Harbeth vs Graham audio

I’ve owned harbeth p3esr, m30.1, graham ls6 and falcon ls3/5a.

since each model within the same brand differ quite a bit with one another, I will just base this on their supposedly ’signature’ sound.

i find that harbeth has better vocal reproduction, making it sound more magical. however, it tends to have too much warmth and on certain tracks, the vocals can get too nasal and thick. because of the warmth, music tends to lack a little definition to it as compared to graham.

falcon and graham are much more balanced, even if it doesn’t offer the same magic as harbeth for vocals. it is so much more balanced which is more satisfying to listen to in the long run if you have different music tastes.

i heard the new p3esr 40th anniversary and 30.2 is more balanced though.

Hi, 

I have the Graham 5/9 which is the news equivalent of the Harbeth 30.x. While I have not heard both side by side, my friend who owns the 30.1, was over, and said that both connect the same way musically. 
I have had the Grahams for over 3 years now and really like them. 

However, for a comparison with the Compact 7, this below may be useful. The lit up presence region is something that I actually liked and have not found it fatiguing - so perhaps the partnering electronics, cables (we all know the drill!) may make it better or worse. 
https://www.hifitoday.com/graham-ls-59-speakers/

I have the Graham Audio LS 5/9 and found them better sounding than the 30.1, but you should really listen for yourself, both are great speakers, I just prefer the 5/9.

+1 well worth a listen. I have Magnepan 0.7s and have listened to a friend’s Chartwells, Neats, Harbeths, Graham ls5/9 and others; and preferred the Grahams.
Before settling on Grahams, I’d like to listen to newer JM Reynaud speakers.

I have owned the Harbeth P3ESR, M30.1 and M30.2, and the Graham LS3/5, LS5/9 and LS6.
The only ones I still have are the Graham LS3/5 and LS6. The LS6 are my primary speakers.

All of these are good speakers, but I felt that the Grahams are a bit more dynamic and a bit more neutral. The Harbeths always sound pleasant, but add their unique sound to all types of music. The Grahams better reflect what is on the recording, while retaining the classic BBC sound emphasising the midrange, with extremely natural vocals, but a more forward, more dynamic sound.