I'd like to see it happen. But, having heard the KEF LS50 over a week's home audition, I no longer think it really belongs in the shootout. Love them or not, they are a very different sort of sound from the LS3/5a; a bigger, 'bassier', more vivid sound, with sharper highs. Perhaps others would like them compared in a shootout though...
Graham Audio is making BOTH an LS3/5 and an LS3/5a
- Thread starter Jodet
- Start date
I'd like to see it happen. But, having heard the KEF LS50 over a week's home audition, I no longer think it really belongs in the shootout. Love them or not, they are a very different sort of sound from the LS3/5a; a bigger, 'bassier', more vivid sound, with sharper highs. Perhaps others would like them compared in a shootout though...
Tarzan
pfm Member
Listening to them now; (Graham LS5/9s) - a little Van Morrison. Very nice indeed. Obviously closer to full range in a small to medium room than LS3/5a or equivalents. I was lucky to score a demo pair of 5/9s when distributors changed...So would your Bank Manager.... they are so good it is silly.
Very satisfying. Haven't heard side by side with Harbeth Monitor 30.1, so I cannot speak to any appreciable difference.
regafan
pfm Member
Heard the Graham 5/9s at Whittlebury show. Absolutely wonderful with Jazz and classical. Just my cup of tea. Sounded flat though with a Kraftwerk track IMO. Would buy if I had the cash.
Stirling V2- owned, agree with Martin, wonderful speaker, fantastic voices. Derek Hughes the designer has magic ears! In fact you could argue he has links to all these speakers!
Spendor S3/5r- owned, great on classical, voices very close to Stirling.
Graham Audio Ls3- heard at show- Incredible an ls3/5a size speaker can do AC/DC! Huge sound from tiny box. So more of an all-rounder.
Stirling V2- owned, agree with Martin, wonderful speaker, fantastic voices. Derek Hughes the designer has magic ears! In fact you could argue he has links to all these speakers!
Spendor S3/5r- owned, great on classical, voices very close to Stirling.
Graham Audio Ls3- heard at show- Incredible an ls3/5a size speaker can do AC/DC! Huge sound from tiny box. So more of an all-rounder.
Martyn Miles
pfm Member
You can get that Stirling V2 sound by buying their ready-made replacement baffles for £372.00.
I recently fitted a pair into my old, restored, ex. BBC Rogers cabinets. They sounded exactly like the Stirling LS3/5a V2s I recently sold.
Yes, Derek Hughes is a genius.
I recently fitted a pair into my old, restored, ex. BBC Rogers cabinets. They sounded exactly like the Stirling LS3/5a V2s I recently sold.
Yes, Derek Hughes is a genius.
TheDecameron
Unicorns fart glitter.
Are these to the same tolerances as fully built Stirling ls3/5as?
Martyn Miles
pfm Member
Like Spendor, who tested completed BC1 baffles in a cabinet, I understand that Stirling do the same.
Understandable, with Spencer Hughes’ son Derek involved with Stirling Broadcast.
I see that Graham has added to the stable; its budget contribution, the Swisstone LS3. General idea seems to be to capture a healthy share of the LS3/5a legacy with a simplified crossover, dispensing with costly veneer.
I've just asked the North American distributor about pricing, hoping they'll come in around the $1K mark.
I've just asked the North American distributor about pricing, hoping they'll come in around the $1K mark.
By way of update; now informed Graham LS3 pricing is USD 1895, CAD 2460. So, competitive for the nouveau LS3/5a segment, but not exactly a deep discount. Apparently the 'just under a 1000' rumours were in terms of Brit pounds.
Distributors 'On a Higher Note' kindly sent me a link to a fairly johnny-on-the-spot Hi Fi plus review. Regrets; beyond my skills to attach the link here.
So, with some faith based on my ongoing enjoyment of the Graham LS5/9s, I remain unsure whether the new LS3 or the prior Graham LS3/5 is the better bet. Or just get the Sub 3 for my little Harbeths. I know, listen first; but that involves a thousand mile journey....
Cheers,
Paul
Distributors 'On a Higher Note' kindly sent me a link to a fairly johnny-on-the-spot Hi Fi plus review. Regrets; beyond my skills to attach the link here.
So, with some faith based on my ongoing enjoyment of the Graham LS5/9s, I remain unsure whether the new LS3 or the prior Graham LS3/5 is the better bet. Or just get the Sub 3 for my little Harbeths. I know, listen first; but that involves a thousand mile journey....
Cheers,
Paul
Just purchased the Graham/Chartwell LS3/5 from Art et Son, Montreal. Should reach me by midweek.
Curiosity got the better of me; I was going to wait for the cheaper Swisstone LS3. When my wife questions me, mostly I blame Martyn for the collectors' bug - for LS 3/5a variants, descendants, prequels, etc.
Cheers,
-paul-
Curiosity got the better of me; I was going to wait for the cheaper Swisstone LS3. When my wife questions me, mostly I blame Martyn for the collectors' bug - for LS 3/5a variants, descendants, prequels, etc.
Cheers,
-paul-
Martyn Miles
pfm Member
My wife often questions me about speakers.
I can take the blame for your wife’s questions.
My shoulders are wide...
Talking of LS3/5a variants, I am intrigued by the Celef LS8.
Knowing of Stewart Tyler’s reputation, it will no doubt be very good.
Martyn Miles
pfm Member
There were a couple of pairs on eBay.
One pair were priced at £1100, if I remember correctly.
Rather tempting...
I have seen both £600 & £1000 pricetag for Swisstone LS3
If 600 is right I will order them instantly
(Nothing I could find on Graham site)
Martyn Miles
pfm Member
There is a pair of LS8s on eBay at £1175.
Tarzan
pfm Member
TimF
pfm Member
Thanks Martyn, I might check this out. I would really like Falcons, but the price is a bit much to swallow right now. I may have to have lowered expectations, or just wait, which is probably the prudent thing to do!