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Spendor Classic 3/1 vs Graham Chartwell LS6 ?

Hello.

I am a beginner in audio system and currently interested in Spendor Classic 3/1 and the Graham LS6.

I listen to Jazz, Vocals, EDMs, Rap, as well as some chillout cafe music and classics.

From what I know about the Spendor Classic series, they have added improved high frequencies units to the older SP series, the sound stage is very wide, imaging is very clear, perhaps not the most opulent bass on 3/1 model as with all speakers of this size, but that is what my room can handle and I have no issues there. Here is a link that made me to pick the 3/1 as one of my candidate speakers Spendor Classic 3/1 playing EDM. In this video, the uploader uses an ambient electro music to demonstrate the speakers performance. It is absolutely stunning to my ears, but I do not know if this is close to real life experience. One interesting thing about the Spendors new Classic series, the company played EDMs on their Classic 100s and 200s in audio shows. I only saw a few youtube demos from the shows, but Spendor must had confidence in their speakers playing fast paced EDMs.

The Youtube demos Graham LS6 on the other hand do not play any EDMs. By all means, EDMs are not the only type of music I listen to, but that was what impressed me on the Spendor 3/1 and hoped to see what it is like on the LS6. Nevertheless, from what I see, the speaker sounds amazing with Jazz. Here is a link music starting at 2:00. It isn’t quite clear which speakers perform better to my ears because the demos don’t play the same track. Also, the reviews on LS6 are saying this is an awesome speaker, but no review on the 3/1 could be found.

I understand I will have to audition those speakers myself eventually, but there isn’t a Spendor or Graham dealers in my local area. I hope to learn about the differences of these speakers, which one would be less fatiguing, why you think one of them would be your choice, and more.

Thanks!

K
yggy1
helomech
1,525 posts
 
Another speaker you might consider if your space and dealer availability allows, is the Stirling Broadcast SB-88. It's larger than the other speakers you're considering but that will result in more life-like scale. It uses the same midwoofer driver tech found in the LS6, and like other Grahams, was also designed by Derek Hughes.

I have a pair of SB-88s and Spendor SP2/3R2s. The Spendors play with larger scale and greater bass depth but the SB-88s have the upper hand in refinement and fatigue factor. The SB-88s are also a bit more dynamic in the midbass. However, the new Classic series is alleged to be much improved in terms of dynamics.

If you're in the U.S. and interested in the Stirlings, send me a PM. I know where new pairs can be had for a great price. 
gryphongryph
352 posts
 
I have the Graham’s 5/9, fantastic speakers for jazz, classical and voices, I think the Spendors and Graham’s speakers are more alike than fundamentally different. I find that my 5/9 need a bit of space away from side walls and toed in a bit.
yunie_'s avatar
yunie_
6 posts
 
It's really quite uncanny since I'm looking at spendor classic 3/1 as well. The difference is that I own the Graham ls6.

I can tell you without a doubt, ls6 is bad for edm. The bass is just way too boomy, especially if you put it near walls. That is the main reason why I'm looking at the spendor classic 3/1.

But, if you stuff socks into the ls6, it turns into one of the best bookshelves you can own. Mid range and treble is impeccable. Bass is tight as well. But it rolls off gradually from 100hz
yunie_'s avatar
yunie_
6 posts
 
just to revise what i say, saying it as one of the best bookshelves is perhaps too hyperbolic especially since I have never tried any of those high-end bookshelves like wilson, raidho and the recent raved upon buchardt s400

and one more major let down from the ls6 is the veneer quality. it feels cheap, and is prone to damages. the falcon ls3/5 that i have, has much better quality veneer.

I asked someone who owned the spendor ls3/1 r2 (the previous version), and he said that bass is tight. I am interested to hear from other spendor ls3/1 owners but apparently they are far and few between.
helomech
1,525 posts
 
It's really quite uncanny since I'm looking at spendor classic 3/1 as well. The difference is that I own the Graham ls6.

I can tell you without a doubt, ls6 is bad for edm. The bass is just way too boomy, especially if you put it near walls. That is the main reason why I'm looking at the spendor classic 3/1.

But, if you stuff socks into the ls6, it turns into one of the best bookshelves you can own. Mid range and treble is impeccable. Bass is tight as well. But it rolls off gradually from 100hz

The majority of modern speakers sound boomy when placed near walls, especially if the walls are of typical North American construction. 

The 3/1s are rear-ported, thus likely not any better than the LS6s in terms of bass boom. Better off getting sealed-cabinet speakers.
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