The Harbeth Monitor 30 ranks #81 out of 87 total Large Size Bookshelf Speakers for sound quality. See Top Recommended Speakers By Attribute for all the top speaker suggestions.
#81 Harbeth Monitor 30: $3200
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.
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 $3,200 per pair, the reviewer concluded the price doesn’t match the measured performance.
How it compares: Just above it: Cerwin Vega LA165 - $2930 cheaper, 1.2Hz higher bass extension (-3dB). Just below it: ATC SCM19 - $550 more.
| 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 | 85dB/W/m (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 25.6 lbs / 11.6 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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