Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Very coherent sound, resembling live concert music to an unusual and satisfying extent
- Truth to timbre, non-resonant and highly resolved character
- LS5/9f presents the best of what the top audio has to offer, disappearing from the room, sounding natural, and delivering full range performance without any noticeable compression
- Unusually adept at making recordings sound musically correct
- Encourages more music listening
Product Considerations
- High treble rolls a bit down
- LS5/9f is ruthless about badly produced music, so it does not perform well with poorly produced music
- Grahams will not be liked by those who like highly detailed sound, nor those who like a rigid, clear attack and precise sound
- Graham Audio LS5/9f speakers require a lot of power to deliver powerful, rich sound
- The speaker is heavy, and has a big bass driver
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs LS5/9: The LS5/9f has a larger enclosure than the LS5/9, providing increased bass extension and dynamic capability
- Vs LS3/5A or LS5/9: The LS5/9F is like big music deconstruction machines
Takeaway: The LS5/9f is an extraordinary speaker that offers a similar sound to the original LS-59s, but without the roll-off. It excels at reproducing classical and jazz music, and is a great choice for musicians and those who appreciate well-produced music.
All
LS5/9f
reviews
Manufacturer details
Yes, this model uses the same handmade bass/midrange driver from Volt along with the 34mm Audax tweeter as the regular LS5/9, both selected to the same tight tolerances. But the larger cabinet allows for increased bass extension and greater dynamic range.
Based on positive feedback from customers and our dealer and distribution network, we have replaced the soldered connections for tweeter level calibration with the discrete switch first seen in the LS6, which allows for subtle adjustment of the high frequency level. This is useful to help overcome difficulties presented by some acoustic environments, especially those with a lot of absorbent furnishings and finishes.
The cabinet follows established BBC "thinwall" construction practice, and includes the integrated plinth with flow-optimised port first seen in the LS6f. As usual, the grille is held in place using hidden magnets. A range of hand selected real wood veneers is available.
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Graham Audio's designs benefit from Derek Hughes's expertise, son of Spencer Hughes (Spendor), maintaining a strong connection to the classic BBC sound.
- The brand is committed to BBC "thin-wall" cabinet construction, using birch plywood, corner fillets, and strategically placed mastic elements to manage resonances.
- Musical Fidelity speakers deliver a clean, smooth, even, and detailed sound with pleasing subtlety, tight bass, and fine imaging.
- Graham Audio's LS3/5A variants provide both a historically accurate sound reproduction and dynamic range for smaller spaces, as well as offer an opportunity for use in larger rooms.
Select products
Chartwell LS3/5
- Positioning: The entry-level model in the Chartwell series, designed for small spaces and nearfield listening.
- Description: Praised for its natural and uncolored sound, making it ideal for those who prioritize vocal clarity and detail in compact environments. Unlike larger models in the lineup, it lacks deep bass extension, which is a trade-off for its small size and portability, making it less suitable for those seeking a full-range sound in larger rooms.
Chartwell LS6
- Positioning: A mid-range model in the Chartwell series, offering a balance between size and performance.
- Description: Stands out with its modern driver technology, providing greater clarity and a bigger soundstage compared to the LS3/5. It offers a more detailed and dynamic sound.
Graham LS5/9
- Positioning: A classic model in the Graham lineup, known for its BBC heritage and studio monitor accuracy.
- Description: This model is celebrated for its superb midrange and natural vocal reproduction, making it a favorite for critical listening and professional use. Compared to the LS3/5, it offers a fuller sound with better bass response.
Graham LS5/9f
- Positioning: An advanced floor-standing version of the LS5/9, designed for enhanced bass and room-filling sound.
- Description: Enhances the classic LS5/9 design with a floor-standing cabinet, providing deeper bass and a more expansive soundstage.
Graham LS5/8
- Positioning: A high-end model in the Graham lineup, offering professional-grade performance for audiophiles and studios.
- Description: Known for its exceptional accuracy and wide frequency response. It surpasses the LS5/9 in terms of bass depth and overall power.
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Used
Graham
What if you spend more?
The Børresen X series loudspeakers are not only a new entry-level into the Børresen universe, but also represents a real revolution in quality and performance in its price range. These speakers are created based on all the knowledge collected in the process of the creation of the M, 0 and Z-series. You´ll find components from these exclusive series in this Børresen X series loudspeakers – for instance the brand new Spread-tow carbon membrane, the highly praised Børresen ribbon tweeter and the use of copper caps in the magnetic motor system.
The X-series membrane that consists of three skins laminated into a single unit: two layers of spread carbon fiber, with a layer of aramid honeycomb spacers in between. The combination of these materials gives this membrane its unique properties. The spread-tow carbon fiber was designed to provide a skin with optimal stiffness. This unique feature of the membrane reduces sound-disturbing vibrations and resonances to unprecedented levels.
In the X-series magnet motor system, we use double copper caps on the pole rings to achieve high flux and low inductance. The use of copper caps has been adopted from the Børresen Z-series. Copper produces a response to flux changes – the better the counter-effect of these copper rings, the flatter the inductance curve, and the lower the electro-magnetic resonance.
The tweeter chosen for the Børresen X-series has the same design used in all other Børresen loudspeaker series. However, there is a reduction in magnet and iron mass. This is possible due to the extremely high efficiency of the original tweeter design. As a result, the efficiency has dropped only slightly from the exceptional 94 dB to 90 dB, but this is still an amazing efficiency for a tweeter.
The Børresen X-series is equipped with a parallel crossover built with the same high-quality components from the Z Series. This makes for a very mechanically stable crossover that minimizes its self-resonance.
The surface of the cabinet is finished in black or white piano lacquer and reinforced with carbon fiber inserts. The cabinet is made of a heavily braced wood composite material that has the property of eliminating sound distortion. The material used for the cabinet also reduces mechanical influences, especially hysteresis. The sonic result is clearly audible. The X-series is equipped with bass reflex ports. The tweeter is vented to compensate for the air pressure that builds up. The bass section consists of tuned ports calibrated for musically relevant frequencies.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional imaging and soundstage.
- Detailed high-frequency reproduction.
- Tight and accurate bass.
- Elegant design and high-quality build.
- Good value for the price.
Product Considerations
- Midrange response may have a 'hole' or 'scoop'.
- Sweet spot is narrow.
- Amplifier matching benefits from good current delivery.
- Positioning requires careful attention.
- Speakers are only available in black or white.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs GoldenEar Technology T66—the X3's tweeter is in 'a whole other class of high-frequency reproduction'.
- Vs PureAudioProject Duet 15s—the X3 was faster, clearer, and had better transient response.
- Vs KEF Reference 3 Meta—the X3 seems like a faster, clearer, more transparent speaker.
- Vs Audiovector R3—the X3 has more pronounced and deeper bass.
- Vs Audiovector R6—the R6 offers more visceral dynamics and seems to go lower.
Takeaway: The Børresen X3 is a well-built and visually appealing loudspeaker known for its exceptional imaging, detailed highs, and refined sound. It is a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance speaker in its price range.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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The Estelon AURA loudspeaker is designed and constructed by taking into consideration the environmental acoustics of real-life listening spaces. It provides an immersive and captivating audio experience like no other among speakers of this size. To achieve this, AURA has been designed with meticulous attention to detail, incorporating cutting-edge technology and unique features that set it apart from other loudspeakers in the market. The AURA is more than just a loudspeaker; it's a work of art that combines form and function to provide an unparalleled audio experience. With its unique design and advanced technology, AURA is sure to be a game-changer in the audio world.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Striking aesthetic design is repeatedly praised, seamlessly blending into living spaces
- Exceptional soundstage and imaging are consistently highlighted as standout features
- Balanced presentation across the frequency range offers a smooth integration of bass, midrange, and treble
- Well-controlled and detailed bass integrates well with the other drivers
- Clear and detailed midrange and treble contribute to a fast presentation of vocals and instruments
- Connectivity options are solid
Product Considerations
- The Aura's impedance can drop to a low 2 ohms at 58 Hz, making it a demanding load for amplifiers
- Bass output may not suit all tastes, particularly those who prefer bass-heavy music or have larger rooms
- System matching with warmer components may be necessary to achieve a preferred sound balance
- The placement of the binding posts and the tight space around them are a bit challenging when connecting speaker cables
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to SVS Titans, the Aura is a clear step up in clarity and transparency, but the Titans deliver more bass output
- Compared to YG Acoustics Peaks Ascent, the AURA speaker has a very different frequency profile
Takeaway: The Estelon Aura speakers combine striking aesthetics with high-end sound, offering a balanced and engaging listening experience that works well in various rooms. They are a strong contender for audiophiles seeking a speaker that is both visually appealing and sonically refined.
Video review
Our take on the brand
A 3-way floor standing design, the Trapeze Reimagined features a proprietary 12-inch high-power mid/bass driver. A 5-inch-high speed midrange. And the only AMT-tweeter on the market that stays true to the original design from audio genius Dr. Oscar Heil. The three drivers combine to achieve an even power, flat frequency response to match the famous Brûel & Kjaer ideal room response.
A diffraction absorbing felt area around the treble and midrange drivers helps to create a rare and natural soundstage: prepare to be transported to the atmospheric heart of a live event. The low frequency tuning adds weight and drama to any music. The extremely low distortion of the bass driver allows unusually natural and dynamic vocals as well as a beautifully rich sound without boom or bloom that just sounds so right. No problems with bass, midrange, or treble. Just an open, rich, musical, and rhythmic reproduction of all kinds of music in all kinds of settings.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Clarity and seamless presentation, along with excellent dynamics and punch
- Impressive bass power, agility, and grip
- The design makes it less obtrusive in a domestic setting than most alternatives
- AMT tweeter provides a crisp, revealing treble
- Damping feature allows for a degree of flexibility in matching the speaker with amplifiers
Product Considerations
- The design lacks the visual elegance of other high-end Audiovector speakers
- Stereo imaging could be more expansive
- The Freedom Grounding cable is expensive as an optional purchase
Takeaway: The Audiovector Trapeze Reimagined combines retro inspiration with modern technology, creating a speaker that puts entertainment first with clarity, dynamics and impressive bass. With its unique design and adaptable sound, it's a great pick for music lovers that want fun and high-end performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The design of the AN-J Loudspeaker, by contrast, follows an altogether different philosophy. It calls for a cabinet that complements the chosen drive units, rather than fighting against them. Instead of trying to kill the resonances, we tailor the cabinet to place them in frequency bands where they aid and enhance the operation of the drive units, culminating in a loudspeaker system that makes the most of the preceding amplifier’s output. The material choice for the cabinet is an area where a great deal of research and development has taken place. Over the years, we have tried many different materials and combinations, a time consuming endeavour culminating in the current design, which utilises the highest quality birch ply for the entire cabinet. Bracing and internal damping is kept to a minimum and strategically applied to help, not hinder the drivers.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Solid bass performance for a speaker of its size
- Able to do justice to any genre of music and at realistic volume levels
- Very easy to drive
- Offers a balanced presentation from top to bottom with seamlessness between the woofer and tweeter
- Started sounding like far more than a pair of 8″ two-way monitors when properly positioned along the side walls
Product Considerations
- Achieving the best imaging and deep bass may require experimenting with toe-in and distance from corners and the back wall
- Does not provide much forward/backward information, with the image typically stopping at the outer edge of the speakers
- The basic 'D' model comes only in black ash veneer, while higher-end models offer more choices
- Bass can be overblown if not adjusted properly in room placement
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The AN-E has more bass, is easier to drive, and has a bigger presentation
- Some may prefer the J because they find it a more taught presentation in the mid bass, as well as more "present" in the voice band
Takeaway:
The AN-J is a near full-range loudspeaker capable of articulation and organic flow, making music sound natural and engaging. If someone is looking for a communicative quality that remains consistent wherever they listen, then the AN-J could be a good fit.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excels in midrange reproduction, making vocals and instruments sound natural and detailed
- Greater bass extension and tighter bass than previous Hughes family descendants of the original Spendor BC1 design
- Dynamically lively, possessing what is described as 'jump factor'
- Stereo imaging is better, the stereo focus is overwhelming and fascinating
- The design rings true
Product Considerations
- May require a more powerful amplifier to deliver its full potential
- In a really large room, one might need to add a subwoofer system to good effect
- Intended to be used far from sidewalls or with sidewalls damped
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Spendor BC-1s: Has a tighter bass and is less 'floppy'
- Vs Spendor BC1: Has a more controlled, better, more modern bass
- Vs Stirling Broadcast LS3/6: Has more robust bass, stronger and more dynamically capable bass, and also more bass extension, and a slightly more forward sound at around 2kHz, but a little recession from 800–1000Hz
Takeaway: The LS8/1 offers a very clean midrange and insightful sound, while paying homage to British audio heritage. It will provide a deep and enduring level of sonic truth and musical satisfaction.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Midrange is clear, sweet, realistic, and natural, especially with voices, offering a 'magical' quality
- Soundstage can be surprisingly large and substantial for their size
- Smooth and even performance was a revelation—the sound is clean, smooth, even, and detailed, with pleasing subtlety
- Small size makes them room-friendly
Product Considerations
- Bass is modest and lacks low-end extension, and the lack of attack is noticeable
- Speakers are flat sounding and cannot create soundstage depth illusion
- Power handling and sensitivity are low, requiring caution with the volume control
- The speaker is a bit warm and romantic sounding, the treble is a little uneven with some perceived peakiness
- Uneven sound quality compared to larger speakers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Graham Audio LS3/5a sounds 'leaner' compared to the LS3/5 model, which sounds 'fuller'
- The Graham Anniversary speakers are much tauter compared to earlier versions of the Rogers LS3/5a
- Versus Harbeth P3ESR, Harbeth does a better job at fooling listeners into thinking that they are listening to much bigger speakers
- Modern speakers are more capable of delivering slam and solidity than the LS3/5A
- Speakers are not as lively and direct as the Xavian Perlas
Takeaway: The LS3/5A is a compact speaker with a magical midrange that makes music enjoyable, especially for vocals and acoustic instruments, and the LS3/5a delivers a smooth sound. It's best for smaller rooms where its small size and focus on accurate midrange can really shine.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very clean midrange
- Rich listening experience
- Insightful sound
- Very good finish and 'retro' design
Product Considerations
- Tripods (stands) are separate and considered too expensive
- The unusual design with two tweeters may appear weird to some
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Reviewer notes visual similarity to their Spendor BC2 speakers from 1977
Takeaway: The Graham LS8/1 is a well-designed speaker with a focus on clean midrange and an insightful sound, making it a good choice for listeners who appreciate a detailed and engaging audio experience. The speaker's good finish and retro design contribute to its appeal.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality, featuring a blend of aluminum, leather, and wood veneer, or gloss paint.
- Detailed sound with excellent stereo imagery.
- Good detail and clarity.
- Wide and deep soundstage.
- Design features contribute to cabinet rigidity and reduced coloration.
Product Considerations
- May sound bright with the wrong amplifier or cables.
- May require a high-power solid-state amp.
- Needs quality amplification and may sound soft if underpowered.
- Requires stands, adding to the overall cost.
- Bass may not satisfy those seeking high-output bass without a subwoofer.
Takeaway: The 805 D4 is an excellent speaker that is beautifully built and delivers a detailed and engaging sound. It's a great option for those seeking a premium listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Striking, sleek, and modern design that complements modern interiors
- Incorporates KEF's Uni-Q driver array and Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) for neutral, open, detailed sound, reducing unwanted sound from the rear of the tweeter
- Includes Uni-Core force-canceling woofers that reduce cabinet vibrations, contributing to balanced and detailed bass
- The KEF Connect app allows for adjustments to fit the listening environment
- Offers high connectivity and is a true stand-alone system
Product Considerations
- Bass can be a bit too much out of the box, requiring adjustments via the app or placement considerations
- Not well-suited for those who have many signal sources to connect to
- Some reviewers found the bass lacked definition in the upper bass, with unclear instrument placement, even after adjusting EQ settings
- The included remote control is considered basic or cheap
- Mandatory online registration and administrator-level internet connection requirements for the app may be a drawback for privacy-conscious users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 28, the LS60 Wireless can achieve similar sound quality with adjustments, at a lower price point, although the Beolab 28 sounds 'more right' straight out of the factory
- Compared to the KEF LS50 Wireless II, the LS60 Wireless is preferred stylistically, achieves near full-range playback, and has a more slim design, although it costs more and also provides much deeper bass
- Compared to the Q Acoustics Active 400 Towers, the LS60 Wireless has no issues with products not working
Takeaway: The KEF LS60 Wireless are stylish, all-in-one speakers that deliver a balanced, detailed sound with advanced technology. They are a convenient, high-performing solution for those seeking a streamlined audio setup.
Video review
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