For whom
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Sometimes you need some time to get used to the sound you hear. That can be quick, or take time. And sometimes it really needs to grow, like with these speakers. You can hear the quality from the first note, but it takes some time to appreciate that quality correctly.
Spacious and insightful, with a sound that floods you but does not overhelm you. Exactly reflecting what the equipment behind the speakers is doing, but not in a detached or analytical way.
They sound like a pair of studio monitors with muscle, but you can listen to them for hours on end without a problem, just like the Tannoy speakers Yung has. That balance, the just enough of everything without making it lifeless or colourless, that is a quality that is rare in audio land. Especially at this price level.
I noticed while listening that I was always switching between head and heart. The ears are in active mode while listening, precisely because you hear everything. It is so easy to be preoccupied with how the music is constructed, how a conductor makes long melodic lines heard in the music. At the same time, with some tracks it is impossible to sit still. The music feels close, flooding over you like waves, and is always rhythmically precise.
The Graham Audio LS8/1F speakers are for that music lover who allows himself some time with these speakers to get to know the quality. If it clicks for you, this will no doubt result in a long and happy marriage with the listener.
Thanks for the review. I currently have a pair of Graham’s LS 5/9 and love the (midrange) sound for jazz, vocals, acoustic, etc. The LS5/9 is not very forgiving imo when the source is of average recording quality. I find they also struggle with other music genres (rock, funky, hiphop,…). So, I wonder if I should upgrade to the LS8/1f for a more forgiving and/or better all-round sound? Also, how do the LS8/1 floorstanders compare to the LS 8/1 stand-mounted loudspeakers? Thanks!
Hi Jan. I haven’t heard the monitors and the floor stander side by side, so I cannot comment on differences.
They are quite different from the ‘BBC models’ in sound, but not so much forgiving. The emphasis in the midrange, the vocal range of frequencies, is where you will notice the different characteristics.
I recommend an audition at home. Depending on your room size, either the monitor or the floor stander will be the better choice. The floor stander is big in physical size, but the sound is also ‘meaty’. If the room is too small, the sound won’t breath. A good dealer can help you out here.
You can send Hexagon, the importer, a mail if you like to get some advice. He’s an approachable man and will help you out.
Many thanks for your reply Martijn