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Harbeth M40.5 XD2
Harbeth M40.5 XD2 in Cherry, front angle
Harbeth M40.5 XD2 in Satin Black, front angle

Harbeth

M40.5 XD2

$21,990

Harbeth · XD2 Series

Harbeth's reference monitor: a three-way with a 300 mm bass driver, giving the Harbeth midrange real bass weight and scale.

Price is for a pair.

35 Hz
frequency range (±3 dB)
86 dB
sensitivity (2.83 V, 1 m)
300 mm
bass driver
83.8 lb
per speaker

The Monitor 40 is Harbeth's largest speaker, a three-way with a 300 mm Harbeth-made bass unit, a 200 mm RADIAL4 midrange and a 25 mm ferrofluid-cooled tweeter, in a large stand-mounted cabinet. Harbeth describes the current Monitor 40.5 XD2 as building on the M40.3 XD, with RADIAL4 for the midrange and a newly refined crossover.

Reviewers of the M40.3 XD describe a flat, smooth, very neutral balance with an open treble and deep, authoritative bass that stays even from quiet to loud. It works with both tube and high-current solid-state amplifiers (Harbeth suggests 35 W per channel or more). Its dispersion is fairly narrow, so sit on axis, and give it space from the side walls. It needs low, rigid stands and suits medium to large rooms.

Key technologies

  • Three-way design. A dedicated 300 mm bass unit lets the 200 mm midrange concentrate on the vocal band.
  • RADIAL4 midrange. 200 mm, made by Harbeth.
  • Newly refined XD2 crossover. Harbeth's revised network for smoother integration between drivers and better tonal accuracy.
  • BBC heritage. Harbeth's designs build on decades of BBC loudspeaker research.
  • Handmade in England. Cabinets are built by hand from selected real-wood veneers, so grain and shade vary pair to pair.

Finishes

  • Satin Black
  • Cherry
  • Walnut
  • Oak
  • Rosewood
  • Walnut Burr

Real-wood veneers, so grain and shade vary from pair to pair. Finish names follow Harbeth's US price list.

Specifications
Type Three-way stand-mount loudspeaker
Drive units 300 mm (11.8 in) Harbeth-made bass; 200 mm (7.9 in) Harbeth-made RADIAL4 midrange; 25 mm (1 in) ferrofluid-cooled tweeter
Frequency range 35 Hz – 20 kHz ±3 dB (free space, grille on)
Sensitivity 86 dB (2.83 V, 1 m, axial)
Impedance 6–8 Ω, easy to drive
Amplifier suggestion From 35 W per channel
Power handling 650 W programme
Connectors 4 mm Harbeth binding posts
Placement Ideally free space away from walls; tweeter 660 mm (26 in) above cabinet base
Dimensions (H × W × D) 29.5 × 17.0 × 15.3 in (750 × 432 × 388 mm); add 12 mm (0.5 in) depth for grille and terminals
Weight 83.8 lb (38 kg) each
Packing Single speaker per carton
Sold as Pair

Harbeth Monitor 40.5 XD2 technical information sheet (PDF) · harbeth.co.uk product page

Where it sits in the range

Best in medium to large rooms.

  • P3ESR XD2: 110 mm two-way mini-monitor
  • C7ES-3 XD2: 200 mm two-way, mid-size
  • M30.3 XD2: 200 mm two-way, BBC monitor lineage
  • SHL5plus XD2: 200 mm with SuperTweeter, larger cabinet
  • M40.5 XD2 (this model)

In the US, Harbeth is distributed by Harmonia Distribution.

Reviews

Hear Harbeth with Pearl Audio

Pearl Audio is an authorized Harbeth dealer. We can help with room placement, amplifier matching, delivery and setup, and arrange a listening appointment. Call (503) 222-2599 or email sales@pearlaudio.com.

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