A Fresh look at the LS3/5A
Ken Kessler examines the options for buying the timeless BBC monitor brand new.
In the June 2023 issue of HiFi News UK, Ken Kessler, a historical landmark for his in-depth coverage of the BBC mini-monitor, examines the purchase options offered today by the major companies that have re-released the timeless LS3/5A in the original version produced by the BBC research centre in Kingswood Warren more than 40 years ago.
In the article he talks to Joseph Szall co-founder of the Audiomaster brand (now Audiomaster 21) former second licensee of the BBC patent.
The most faithful replica possible of the original first series built in Italy under the direction of Szall and Boardman is now available; paraphrasing George Orwell Szall reminds us that all LS3/5A are the same but some are more equal than others.
The text includes the opinions of Jerry Bloomfield of Falcon Audio and Andy Whittle of Rogers on the importance of the LS3/5A cabinet and their views on the possibility of using two stacked pairs. The latter mode is the one preferred by Joseph Szall, an enthusiastic follower of Tim de Paravicini’s later convictions, which made it popular.
In summary, we can safely state that: ‘The LS3/5A is alive, and sounds better ever’ and if you don’t already know them… go listen to them!
