Differences between Harbeth, Spendor, Graham, etc. ?


This is perhaps a foolish question, given the subjective nature of this hobby, but is there any consensus regarding differences between the above brands? I’m interested in their "traditional" or "vintage" lines, not the more modern-voiced models.

For example, I’ve read that the Spendor Classic series speakers are, overall, warmer/darker than Harbeths and offer a bit more punch in the bass. If this is true, I would lean toward the former.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

stuartk

Tinnitus is all too common as many of us age. I'm in my 70s and the problem started over 20 years ago. I've got a constant 9 KHz squeal both left and right. Ran that down by using a signal generator and a set of headphones and adjusted the frequency until it matched the tone in my head.  The ENT doctor I went to years ago said each hair in the cochlea is connected to its own brain cell. When the hair is damaged, the brain cell ends up bored so makes its own sound.  I attribute my tinnitus to the fact I worked my way through college as a concert soundman.  It was great pay and tons of fun, but everything has its price!

Thanks for all the additional comments. When the time is right, it would probably make sense to take my Hegel down to Gene Rubin and compare the three brands, despite my general distrust of showroom demos. 

 

 

Good plan. Better than flipping a coin or just listening to the ag clowns (myself included). 😉 

Interesting term "punchy" bass...I have been to a lot of live venues and never heard what I would term "punchy" bass. I have heard it from amplifiers. 

@sounds_real_audio

OK. Lazy use of language on my part.

Didn’t seem to inhibit @donquichotte from providing exactly the sort of detailed comparison I was hoping for.