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Spendor Classic 3/1 vs Graham Chartwell LS6 ?

Hello.

I am a beginner in audio system and currently interested in Spendor Classic 3/1 and the Graham LS6.

I listen to Jazz, Vocals, EDMs, Rap, as well as some chillout cafe music and classics.

From what I know about the Spendor Classic series, they have added improved high frequencies units to the older SP series, the sound stage is very wide, imaging is very clear, perhaps not the most opulent bass on 3/1 model as with all speakers of this size, but that is what my room can handle and I have no issues there. Here is a link that made me to pick the 3/1 as one of my candidate speakers Spendor Classic 3/1 playing EDM. In this video, the uploader uses an ambient electro music to demonstrate the speakers performance. It is absolutely stunning to my ears, but I do not know if this is close to real life experience. One interesting thing about the Spendors new Classic series, the company played EDMs on their Classic 100s and 200s in audio shows. I only saw a few youtube demos from the shows, but Spendor must had confidence in their speakers playing fast paced EDMs.

The Youtube demos Graham LS6 on the other hand do not play any EDMs. By all means, EDMs are not the only type of music I listen to, but that was what impressed me on the Spendor 3/1 and hoped to see what it is like on the LS6. Nevertheless, from what I see, the speaker sounds amazing with Jazz. Here is a link music starting at 2:00. It isn’t quite clear which speakers perform better to my ears because the demos don’t play the same track. Also, the reviews on LS6 are saying this is an awesome speaker, but no review on the 3/1 could be found.

I understand I will have to audition those speakers myself eventually, but there isn’t a Spendor or Graham dealers in my local area. I hope to learn about the differences of these speakers, which one would be less fatiguing, why you think one of them would be your choice, and more.

Thanks!

K
yggy1
rossb
183 posts
 
I currently own the Graham LS6 and in the (distant) past have had a lengthy home demo of the Spendor 3/1. But it was a long time ago and not the current model, so probably not too relevant. At that time I found the Spendor a bit too coloured and woolly, particularly at the bottom end. But this may have improved in the current model.
I can say that the Graham LS6 is an outstanding speaker. I have been through a lot of standmount speakers in my smallish room over the last few years, including Harbeth P3ESR, M30.1 and M30.2, Dynaudio C1, Dali Epicon 2, Graham LS5/8 and others. The Graham LS6 has ended my long search and is exactly what I have been looking for. Tonally rich but not coloured, dynamic with good bass extension, and very musically engaging.

That said, my choice of music is mostly jazz and classical, with a bit of rock and electronica.  I'm not sure if my preference would change if I listened to EDM mainly.

I should also mention that the LS6 take a *long* time to run in - a couple of months, at least - and sound a bit shrill and boomy for the first month or so. If you get a demo, make sure it is a well run in pair.
And definitely do not make any judgments about speakers based on Youtube videos!
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
Apart from all the other links in the chain, I think you're also hearing the very different acoustic of the two rooms.
yggy1 OP
78 posts
 
@twoleftears Thanks for pointing that out. 

@rossb Thanks for the heads up and suggestions!
helomech
1,482 posts
 
Another speaker you might consider if your space and dealer availability allows, is the Stirling Broadcast SB-88. It's larger than the other speakers you're considering but that will result in more life-like scale. It uses the same midwoofer driver tech found in the LS6, and like other Grahams, was also designed by Derek Hughes.

I have a pair of SB-88s and Spendor SP2/3R2s. The Spendors play with larger scale and greater bass depth but the SB-88s have the upper hand in refinement and fatigue factor. The SB-88s are also a bit more dynamic in the midbass. However, the new Classic series is alleged to be much improved in terms of dynamics.

If you're in the U.S. and interested in the Stirlings, send me a PM. I know where new pairs can be had for a great price. 
gryphongryph
349 posts
 
I have the Graham’s 5/9, fantastic speakers for jazz, classical and voices, I think the Spendors and Graham’s speakers are more alike than fundamentally different. I find that my 5/9 need a bit of space away from side walls and toed in a bit.
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