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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
vivek_r
3 posts
 
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/
gryphongryph
352 posts
 
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.
rfagon
31 posts
 
+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.
rossb
183 posts
 
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.
vivek_r
3 posts
 
Hi wanted to add one other point since we seem to be looking at things across price ranges. I got to hear the 40.2 and Super HL5 plus. 
I absolutely loved the 40.2. It is all that midrange and added gorgeous bass. Full and natural sounding across genres. I can imagine the 5/9 or 30.2 sounding less satisfying when you listen alongside that. Perhaps that is what jriggy heard? 

The Super was not my cup of tea in both the situations that I heard them. Yes more bass than 5/9 series (a rose by any other name?), and had more punch, but did not sound as beguiling in the midrange. However, admittedly there were variables, and they are really nice speakers - to summarise, not on my wish list even if there was a sale. 
40.2 or do I need that extra kidney?

The Graham series is indeed expanding as captainblood said. 5/9f 5/5 Etc.
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