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

@stuartk 

Hey Stuart I just purchased a used pair of JA Pulsars. I will let you know what I think as soon as they arrive next week. Tom

@tjraubacher 

Congratulations -- I hope they're everything you're hoping for and more !  

I'll be very interested to hear what you have to report about their tonality.

 

@stuartk 

i am so very happy with the JA Pulsars. The sound out of these speakers is pure heaven.  Based on what I am hearing the Hegel is a great match. So smoooooth and rich sounding. To me not harsh in the least, but that is me. You can really appreciate each note the musicians are playing and how the whole composition comes together.  Voices are beautiful maybe not as glorious as Harbeth but just plain beautiful all the same. Do they disappear well if you close your eyes it is easy to imagine that the music is just emanating from open space.  The other thing it is just so enjoyable to sit and take it in.  Tom

@tjraubacher 

Based on what I am hearing the Hegel is a great match. So smoooooth and rich sounding.

Maybe I'd like the Pulsars, after all.

You are using the Hegel's internal DAC?