Graham Audio LS3/5A

Graham Audio LS3/5A – the world's most famous BBC monitor, faithfully recreated

The twelfth licensee — and the only one with both versions

Born when the BBC revised the original LS3/5 after KEF altered its drivers, the Graham Audio LS3/5A is the most widely known of all BBC monitor designs. That redesign earned the suffix "A". Consequently, twelve licensed manufacturers built over a hundred thousand pairs. Under the Chartwell name, Graham Audio uniquely produces both the LS3/5 and the LS3/5A. As a result, Novus Audio is the only place in the Netherlands where both versions can be heard side by side.

Bespoke drivers and a deliberately complex crossover

With the original KEF B110 and T27 no longer available, Derek Hughes developed new chassis with Volt Loudspeakers and SEAS. His 110 mm Bextrene bass/mid driver replicates the character of the original B110, including its cone damping. A tapped inductor in the crossover allows the tweeter level to be individually trimmed per unit. Thereby, pair matching consistently meets the original BBC specification.

Authentic cabinet and period-correct details

Built to BBC Designs Department specification, the cabinet uses 12 mm birch plywood with a fixed rear panel. Mass-loaded thin walls push resonances away from the critical midrange region. Furthermore, a layer of Rockwool provides air damping throughout the enclosure. Period-correct details include felt pads around the tweeter, a perforated metal tweeter grille and Velcro grille attachment. Since these details were part of the BBC's acoustic specification, Graham Audio retains every one of them.

Character and use

Above all, the LS3/5A is celebrated for its midrange — particularly on voices and acoustic instruments. Its tonal neutrality in this region is difficult to match at any price. It performs best in smaller rooms at nearfield distances. Moreover, 25 to 50 W of amplifier power is sufficient for optimal results. Those wishing to compare it with the more organic-sounding LS3/5 can hear both at Novus Audio.

Specifications

• Type: 2-way sealed BBC-licensed monitor
• Bass/mid: 110 mm Bextrene, bespoke Volt Loudspeakers
• Tweeter: 19 mm dome, bespoke SEAS
• Frequency response: 70 Hz–20 kHz, ±3 dB
• Nominal impedance: 11 ohm
• Sensitivity: 83 dB / 2.83 V / 1 m
• Maximum output: 95 dB per pair at 2 m
• Recommended amplifier power: 25–50 W
• Cabinet: 12 mm birch ply, thinwall, fixed rear panel
• Grille: Velcro, perforated metal tweeter grille, felt pads
• Dimensions: 190×305×170 mm
• Weight: 5.3 kg
• Origin: hand-built in Devon, England

Frequently asked questions about the Graham Audio LS3/5A

Why is the LS3/5A so highly regarded for vocal reproduction?

Few loudspeakers match its tonal neutrality through the voice region. Since the sealed enclosure keeps bass clean and the crossover is individually tuned per unit, voices come through without coloration — precisely what the BBC required.

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

Compared to the LS3/5, the LS3/5A has a thicker cabinet, a more complex crossover and a more neutral midrange. By contrast, the LS3/5 sounds warmer and more organic in the lower midrange. Both are available to audition at Novus Audio.

Does the Graham Audio LS3/5A work with valve amplifiers?

Yes — the 11 ohm impedance makes it an excellent match for valve designs. Furthermore, with sensitivity at 83 dB, 25 watts or more will drive it comfortably in a smaller room.