros: Sensitivity of 85dB and a 6-ohm nominal impedance (150W handling) make it reasonably easy to drive despite the impedance dropping to about 4.8 ohms at points. Wide bandwidth 2-way design with a 7.9” bass/midrange driver and 1” soft dome tweeter. Measured bass extension of 64.5Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87dB.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows a significant on-axis dip starting around 3kHz at the crossover point, which the reviewer called “the classic engineering work of calling a defect a feature” rather than the intentional character it’s often described as. Predicted in-room response is uneven with an exaggerated tilt toward high frequencies. Step response shows the tweeter and woofer out of phase with each other. At $3200 per pair, the reviewer concluded the price doesn’t match the measured performance. Discontinued.
Full Harbeth Monitor 30 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 18.1”H x 10.9”W x 10.8”D (460 x 277 x 275 mm) |
| Drivers | 7.9” bass/midrange driver, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.58 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.05 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 25.6 lbs (11.6 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons