Graham Audio Chartwell LS3/5 Speakers

The LS3/5A is perhaps the best-known of all the BBC's monitor designs. The BBC needed a small monitor that was suitable for critical assessment of programme quality in cramped OB vehicles and control rooms, and nothing suitable was available commercially. At the same time, a separate research project - an investigation into acoustic scaling of studios - had developed a miniature loudspeaker, and it was realised that it could be adapted for monitoring use. After much development, the original LS3/5 was born.

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Graham Audio Chartwell LS3/5: A Rebirth of BBC Excellence

The Graham Audio Chartwell LS3/5 Passive Monitor Loudspeakers are a meticulously crafted modern rendition of the BBC's revered LS3/5. Originally designed for critical monitoring in constrained environments like outside broadcast (OB) vehicles, the LS3/5 stood out for its compact form and precision sound reproduction. Graham Audio has painstakingly revived this iconic design, delivering a product that captures the essence of the original, yet integrates contemporary advancements in loudspeaker technology.

An Authentic Reinterpretation of the BBC LS3/5

The LS3/5's origin lies in the BBC’s need for a compact speaker that could faithfully reproduce sound in limited spaces without sacrificing quality. The original LS3/5 never saw wide-scale commercial release, as early field trials revealed inconsistencies between prototype batches. Graham Audio, working under the Chartwell brand, has sought to recreate this lost masterpiece. By collaborating with top industry names like Derek Hughes and renowned drivers from Volt and Seas, the LS3/5 returns to the market with unparalleled authenticity and craftsmanship.

Premium Materials, Precision Engineering

The Graham Audio Chartwell LS3/5 speakers are designed with a focus on retaining the original BBC specifications while enhancing their overall performance with modern materials. The thin-wall cabinet construction made from 9mm birch plywood remains faithful to the original design principles. This material choice, along with a removable rear panel, ensures controlled resonance and exceptional sound transparency. The real wood veneer finish gives these speakers a timeless aesthetic, making them as visually appealing as they are sonically capable.

Sound Quality that Defies Size

The heart of the LS3/5's sound lies in its bespoke drivers. A 110mm Bextrene bass/midrange unit provides clear, accurate midrange performance, while the 19mm dome tweeter ensures pristine treble reproduction. This combination delivers an impressively balanced frequency response from 70Hz to 20kHz, ±3dB, allowing for faithful sound reproduction across a wide range of genres. Despite their compact size, these speakers achieve a maximum output of 95dB at a 2m distance, effortlessly filling small to medium-sized rooms with rich, detailed sound.

Tuned for Critical Listening

With a nominal impedance of 9Ω and a sensitivity rating of 83dB SPL (2.83V, 1m), the LS3/5 pairs seamlessly with a variety of amplifiers. Graham Audio recommends an amplifier power range of 25 to 50 watts for unclipped program material, ensuring optimal performance without distortion. The sealed enclosure design enhances the speaker's ability to deliver tight, well-controlled bass, making it ideal for those who demand accuracy over exaggerated low-end frequencies.

A Legacy of Sonic Purity

The LS3/5 series has long been celebrated for its unmatched vocal clarity and natural tonality. Reviewers often draw comparisons between the LS3/5 and its successor, the LS3/5A. Hi-Fi experts highlight the differences in midrange delivery, noting the LS3/5’s fuller, richer midrange in contrast to the LS3/5A’s more neutral, linear presentation. These subtleties offer listeners the chance to experience sound with an organic warmth and musicality that draws them into the performance, making the LS3/5 particularly suited for acoustic, jazz, and classical music lovers.

Seamless Bass Integration

For those seeking extended bass response, Graham Audio's LS3/5 can be paired with the company's SUB3 subwoofers, which are designed specifically to complement the monitors. Reviewers have praised the seamless integration between the LS3/5 and SUB3, emphasizing how well the subwoofers extend the bass without overpowering the natural synergy between the midrange and treble. This perfect match exemplifies the benefits of using same-brand speakers that are designed to work together, enhancing overall system cohesion.

Conclusion: A Modern Classic

The Graham Audio Chartwell LS3/5 redefines what is possible from a compact monitor loudspeaker, offering both nostalgia for the legendary BBC design and performance that stands strong in today’s hi-fi landscape. Whether you're a professional seeking a monitor for critical listening or an audiophile looking for a refined sound experience, the LS3/5 delivers with precision, clarity, and musicality. With its meticulous attention to detail and historical fidelity, this speaker pays homage to the original LS3/5 while confidently meeting the demands of modern listeners.