HiFi Subjectivist ¦ Audio Forum ¦ NVA User Group

_D_S_J_R_ wrote: ↑Tue Dec 05, 2017 5:39 pm Maybe they don't need to, at least not on my account I know how good the Cubes can be in the right environment, and I remember my intense disappointment when the Harbeth SHL5's took up residence here for a few days - the sound wasn't ANYTHING like the BC2's and actually, neither are 'BBC Speakers' as such, as it was only the BC1 which the BBC bought for themselves (a few hundred pairs I understand) as general noise-boxes and Spendor paid the Beeb a royalty on every pair sold retail I understand.

No more to say. The vibe here is definitely anti the 'BBC ideal' and as most of these vintage speakers designs seem to be bought by far eastern and US customers with large rooms (so the speakers can be used out away from walls and floors) and probably timber framed as well (to absorb more bass), the few pairs that sell over here don't really count for much to be honest.

Valve amp and Harbeths? A lot of rich clients do this, but the Doc is quite right about the output transformers these things have stuck on their rear ends. Higher output impedance often, bass distortion when they saturate and the response of a Harbeth type load will be significantly altered (worst offenders are the likes of Prima Luna), yet despite this, Stereophile reviewers seem to love them. Nah, just stick to a lovely sounding NVA amp and stick to modern, better sorted speakers that let the music out more easily.