Graham Audio LS3/5 Standmount Speakers

The Graham Audio BBC LS3/5 Standmount Speakers

The LS3/5A is perhaps the best-known of all the BBC's monitor designs.

The BBC needed a small monitor that was suitable for critical assessment of programme quality in cramped OB vehicles and control rooms, and nothing suitable was available commercially. At the same time, a separate research project - an investigation into acoustic scaling of studios - had developed a miniature loudspeaker, and it was realised that it could be adapted for monitoring use. After much development, the original LS3/5 was born.

Initially, 20 units were built in-house for field trials, but upon deciding to build another batch, it became apparent that KEF had altered both of the drive units, and the new units were sufficiently different to the originals to affect the way the loudspeaker measured and sounded. As a result, significant re-engineering work had to be completed by the BBC's Designs Department, and this was such a significant deviation from the original model that the A suffix was added.

The new B110 needed to be decoupled from the baffle in order to prevent an interacton with the cabinet. Next, when fed from the existing crossover, the new HF unit exhibited significant colouration which required modifications to the crossover and the addition of the familiar protective grille and felt pads. The small number of loudspeakers from the original batch were now considered obsolete, and the true LS3/5 was never manufactured commercially.

While the revised LS3/5A sounded very similar to the original, many felt at the time that the original loudspeaker was better. Could this version be re-created today? Graham Audio presents the ultimate version of the most famous of all the BBC loudspeakers, and is doing so under one of the most cherished names connected with the LS3/5A: Chartwell. The bespoke drive units and crossover networks are developed by Derek Hughes working in conjunction with Volt and Seas loudspeakers to produce a fully licensed loudspeaker using the very finest materials available.

• System: 2 Way, sealed enclosure
• Enclosure: Thin wall construction, 9mm birch plywood, removable rear panel
• Finish: Real wood veneer
• Dimensions (w/h/d): 19cm by 30cm by 17cm
• Weight: 5.3kg
• Frequency response: 70Hz to 20kHz, ±3dB
• Nominal impedance: 9Ω
• Sensitivity: 83dB SPL (2.83V, 1m)
• Maximum output: 95dB for a pair at 2m
• Bass/midrange: 110mm Bextrene
• Tweeter: 19mm Dome tweeter
• Recommended amplifier power: 25 to 50 watts unclipped programme

UK Delivery

• FREE delivery via DPD Local By 12pm on orders to value over £300, including one hour delivery window service 'Predict & Follow My Parcel'.
• Royal Mail Special Delivery By 1pm costs between £5.00 - £10.00 on orders to value under £300, dependent on weight.
• Saturday or Sunday delivery available upon request for supplemental charge.

EU Delivery

• £25 delivery charge 'Flat Fee' via DHL Europe by Road service (5-7 days) which provides comprehensive tracking of shipments online.
• £50 delivery charge 'Flat Fee' via DHL Europe by Air service  (2-3 days) which provides comprehensive tracking of shipments online.
  Receiver is responsible for the payment of local Duties and Taxes.

USA & Canada Delivery

• Services based on your order being shipped to the U.S. and Canada are calculated as follows:
  £100 delivery charge 'Flat Fee' via DHL international 'Day Definite' service per parcel.
  Receiver is responsible for the payment of local Duties and Taxes.

Exceptions

• Not all products are available for order into Europe, USA & Canada

WARRANTY

• Full manufacturer's warranty on all new purchases. Standard warranty is typically 12 months to 2 years with some goods coming with 6 years manufacturer's warranty.
• Goods purchased in UK and EU are covered by the Consumer Contracts Regulations.