GRAHAM LS5/9F

Pre owned. In excellent conditions. No visible signs of wear. Supplied with bases, original packaging, manual, and protective bags.

The Graham Audio LS5/9f is a floorstanding version of the LS5/9 model, inspired by the famous BBC monitor released in 1983. While using modern drivers, the Graham version remains close enough to the original specifications to still receive official BBC licensing today. The main difference between the two models is that the f version is floorstanding, while the original was bookshelf-sized. Both were designed by Derek Hughes, closely linked to the BBC tradition through his work with Spendor Audio and the design of legendary speakers such as the BC1.

Designer Hughes, and the BBC tradition, stand out for having developed speakers with virtually unlimited resources and a unique opportunity to continuously compare their creations with live sound, especially orchestral music. This approach, unmatched in the commercial world, allowed speaker design to be refined in a context of direct comparison with live music.

The LS5/9f shares the same drivers as the LS5/9 but features a larger cabinet, improving bass extension and dynamics. Its frequency response reaches down to 40Hz, offering full-range reproduction suitable for orchestral and rock music. The sound tends to be warm but well-balanced, never overwhelming.

The speaker is remarkable for its surprising neutrality, while maintaining distinctive character. The adjustable tweeter allows fine-tuning for an ideal response.

The cabinet’s sound is very cohesive, thanks to the presence of a single driver handling most frequencies, avoiding the typical distortions of multi-driver speakers. Piano and orchestra reproduction is extraordinary, with tonal coherence that makes the music even more engaging and natural.

Additionally, the bass is particularly well-balanced, and the common Allison effect (a tendency in floorstanding speakers to show a dip in response between 100Hz and 300Hz) has been properly addressed in the LS5/9f, with greater energy in the sub-300Hz bass range. Combined with careful placement in the listening room and optional EQ adjustment, this allows for a very natural music reproduction.

The Graham LS5/9f stands out for its ability to reproduce realistic and musically correct sound, with natural timbre and no annoying distortion. With abundant but controlled bass and a fatigue-free sound, it represents one of the finest expressions of the BBC tradition. Its ability to reveal tonal truth makes it a very appealing option for high-quality sound enthusiasts.

Technical specifications:

• System: 2-way, reflex-loaded
• Frequency response: 40Hz to 20kHz, ±2dB
• Nominal impedance: 8Ω
• Sensitivity: 87dB SPL (2.83V, 1m)
• Maximum output: over 100dB per pair at 2m
• Bass/midrange driver: 165mm Polypropylene
• Tweeter: 19mm dome tweeter
• Recommended amplifier power: 50 to 150 watts
• Finish: real solid wood
• Dimensions (W/H/D): 96cm x 32cm x 32cm (including plinth)
• Weight: 21kg