The Graham Chartwell LS3/5 speakers are an exclusive Graham variation on the LS3/5A, delivering a lush, detailed soundstage that excels with vocals and acoustic instruments, and has a low end that will absolutely surprise you. These compact beauties are ideal for vinyl enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates the intimate, authentic listening experience only a classic monitor can provide.
- Factory Specs
- System 2 Way, sealed enclosure
- Enclosure Thin wall construction, 9mm birch plywood, removable rear panel
- Finish Real wood veneer
- Dimensions (w/h/d) 18.5cm by 30cm by 16.5cm
- Weight 5.3kg
- Frequency response 70Hz to 20kHz, ±3dB
- Nominal impedance 9Ω
- Sensitivity 83dB SPL (2.83V, 1m)
- Maximum output 95dB for a pair at 2m
- Bass/midrange 110mm Bextrene
- Tweeter 19mm dome tweeter
- Recommended amplifier power 25 to 50 watts unclipped programme
- Liner Notes
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.
Initially, 20 units were built in-house for field trials, but upon deciding to build another batch, it became apparent that KEF had altered both of the drive units, and the new units were sufficiently different to the originals to affect the way the loudspeaker measured and sounded. As a result, significant re-engineering work had to be completed by the BBC's Designs Department, and this was such a significant deviation from the original model that the A suffix was added.
The new B110 needed to be decoupled from the baffle in order to prevent an interaction with the cabinet. Next, when fed from the existing crossover, the new HF unit exhibited significant colouration which required modifications to the crossover and the addition of the familiar protective grille and felt pads. The small number of loudspeakers from the original batch were now considered obsolete, and the true LS3/5 was never manufactured commercially.
While the revised LS3/5A sounded very similar to the original, many felt at the time that the original loudspeaker was better. Could this version be re-created today?
Graham Audio presents the ultimate version of the most famous of all the BBC loudspeakers, and is doing so under one of the most cherished names connected with the LS3/5A: Chartwell. The bespoke drive units and crossover networks are developed by Derek Hughes working in conjunction with Volt and Seas loudspeakers to produce a fully licensed loudspeaker using the very finest materials available.
- Packing
- We'll deliver this piece in its original factory box, so you can be sure it will be protected just as Graham intended.
- Shipping
- This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $125, which includes our packaging and our insurance. Of course, we'll ship anywhere in the world, just drop us a line and we'll give you an estimate – even if you're just curious.
- Stock No.
- 8570273792221
The Graham Chartwell LS3/5 speakers are an exclusive Graham variation on the LS3/5A, delivering a lush, detailed soundstage that excels with vocals and acoustic instruments, and has a low end that will absolutely surprise you. These compact beauties are ideal for vinyl enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates the intimate, authentic listening experience only a classic monitor can provide.
Factory Specs
- System 2 Way, sealed enclosure
- Enclosure Thin wall construction, 9mm birch plywood, removable rear panel
- Finish Real wood veneer
- Dimensions (w/h/d) 18.5cm by 30cm by 16.5cm
- Weight 5.3kg
- Frequency response 70Hz to 20kHz, ±3dB
- Nominal impedance 9Ω
- Sensitivity 83dB SPL (2.83V, 1m)
- Maximum output 95dB for a pair at 2m
- Bass/midrange 110mm Bextrene
- Tweeter 19mm dome tweeter
- Recommended amplifier power 25 to 50 watts unclipped programme
Liner Notes
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.
Initially, 20 units were built in-house for field trials, but upon deciding to build another batch, it became apparent that KEF had altered both of the drive units, and the new units were sufficiently different to the originals to affect the way the loudspeaker measured and sounded. As a result, significant re-engineering work had to be completed by the BBC's Designs Department, and this was such a significant deviation from the original model that the A suffix was added.
The new B110 needed to be decoupled from the baffle in order to prevent an interaction with the cabinet. Next, when fed from the existing crossover, the new HF unit exhibited significant colouration which required modifications to the crossover and the addition of the familiar protective grille and felt pads. The small number of loudspeakers from the original batch were now considered obsolete, and the true LS3/5 was never manufactured commercially.
While the revised LS3/5A sounded very similar to the original, many felt at the time that the original loudspeaker was better. Could this version be re-created today?
Graham Audio presents the ultimate version of the most famous of all the BBC loudspeakers, and is doing so under one of the most cherished names connected with the LS3/5A: Chartwell. The bespoke drive units and crossover networks are developed by Derek Hughes working in conjunction with Volt and Seas loudspeakers to produce a fully licensed loudspeaker using the very finest materials available.
Packing
We'll deliver this piece in its original factory box, so you can be sure it will be protected just as Graham intended.
Shipping
This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $125, which includes our packaging and our insurance. Of course, we'll ship anywhere in the world, just drop us a line and we'll give you an estimate – even if you're just curious.
Stock No.
8570273792221
