The Forgotten Speaker Design Audiophiles Still Crave

[Nikhil]

In the world of high-fidelity audio, there's a certain je ne sais quoi about vintage speaker designs that still captivates audiophiles today. Among them, the BBC speaker design, particularly the LS 3/5 and LS 3/5A, remains an iconic and coveted choice. This thin wall speaker design, popularized by brands like Spendor, Harbeth, Rogers, and Graham, was originally conceived for BBC broadcast applications, but its warm and intimate sound has won the hearts of many music lovers. In this video, we'll delve into the history and characteristics of this forgotten speaker design, and explore why it still holds a special place in the hearts of audiophiles. From Falcon Acoustics to Harbeth Audio, we'll examine the enduring appeal of old school BBC design speakers and what makes them so desirable. So, sit back, relax, and join us on a journey through the world of vintage audio excellence.


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[rwnano]

Actually I have to add to this topic : the transmission line speakers is another forgotten design that audiophiles crave. PMC IMF TDL Fried speakers brands come to mind.

Transmission line loudspeaker - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[muralimmreddy]

In the world of high-fidelity audio, there's a certain je ne sais quoi about vintage speaker designs that still captivates audiophiles today. Among them, the BBC speaker design, particularly the LS 3/5 and LS 3/5A, remains an iconic and coveted choice. This thin wall speaker design, popularized by brands like Spendor, Harbeth, Rogers, and Graham, was originally conceived for BBC broadcast applications, but its warm and intimate sound has won the hearts of many music lovers. In this video, we'll delve into the history and characteristics of this forgotten speaker design, and explore why it still holds a special place in the hearts of audiophiles. From Falcon Acoustics to Harbeth Audio, we'll examine the enduring appeal of old school BBC design speakers and what makes them so desirable. So, sit back, relax, and join us on a journey through the world of vintage audio excellence.


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In pursuit of mid range magic,a live sound and tonal realism i started with horns (klipsch RP 600m + SET amps) then to BBC speakers (Falcon LS3/5A gold badge, Harbeth SHL5) and now back to horns (La scala's). I regret selling Falcon's. there was magic in vocals particularly when paired with 16OHM taps of SET amps. BBC speakers have a very natural and organic presentation (tone and timbre are the best). My la scals's can not match the timbre of Harbeths. I was under the impression fast transients, high dynamics, high efficiency speakers are the right speakers for low volume listening, Surprisingly BBC speakers i had sound very good at low volumes.

 

[Analogous]

As they were extensively researched and designed as a monitors to be used for radio broadcasting from vans, the LS3/5 models do spectacular reproduction of vocals. They sound realistic and intimate. Deservedly they attained legendary status in the realm of speakers.
The many derivatives and evolutions from these designs by several companies are a testament to this.
For me personally the Harbeth P3s hold a special place as the most enjoyable mini monitors I have heard.
Yes, they very definitely needed a sub as a foundation to bring out the best, yes, they were not great with complex, fast music. But then which speakers do everything right with all types of music?

 

[Nikhil]

When I first saw this video this morning, I was a little apprehensive. But a few minutes into the video and I found myself enjoying him articulate so well exactly what I like about this speaker type. In my opinion if a speaker gets vocals and mid range right the rest of music usually follows (with some exceptions).


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[rwnano]

In the world of high-fidelity audio, there's a certain je ne sais quoi about vintage speaker designs that still captivates audiophiles today. Among them, the BBC speaker design, particularly the LS 3/5 and LS 3/5A, remains an iconic and coveted choice. This thin wall speaker design, popularized by brands like Spendor, Harbeth, Rogers, and Graham, was originally conceived for BBC broadcast applications, but its warm and intimate sound has won the hearts of many music lovers. In this video, we'll delve into the history and characteristics of this forgotten speaker design, and explore why it still holds a special place in the hearts of audiophiles. From Falcon Acoustics to Harbeth Audio, we'll examine the enduring appeal of old school BBC design speakers and what makes them so desirable. So, sit back, relax, and join us on a journey through the world of vintage audio excellence.


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Thanks! This YouTube channel is awesome and very down to earth in his commentary unlike a lot of over the top jokers out there on YouTube

 

[arj]

In pursuit of mid range magic,a live sound and tonal realism i started with horns (klipsch RP 600m + SET amps) then to BBC speakers (Falcon LS3/5A gold badge, Harbeth SHL5) and now back to horns (La scala's). I regret selling Falcon's. there was magic in vocals particularly when paired with 16OHM taps of SET amps. BBC speakers have a very natural and organic presentation (tone and timbre are the best). My la scals's can not match the timbre of Harbeths. I was under the impression fast transients, high dynamics, high efficiency speakers are the right speakers for low volume listening, Surprisingly BBC speakers i had sound very good at low volumes.

BBC speakers are very easy to setup and match with most electronics. La Scala is not very easy to setup and match. FM @Fiftyfifty spent a lot of tome and effort on this to get it right

 

[oldmonk]

Can't help but talk about the pricing of the LS BBC style speakers

They say this is how vocals should sound
They say the midrange is divine

If music is for the enjoyment of the lay audiophile...the investment required to own these make it beyond reach of many..

In the end...those who can afford it can comment on it..

Its a pity that speakers like these aren't more affordable for many more to enjoy.

 

[Mayasandra_l]

It is precisely for the reason that @muralimmreddy has mentioned, that I still covet my Falcon Gold LS35A. In fact the infatuation is so severe , I went ahead and purchased another BBC type speaker - the ProAc D2R. Coupled with a sealed sub - the MJ acoustic Ref 200 and a Single Ended class A amp, both these speakers give unlimited joy for long listening sessions.

 

[panditji]

Can't help but talk about the pricing of the LS BBC style speakers

They say this is how vocals should sound
They say the midrange is divine

If music is for the enjoyment of the lay audiophile...the investment required to own these make it beyond reach of many..

In the end...those who can afford it can comment on it..

Its a pity that speakers like these aren't more affordable for many more to enjoy.

The Chinese versions are very close to the real thing at 1/4th the cost..

 

[jmascreen]

If one can do DIY then there are two designs available in diyaudio by xrk. Its has commercial version by thomas and stereo and xrk

 

[amrutmhatre90]

Can't help but talk about the pricing of the LS BBC style speakers

They say this is how vocals should sound
They say the midrange is divine

If music is for the enjoyment of the lay audiophile...the investment required to own these make it beyond reach of many..

In the end...those who can afford it can comment on it..

Its a pity that speakers like these aren't more affordable for many more to enjoy.

The Sound Artist LS3/5A offers remarkable value and captures much of the classic BBC sound.
I owned a pair for quite a long time, and they remain one of my favorite speakers in their price range.

One of the strengths of this design is its sealed box construction, which makes it very room-friendly. Having heard several LS3/5A variants over the years, the midrange and vocals on these are beautifully smooth, and the overall presentation only improves as you climb higher in the LS3/5A lineup.

I’d love to own another pair someday.

 

[ronniemarker]

Actually I have to add to this topic : the transmission line speakers is another forgotten design that audiophiles crave. PMC IMF TDL Fried speakers brands come to mind.

Transmission line loudspeaker - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Just obtained a fabulous, unassailable pair of the mighty TDL Electronics' Reference Standard Transmission Line System loudspeakers 2 days ago from England - I haven't even paid the freight forwarder as yet ! I had not one but two pairs of these giants several years ago - sold them and bitterly regretted that - I have been MOST fortunate to have obtained a pair again and this time, I will definitely NOT be hasty to part with them - sound can best be described as being BIG, bold, beautiful, tremendous scale, smooth, crystal clear, incredibly dynamic and musical and on and on - in short, they instantly bring a wide, beaming, grin on my face. Cheers everyone and best wishes !

 

[mahaaprasaad]

Just obtained a fabulous, unassailable pair of the mighty TDL Electronics' Reference Standard Transmission Line System loudspeakers 2 days ago from England - I haven't even paid the freight forwarder as yet ! I had not one but two pairs of these giants several years ago - sold them and bitterly regretted that - I have been MOST fortunate to have obtained a pair again and this time, I will definitely NOT be hasty to part with them - sound can best be described as being BIG, bold, beautiful, tremendous scale, smooth, crystal clear, incredibly dynamic and musical and on and on - in short, they instantly bring a wide, beaming, grin on my face. Cheers everyone and best wishes !

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