Harbeth M40.2 vs Graham Audio LS5/8

[darkmatter]

Just wondering if anyone here has had the chance to compare the two designs from a sound quality point of view?

I would be particularly interested in the comparison between the two for tonal balance, accuracy, dynamics/timing and bass performance.

Thanks,

DM

[Jimbo]

Just wondering if anyone here has had the chance to compare the two designs from a sound quality point of view?

I would be particularly interested in the comparison between the two for tonal balance, accuracy, dynamics/timing and bass performance.

Thanks,

DM

I have heard both but not back to back. These are my impressions

The M40.2 has the Radial drivers which I am not keen on tonaly but it is maybe more accurate or fast sounding than the Graham. The Graham LS5/8 is more natural sounding and superb with vocals and acoustic instruments. The M40.2 maybe better with Rock and electronic music but I don't think it sounds as involving and natural as the Graham. This speaker has superb with tonal quality. Bass is a little better controlled with the M40.2 but I prefer the treble and mid range of the LS5/8. You need a decent size room for either which is why i have not pursued the LS5/8 but if I had a bigger room they would be my speaker of choice not just compared with the M40.2 but against anything els out there on the market.

I like the BBC heritage sound and the LS5/8 is perfect in this regard.

[hifi_dave]

I have the M40.2 on demo and heard the Graham once and my findings are different. The M40.2, with it's dedicated mid driver, has a far more out of the box, natural mid band and an ease and relaxed nature.

I have done direct A/B demonstrations of the LS3/5A v P3ESR and LS5/9 v M30.1 and on each occasion the customers have preferred and bought the Harbeth versions.

[Jazid]

Like Jimbo the LS5/8 is one of my end game speakers, the Harbeth isn't on that list. But that's just me, and in my room I would expect the Harbeth to work better.

Either are fantastic speakers on the neutral side of BBC spectrum, and rarely available second hand so you'd be buying new? That being the case a home demo makes most sense, see how they work with your music and ears in your home. Neither needs insane amplification so a decent solid state integrated would give an adequate account of them.
Nice problem to have [emoji16], enjoy!


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[Barry]

Is the Graham LS5/8 the BBC design that uses the Rogers-Swisstone modified Quad 405 amplifier (or later, an HH amplifier)?

[darkmatter]

Is the Graham LS5/8 the BBc design that uses the Rogers-Swisstone modified Quad 405 amplifier (or later, an HH amplifier)?

Yes it is similar in many ways and uses a newly developed 12" unit made by Volt and the 34mm Audax tweeter. Active? No its a passive system but conforms to the BBC specification

Some background here

[Barry]

I haven't heard the Harbeth design, but I do have an admiration for BBC designs, since they are/were designed to be optimum for human speech first and foremost; that part of the audio spectrum which is very important to me. I like the idea of active designs, but accept it could be possible that the (passive) Graham "LS5/8" could improve over the BBC's active forerunner. I assume the BBC have approved the design, so that it can be designated LS5/8?