Graham Audio LS3/5

Graham Audio LS3/5 – the original BBC monitor design, commercially available for the first time

Not the A — the original

The Graham Audio LS3/5 is unique: it is the only commercially produced version of the BBC's very first monitor design — not the better-known LS3/5A, but the earlier model from which it descended. The BBC built just twenty prototype pairs before KEF altered the drivers, prompting a redesign that resulted in the LS3/5A. Graham Audio is consequently the only manufacturer in the world ever to have brought the original LS3/5 to market — sold under the Chartwell name, one of the first licensed BBC loudspeaker manufacturers of the 1970s.

Bespoke drivers from Volt and SEAS

Because the original KEF drivers are no longer available, Derek Hughes — son of Spendor founder Spencer Hughes — designed entirely new chassis specifically for the LS3/5. Volt Loudspeakers in Dorset manufactures the bass/mid driver, closely matched to the character of the original B110. The tweeter comes from Norwegian manufacturer SEAS, chosen for its similar dome behaviour and dispersion to the original T27. Together, these drivers allow the LS3/5 to get as close as technically possible to the sound of the BBC's original reference design.

Crossover and BBC thinwall cabinet

Derek Hughes developed the crossover through extensive study of the original BBC Kingswood Warren measurement curves, verified by physical testing in the anechoic chamber at the University of Southampton. As a result, the topology is deliberately simpler than that of the LS3/5A — giving the LS3/5 a more organic and warmer midrange character. The cabinet follows the classic BBC thinwall construction: mass-loaded thin panels push resonances away from the critical midrange region, while a layer of Rockwool provides air damping. The grille attaches via concealed rare-earth magnets, in keeping with the original LS3/5 specification.

LS3/5 or LS3/5A — two distinct characters

Graham Audio also produces the LS3/5A, making Novus Audio one of the very few places where both BBC versions can be heard side by side. Those who have compared them describe the LS3/5 as more organic and rich in the midrange, while the LS3/5A delivers a more neutral and linear presentation. Hearing both is the only way to decide — and both are on permanent demo at Novus Audio.

Specifications

• Type: 2-way compact BBC-licensed monitor
• Bass/mid: bespoke Volt Loudspeakers, based on original B110
• Tweeter: SEAS, matched to original T27 dome behaviour
• Frequency response: ~100 Hz–20 kHz
• Impedance: high, valve-friendly
• Cabinet: BBC thinwall birch ply, Rockwool damping
• Grille: concealed rare-earth magnets
• Crossover: developed from BBC Kingswood Warren curves
• Origin: hand-built in Devon, England

Frequently asked questions about the Graham Audio LS3/5

What is the difference between the LS3/5 and the LS3/5A?

The LS3/5 uses a simpler crossover topology and has a more organic, warmer midrange. When KEF altered the original drivers, the BBC redesigned the speaker — that revised version became the LS3/5A, with a more neutral and linear character. Both are available to audition at Novus Audio.

Why is it called the Chartwell LS3/5?

Graham Audio owns the Chartwell brand name — one of the original licensed BBC loudspeaker manufacturers from the 1970s. By using it, the company acknowledges the historical lineage of the design.

Is the Graham Audio LS3/5 suitable for valve amplifiers?

Yes — the high nominal impedance makes it an excellent match for valve amplifiers. Because sensitivity is relatively high, it also works well with lower-powered designs, including single-ended triode amplifiers.