Harbeth vs Graham audio


A question for connoisseurs of English sound. as known, the best speakers reproducing perfect vocals were Harbeth. The m30 and hl5 became the idols of many audiophiles. but not so long ago, a new Graham audio player entered the market. Rumor has it that Graham's midrange is just superb. but still. which company is better? who can not be distinguished from real vocals? Who is more faithful to the traditions of bbc monitors?
128x128capitanblood
@twoleftears,

’You’ve actually got Graham, Stirling, Falcon, and the Spendor Classic line. Good luck trying to audition more than two of those (and Harbeth) in the same system.’

It’s a lasting pity that getting to hear these speakers together is still so difficult.

Still, it’s amazing how all these BBC based designs seem to go from strength to strength. 15 - 20 years ago it was virtually just Harbeth flying the flag, with Spendor playing a close second fiddle.

This whole whole resurgence of the British loudspeaker sound seems to have been driven by the little speaker that refuses to die - the BBC LS3/5.

Back in the 1990s it was hardly getting a look-in in the mainstream audio press and yet now numerous versions are available.

Industry politics makes a comparative group test impossible, but the impression I get from reading owners accounts is that there isn’t too much separating the various brands.


@highend666

Interesting review. One that’s hard to get out of your mind. Especially this following passage.

’It is much easier for me to say who will NOT like it. The Grahams will not be liked, I think, by those who like highly detailed sound. The LS5/9f will not offer it. Also those who like a rigid, clear attack and precise sound will not be satisfied. These speakers will not be their first choice. They won’t also fulfil expectations of those for whom the bass must be perfectly controlled at all costs.

Grahams don’t do that.

They do something completely different: they are unbelievably natural’


’Unbelievably natural’?

Somewhat over the top? No?

Well, maybe then the Graham LS5/9F is another one to look out for in future. Especially as Derek Hughes seems to be one of the nicest people in the business.

https://grahamaudio.co.uk/technology/video/

Graham have now also come out with a really interesting speaker, the LS 5/5, another updated version of a BBC design.

This looks to be a natural competitor to the Harbeth 40.2 and the Spendor Classic 100--oh for a situation where one could audition all three side by side!

https://www.grahamaudio.co.uk/products/ls55/

The LS 5/5's look interesting.  Graham could use a better marketing strategy to help them compete with Harbeth and Spendor.