Graham Audio LS8/1 Loudspeaker
$9700 (stands included)
My colleague Robert E. Greene, who has had long experience with the classic BC-1 loudspeaker designed by Spencer Hughes, reviewed the new LS8/1, possibly the last upgrading of that venerable design, carried out by Spencer’s son Derek. The importer allowed me to audition the review pair for about three weeks before they went over to REG’s. Because I knew my time with them was limited, I listened as much as I could. While I lack REG’s familiarity with the original, I did own son Derek’s first go at upgrading his father’s design in the nineties, the Spendor SP1/2, one of the most timbrally truthful loudspeakers I’ve ever heard. The 8/1 is even better in that regard. I cannot improve upon REG’s review, so I will mention two aspects of the original design that gave many people trouble: considerably less than stellar bass response (to put it mildly) and somewhat limited dynamic range. As I hear it, there is no basis for any reservations along these lines in the LS8/1, except in very large rooms. If I were absolutely forced to choose one loudspeaker for the rest of my life, the LS8/1 would be on the short list.
By Paul Seydor
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