Differences between Harbeth, Spendor, Graham, etc. ?

@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. 

Spendor Classics are generally warmer than Harbeth IME. Stirling Broadcast LS3/6s and SB-88s mostly split the difference between the other two (assuming like for like model/size comparisons).

It’s also been my experience that Spendors can handle substantially more power and SPL before they begin to strain, again, when comparing similarly sized models.

Some of the current Grahams and Stirlings, and earlier Spendors (90s) were designed by Derek Hughes. His designs tend to sound better than those of Alan Shaw IMO. 

@helomech 

Noted!  Thanks for offering your impressions. 

Have been a fan and user of British speakers since late 60’s.  Unique Sonics that have always appealed to me.

i own Spendor ls3/5a, SP1, and Harbeth SLH5 plus, as well as 40.3 (endgame) for me.

Not sure I could group them by brand.  Each is unique, and totally wonderful.  Currently listening to SP1 at my summer home.  Had them since the 80’s.

Harbeth and classic Spendor, can be listened to for hours on end with no fatigue.  They just sound better and better with each session.  Is one brand better?  Again it really depends on the model.  But you can’t go wrong with any of them.

Each combines musicality with just enough detail for my aging ears.  Have never heard any brand that moves me more than these two.

The SLH5’s, are close to my SP1, and love them both.  Could live with either.  I’ll probably sell my SLH5 one day since the 40’s replaced them.

My suggestion would be to narrow down to 2 or 3 and audition before you buy…….

Try the Harbeth 30.1s. Wonderful sounding large 2-ways.

People rushed to the get the 30.2s, the the 30.2 XDs, but IMHO, the 30.1s are the keepers. Slightly warm & distinctly musical.