Graham Audio LS8/1 vs Harbeth HL5 Plus XD

[John Fulwood]

Hello
Has anyone experience of the Graham Audio LS8/1 and Harbeth HL5 Plus XD? I'm making an assumption that it is a fair comparison to make with them both being two cubic feet size, front ported and not too dissimilar in price.
I'm getting pair of Harbeth's on trial at the weekend, but I'm also going to see an Auralic Aries G.1 tomorrow and the place I'm going has the Graham Audio speaker. I've never really considered the Grahams.
Regards
John

 

[Al ears]

Hello
Has anyone experience of the Graham Audio LS8/1 and Harbeth HL5 Plus XD? I'm making an assumption that it is a fair comparison to make with them both being two cubic feet size, front ported and not too dissimilar in price.
I'm getting pair of Harbeth's on trial at the weekend, but I'm also going to see an Auralic Aries G.1 tomorrow and the place I'm going has the Graham Audio speaker. I've never really considered the Grahams.
Regards
John

They might be very similar in their presentation, however only you can decide that.

 

[ex-turpi-hifi]

Hello
Has anyone experience of the Graham Audio LS8/1 and Harbeth HL5 Plus XD? I'm making an assumption that it is a fair comparison to make with them both being two cubic feet size, front ported and not too dissimilar in price.
I'm getting pair of Harbeth's on trial at the weekend, but I'm also going to see an Auralic Aries G.1 tomorrow and the place I'm going has the Graham Audio speaker. I've never really considered the Grahams.
Regards
John

How did you get on with them in the end? Curious to hear your thoughts. Am a longtime fan of the BBC sound and currently contemplating an upgrade for a larger room / house move.

I have a Graham LS59 and little Harbeth P3ESR so can only loosely imagine what stepping up to the bigger players might sound like. I'd wager the finish is slightly nicer on the Harbeths but the Grahams may sound more balanced?

 

[John Fulwood]

I had the Harbeth's for a few hours and they sounded fantastic, they were brand new in a sealed box and even straight out of the box they were a significant upgrade to my Mycetias. I haven't managed to get hold of any Graham Audio's yet. I will make a more concerted effort when I have time.
If I don't get to trial the Graham Audio speakers then I'd be extremely happy with the Harbeth's i think. I'll update the chat when I have made the change.