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Graham Audio Chartwell BBC LS3/5a Loudspeakers
The BBC LS3/5a
We are proud to be authorised Graham Audio/Chartwell dealers and we always keep a range of these speakers on demo! We just love speakers built in this tradition. We have a history of collecting them, buying them, selling them and getting all sentimental about them!! In fact many of our best hours have been spent in front of a pair of LS3/5a or Spendor BC1 loudspeakers and we certainly do know how they sound and what incredible potential they have.
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, the Graham Audio 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 their 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.
Graham Audio are 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.
Specifications
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 |
WARRANTY
All Graham Audio loudspeakers are hand-built in the UK with the greatest of care and attention to detail. Each loudspeaker is tested and checked against our reference units, and is carefully auditioned before being packed and shipped.
All Graham Audio loudspeakers are guaranteed against defects in components and materials for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase. This warranty can be extended to 5 years at no cost once the loudspeakers have been registered with Graham Audio.
Within this period parts will be replaced free of charge provided that failure is not due to accident, negligence or misuse. Normal wear and tear is not included. Labour and carriage are not covered except by local agreement. This guarantee does not affect your statutory rights.
CONTACT US
You are very welcome to contact us to discuss lead-times and demo capacity with regard to these speakers if you are considering a pair of these wonderful speakers! Graham Audio have been able to stay fully operational with safety measures in place and can manufacture these speakers to order in 4-6 weeks We have a range of Graham Audio speakers on demo in usual circumstances however this is dependent on any national or local restrictions at any one time due the the Coronavirus update. Alternatively you can place your order and be reassured that we will keep you fully informed of manufacturing times and expected delivery dates etc.
Thanks indeed!
Reviews
“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.”
Hi-Fi Advice - July 2020
EAN | 7626014140100 |
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Product Weight | 5.30kg |
Brand | Graham Audio / Chartwell |
Model | LS3/5a |
Speaker Type | Desktop Speakers, Bookshelf Speakers, Stand Mount Speakers |
Connectivity (RCA/Optical/Bluetooth etc.) | Banana Plugs, Spade Connectors, Bare Wire Terminals |
Product Width | 190cm |
Product Depth | 170cm |
Product Height | 300cm |
Power (RMS Per Channel) | 25-50 |
Sensitivity | 83dB |
Warranty | See Description |