Harbeth 40.3xd vs Graham LS5/5

Heard Harbeth 40's and just too forward sounding to me YMMV. Could never live with a speaker like that.

@redwoodaudio owns or has owned the Grahams.  AFAIK, the only person on A'gon who has them in house.

I wouldn't describe the Harbeths as forward, certainly not according to how I understanding that adjective.  By small increments Harbeths have been moving towards a more "modern" sound.  The 40.3XD does not sound exactly the same as the 40.2, and the 40.2 is a little more room friendly than the 40.1

Same can be said of the progression of the Spendors from SP100 versions to Classic 100.

Having wanted to hear them but never had the opportunity, not sure where the Grahams fall in all this.

Given recent price increases, from my perspective bargains are to be had with gently used Spendor SP100 Mk II's and Harbeth 40.2's.

Check my system to see that I'm speaking from direct acquaintance.

Can’t help with the comparison as I’ve only ever directly compared the 30.2 with Graham’s LS5/9 back to back in my house. Consistently preferred the Grahams in that case due to better treble extension and air.  That’s why I bought the LS5/5s, which I bought without an audition of either them or the 40.2/3s.  I am LOVING the LS5/5s but would probably feel similarly about the 40.2s if I’d gone with them.  
He’s a dealer for Graham, so he’s not exactly a neutral party here, but Erik from Gig Harbor Audio has heard the best of all Graham’s, Harbeths, and Spendors, and sold me the LS5/5s.  PM me for more info…

I can say this- Listened to the Graham $18k and $23k speakers
in August.

I heard the 30.2 and 40.2 at Axpona or RMAF in 2019.
Preferred the 30.2 over the 40.2. Same sized hotel room
for both and was probably too small for the 40.2s.

As for the Grahams. Flawless sound and very neutral.
Although at these prices I think there may be better out there.
I appreciate engagement.

the reality is, all these are tip top speakers in the bbc heritage, produced by two of illustrious current producers

thus in a good setup, with proper accompanying componentry, good room, any and all will sound brilliant (save the mon 30, which will still need low bass support from sub(s))

op has asked a hard question - which is how two such competing 20k+ speakers sound different each other - and we all know there is only one way to really know... (even competing displays in different rooms in a high end show wouldn’t answer that question properly)