Полочная акустика — Harbeth Monitor 40.5 XD2

Harbeth builds the Monitor 40.5 XD2 as a three-way stand-mount design, designed and handmade in England, and it heads the stand-mount Monitor line. It is the fifth generation of a design that began with the Monitor 40 in 1998 as a successor to the BBC LS5/8, following the M40.1, M40.2 and M40.3 XD. The XD2 version was launched in March 2025.

Key specs that matter

Three Harbeth-built drivers are used - a 300 mm bass unit with a polypropylene cone, a 200 mm midrange with a RADIAL4 cone and a 25 mm ferrofluid-cooled dome tweeter. Frequency range is 35 Hz to 20 kHz within 3 dB, taken in free space with grille on. Sensitivity is 86 dB for 2.83 V at 1 m on axis, and impedance is given as 6 to 8 ohm. Power handling is 650 W programme, and Harbeth suggests amplifiers from 35 W per channel. The cabinet stands 750 mm high, 432 mm wide and 388 mm deep, with 12 mm more for grille and binding posts.

Engineering and use context

The large enclosure uses the thin-wall method, with MDF panels that are not especially thick and are allowed to move a little under damping. The four side walls are glued together, while the front and rear panels are each bolted on with fourteen screws that are tightened gently. Internal ribbing stiffens selected points, and its placement has changed between versions. Reflex ports made of plastic tube face forward between the bass unit and the midrange. For the XD2 generation the midrange cone moved to RADIAL4, a revised material made with improved injection moulding, and a new crossover was designed for the three drivers. Harbeth no longer publishes the crossover frequencies. The response is stated to stay smooth off axis. Signal enters through two 4 mm Harbeth-branded binding posts. Finishes include Rosewood, Walnut, Oak, Cherry and a satin Black Ash, though availability of each finish differs by country.

Pairing

Harbeth optimises the response for free-space placement well away from walls. The tweeter sits 660 mm above the cabinet base, so low stands are enough to bring it to ear level. With an easy load and a wide gap between the minimum amplifier and the power rating, both moderate valve amplifiers and large solid-state designs can be used, though the cabinet size calls for a room larger than 20 m2.

Alternatives

The Harbeth SHL5plus XD2 is a smaller stand-mount in the same range, using a single RADIAL4 mid/bass, a tweeter and a dome super tweeter in a 635 mm high cabinet.