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

Showing 2 responses by mlsstl

I used to own Spendor SP 1/2Es and have listened to several Harbeth models. I haven't heard the Grahams.

I prefer the Spendors -- the midrange and 3-D qualities are absolutely magic. The biggest drawback is the extremely small sweet spot -- you're pretty much locked into a precisely placed seat to get the best sound. A lesser drawback is there isn't as much deep bass as many other speakers offer,  However, I could easily live with either the Spendors or Harbeths. (I have Ohm 1000s in my main system these days which have an enormous sweet spot, but still have a pair of Spendor 4/5s in a second system -- the 4/5 is their current incarnation of the classic BBC LS 3/5a.)

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!