something wonderful
find musical bliss
high fidelity stereo mono
analog digital tubes solid-state
The LS3/5A was produced by BBC Designs Department in response to detail changes in the performance of the drive units that were originally chosen for the LS3/5 as designed by BBC Research and Development. It is the most well-known of all the BBC loudspeakers, and remains the compact loudspeaker of choice for many today.
As you would expect, our version – engineered by Derek Hughes – includes authentic details such as the perforated metal tweeter grille, thick felt pads surrounding the tweeter, and Velcro rather than our usual hidden magnets to secure the grille frame. The cabinet uses 12mm panels and a fixed rear panel, according to BBC Designs Department’s specification.
As the only company to have ever manufactured the LS3/5, and now also the LS3/5A, audiophiles are now in the unique position of being able to hear for themselves the differences that these changes made to the design originally intended by BBC R&D.
| System | 2 Way, sealed enclosure |
| Enclosure | Thin wall construction, 12mm birch plywood |
| Finish | Real wood veneer |
| Dimensions (w/h/d) | 19cm by 30cm by 17cm |
| Weight | 5.3kg |
| Frequency response | 70Hz to 20kHz, ±3dB |
| Nominal impedance | 11Ω |
| Sensitivity | 83dB SPL (2.83V, 1m) |
| Maximum output | 95dB for a pair at 2m |
| Bass/midrange | 110mm |
| Tweeter | 19mm dome tweeter |
| Recommended amplifier power | 25 to 50 watts unclipped programme |
“Between the LS3/5’s and the LS3/5A’s, I think some people will perceive the newly made 5’s as more natural or organic while other people will prefer the more widely known 5A’s relatively more neutral and linear midrange delivery. Personally, I’m still on the fence and switching from one pair to the other remains a matter of adjusting. The technical perfectionist in me prefers the LS3/5A’s more neutral midrange while the music lover in me is more passionate about the LS3/5’s fuller and richer midrange. I say: just listen for yourself! …Naturally, the bass goes substantially deeper and also feels more solid. But the biggest surprise for me is how flawlessly the subs pair with the monitors. The crossover point is clearly well-chosen and the transition absolutely inaudible. Tonally, the woofers are also an ideal match. This is the great benefit of using same-brand speakers that are made for each other. You get a natural synergy that you don’t get quite as easily (or at all) when adding a universal subwoofer. …The case for the SUB3 subwoofers is not at all ambiguous. They simply provide what one hopes from subwoofers but rarely gets: a meaningful extension of the speakers’ bass range in a seamless and wholly synergistic manner.”
SOUND ODYSSEY BV
Brandstraat 28
9255 Buggenhout
Belgium
