Sound Artist LS3/5A Speaker Review

The BBC LS3/5A is one of the most iconic speakers of all time. It is going to cost you the best part of £2,000 or more if you want an official version these days. I take a look at a Chinese tribute act, the Sound Artists LS3/5A. Can it offer you the LS3/5A performance for a fraction of the price?
Link to China Hifi webpage
www.china-hifi-audio.com/en/s...
Link to my Patreon
/ abritishaudiophile
Time stamps
Intro 0:00
Design & features 3:10
Technical insights 4:47
Sound quality 7:22
Setup & partnering equipment 11:21
Conclusion 14:14

[@mtiken]

Hi Tarun - love the way you express the details and all the humours. Keep it up mate.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Tiken. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@ralph7585]

Great one! Always a pleasure to see your reviews. Thx and greatings from The Netherlands.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Ralph. Very much appreciated 😊👍

[@marcfoss7687]

Very interesting and insightful review, as always. Thanks Tarun!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Marc 😊👍

[@avro66]

Hi tarun, another great review, I had the Roger bookshelf speakers back in 1989 driven with a musical fidelity A1 amp, great little system, some great hifi equipment coming from China these days, looking forward to another review next weekend, thanks for your great hifi reviews.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you watching and sharing your experiences Paul 😊👍

[@SmallRoomAudio]

Great review Tarun with loads of really interesting backstory and history - you are a HiFi storyteller! 👍 📖 💥

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you David 😊👍

[@mymidschoollife8485]

Oooo very tempting ! I don't need them, but I want :D It's nice to see a set of LS35A that don't involve the loss of a kidney. Great review Tarun. Really brought back some memories. Jim Rogers passed away before I worked there, but I heard he was a really lovely guy. Very generous too.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Zomb. Much appreciated. I bet you have some stories to tell about your days at Rogers 😊👍

[@BSabbath]

I eagerly wait for your videos. This is a great review.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Shahed. Very kind and much appreciated 😊👍

[@san01yt]

Great review as always Tarun!!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Sandeep 😊👍

[@KevinWoodsWorkshop]

Thanks for another interesting review Tarun.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching Kevin 😊👍

[@filofilo8127]

Another great review Tarun..

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you buddy 😊👍

[@Iuglus]

My Willsenton R8 is finally coming tomorrow from China hi-fi after 45 days of waiting.. looking forward to your review!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you GF. Got some tube rolling to do and then should be good to go 😉

[@GrandTrunkWestern85]

I've Heard lots of great things about the Sound Artist speakers. But I ordered their speaker stands off Amazon to give them a shot because they were like 90 bucks and they were trash, so hopefully these speakers are a lot better. Thanks for another great review, the kids wanted me to let you know they said "Hi Mr. Tarun"

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Fredrick that has just made my day. Please let the kids know that Mr Tarun says, “Live long and prosper!”

[@marklawrence4116]

As usual a Bang Up job Very well presented Thank you sir

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching and your support Mark 😊👍

[@rayfordham9230]

Hi Tarun Another small anecdote from my past. Back in the 80s an apprentice in the firm I worked at was a really big Tom Waites fan and after a lot of listening he bought a pair of LS 35a because for him nothing else reproduced the sound of Waites voice quite as well. I could not afford the LS 35a so after a lot of testing I bought a pair of JR 149s, same drivers simpler crossover, I met Jim Rogers at a hi-fi exhibition, told him I'd bought a pair of his 149s he asked what amp I was using ( a 30 watt Yamaha ), but I was looking for something more capable, his face clouded over and told me to try a Nytech 252 xd receiver only 25 watts into 8 ohms 40 into 4 but in his words, could drive a tractor across a ploughed field. It was a very nice combination. The Nytech, JR 149 and a Thorens 160 with a Hadcock arm and Grado F1 cartridge, lasted me quite a while and I loved it. That is until the Tannoy Duals came along. Interesting review Tarun thanks and as you can see stirred up a few dim and distant memories again. Oh dear.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That is a fantastic story Ray. Thank you for watching and sharing 😊👍👍

[@tweakerman]

Excellent video, keep up the good work👍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you TM 😊👍

[@vox9841]

Thanks Tarun, great video as usual, really informative and well filmed and edited, you deserve a bigger audience and will hopefully get there. These look like they are worth trying. Can you review the Wharfedale Evo 4.1 and 4.2 and the Wharfedale Linton speakers 🔊 Thanks

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Vox. Very kind of you to say and very much appreciated 😊👍 The U.K. IAG people haven’t responded to emails so I have kind of given up the ghost with them for the time being.

[@discus276]

Hi Tarun . Thanks so much for your great review of the Sound Artists 'Copy' LS 3/5A's . I'm pleased that you have given them your 'Highly Recommended' badge of honour. It makes me conclude that the combination of my own Hegel H95 Amp and Spendor LS 3/5A BBC 11 ohm Speakers together will get the same thumbs up recommendations from you, or better, if you have a pair to review later. ( I also left a comment on your previous H95 review page about these in which we both agreed was a fine combination) Best wishes / Steve

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Steve. Much appreciated. I hope to get a licensed LS3/5A in for review at some point 😊👍

[@courtneyswaby3178]

Always wanted one this is a he great opportunity to dip my toe in the water. Love the channel great stuff keep it up.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Courtney 😊👍

[@scottmichaels1764]

Great review of what sounds like a nice little speaker. You gave the best description of the real BBC speakers I have ever come across. Thank you.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Scott. Very kind of you and very much appreciated 😊👍👍.

[@charlesclifton1006]

Well Tarun, here we are 2 years later and I had to have another listen to this review. Glad I did. Since I last commented I have moved into a much more suitable suite relevant to my desire for small a room listening area and a separate near field desktop. Along with your review and those of others I believe that these speakers will work wonderfully to satisfy my ears. Now, if they don't work in my small room environment then they will be relegated to desk top duties but I have a hunch that will not be the case. As you may be aware, I have listened to your review of the Music Fidelity A1. It, along with the Hegel H95 and/or possibly a Willsenton amp (?) may fit the bill as an upgrade to my current equipment. More research needed on the amp "to be". What really amazes me is the present affordability of really good audio equipment compared to cost to quality ratios of yesteryear. I would have been totally ignorant of this fact were it not for reviewers like yourself. I'll let you know if I purchase these speakers and my thoughts thereof............ Cheers!!!!!!!

[@markcarrington8565]

Now you are talking. Here’s an amp that really knows where its towel is! Great review, Tarun. I think you should run it for about 3 months and see if those minor flaws fade away as all those caps bed in. Interesting that the Denafrips boosted the performance so much. Could Ivor still be right after all these years? It’s still all about the source man. Ttfn and best regards, Mark.

[@fletchermunson6225]

Another bright spot in my day. Thanks Tarun.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend 😊👍

[@titntin5178]

What an interesting review. As always, very well constructed and delivered. I'd like a chance to hear them even though im not in the market - i do find a rich mid band very beguiling even if I couldn't live with it long term.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend. It is a great bedroom or desktop speaker for those who want a richer sound 😊👍

[@jdekong3945]

Good review Tarun, doubtful they would be for me but you have to kind of admire a company that has manufactured a tribute product. I think the China hifi scene is one to watch

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you JD. Some very interesting products on their website 😊👍

[@jdekong3945]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 I will have a nose later, have a great one :o)

[@hrvojekant9415]

Simply ...exemplary review!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend. Very much appreciated 😊👍

[@JoelOman1980]

I really like listening to your reviews here on KZbin Tarun. You're great at explaining and getting into the seriously technical aspects of the products in for review. I've been a fan of the Totem Acoustics speakers ever since owning (sadly sold) the Mite bookshelf speakers in early 2000s. Is there a possibility to request a review of the Totem Acoustics Arro floorstanding speakers on your show? I thought I'd just ask away, hehe! (I can of course see if it's an issue to grant requests) Anywho, have a great spring and stay safe! ☺️👌🏼

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Hi Joel, thank you for watching and your kind words of support. I appreciate the suggestion. I would love to review some Totems. I will need to find out who distributes them in the U.K. 😊👍

[@LoFiHarmonic]

This is the most truthful and thoughtful review of these speakers. I have not heard the Falcons, and by all accounts, they could be the best LS3/5a ever, but comparing the Sound Artists to my, old and maybe tired, 11 ohm Spendor version of same speakers, the SA’s come out ahead in all aspects, albeit slightly. Not selling my Spendors, however. I tend to hoard all the classic pieces. Some of the other reviews of the SA’s seem to pander to either getting reviewer’s discounts or not angering know-it-all audiophiles, I feel.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend. I appreciate you watching and sharing your experiences 😊👍

[@ruvamsi]

This speaker is on my shortlist for desktop options. I'm also exploring single driver/full range bookshelf designs such as Lowther and Omega though I've never heard one myself. Would love to hear your thoughts on single driver implementations. I think you do an amazing job communicating about something as abstract as sound, thanks for your content!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Vamsi. Much appreciated 😊👍 I have heard some very fine sounding single driver designs over the years. Voxativ, Eclipse. They can work really well in smaller rooms. If done right they should have a clean sound with excellent imaging and wide sweet spot. Very good micro dynamics as well. The limitations are more around macro dynamics, bass extension and high frequency roll off. That’s why they work better in the nearfield or semi-nearfield. Just my opinion, of course 😉

[@vittoriomartinidonati]

Hello Tarun, thanks for another great review, I am a very happy owner of the SA that I use in neat field/desktop with Yamaha rn803d and Rel t5i sub with fantastic results, also I have the Willsenton R8 (with Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand SE) of which I am very satisfied as well.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Vittorio. You have some very nice equipment 😊👍

[@nicoras8803]

Hi Tarun, very good verbal review of this speaker, one could easily imagine what it would perform like and who should find it satisfying and look out for.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Nico 😊👍

[@razerblade3121]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Nice review, enjoyed it. I would be fascinated on your opinions on Graham Audio Chartwell LS6 Floorstanders, its been on my list that's caught my eye. This review of the non-floor standers captivated me: www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/bookshelf-standmount-speaker-impressions.8941/page-4

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@razerblade3121 I would love to take a look at those at some point. Had a quick skim read through the review. Very thorough and well presented 😊👍

[@ChoySekMunSimon]

It's quite true the LS3/5a is relatively forgiving towards the choice of amplification used with it and being a long time user of a pair from Spendor, I've used a slew of various integrated and power amps for it. One thing I have discovered from listening to this speaker is that it needs frequent usage as well as an amplifier that has current control vs power. I've used in the past, an old NAIM NAIT2 integrated amplifier that has a handful of watts and the music reproduced was quite engaging with lots of PRAT off the LS3/5a's. That being said, the resident LS3/5a is now running off a 300 watt power amp and with sufficient current, fills my small room quite nicely. Note: I cheat with the inclusion of a pair of REL Q subwoofers running in parallel. Great insight into the Sound Artist and I look forward to more of such reviews. Stay safe and listen to more music.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences Simon 😊👍

[@dittonworks]

I’ve often wondered what these were like? Thanks for investigating 👍 I reviewed the Falcon Acoustics Gold Editions last month. No where near the quality of your reviews but I thoroughly enjoyed doing it.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you DW. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@dittonworks]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 would love it if you took a peek 😬

[@default1256]

Been a while since I commented, great review though! First one I've come across for these speakeds that's objective. They kind of remind me of the old B&W DM5's, which had a warm sound to them as well. I still can't get over myself for selling them some ten years back

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Great to hear from you. I have some old favourites I can’t seem to part with too 😊👍

[@MaxZappa1]

Hi Tarun, talking of classic British speakers and in particular the BBC LS3/5a, in the last year I have purchased not 1 but 2 pairs of early Linn Kan Mk1 speakers off ebay. To cut a long story short I have had both pair of Kans restored by a professional restorer, who tested and measured the internal components, discovering unsurprisingly that the capacitors and in some cases the resistors making up the crossovers, were measurring way off their original specification. The restoration also included replacing the internal wiring, butyl seals, replacing the binding posts with new gold-plated ones and enabling removal of the grilles by modifying them to be removable with velcro. I can say that the change in sound following the restoration is quite extraordinary, the cost of each restoration being £297 a pair. Since I paid around £350 per pair off ebay, the total cost of each pair is £647 pair plus postage. Having never actually heard the BBC LS3/5a I understand that the Linn Kan Mk1 was considered a quasi BBC LS3/5a , with the same enclosure, Kef B110 driver but less complex crossover, producing a more coloured yet livelier toe-tapping sound. So in short I now have two excellent pairs of early Linn Kan Mk1 speakers, they differ slightly in the fact that they are fitted with different tweeters, being Scanspeak and Hiquphon. Both are great. I post this comment in the hope that you may consider creating a video about the risks or pitfalls of buying 40 year old loudspeakers, in particular regarding the degradation of electrical components, whilst at the same time promoting the benefits, which in my case are the acquisition of classic hi-fi speakers given a new lease of life through restoration at a perfectly resaonable cost. I believe I could not buy a pair of speakers of this quality new for £647.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching Nige. I really enjoyed learning about your experiences 😊👍

[@TheRealWindlePoons]

As ever, good review, Tarun. I offer my usual dose of trivia. Bextrene woofers were a great step forward in speaker technology when introduced. Raw pulp or paper cones are inclined towards a "shouty" colouration when pushed and often have a coating of dope (a hard rubber finish which is painted on) to counteract this. Bextrene is a polymer which suffered in the same way and had a coating of "plastiflex" dope (you can actually see the brush marks in the picture of the KEF B110 in your video). When introduced they were a great step forward in low-colouration sound reproduction though. When polypropylene cones first arrived they were heralded as "latest and greatest" but not universally welcomed. One well-regarded speaker designer said that to his ears, those first polypropylene drive units had a "quacky" colouration. It was a dozen or more years before speaker analysis techniques advanced to the point of proving he was correct. For their original intended purpose, I would still be more than happy to have a pair of original licensed LS3/5As either side of my mixing desk in a small or home studio. As you mention with the Sound Artist versions though, they are not very efficient and do not go loud, so not ideal for everyone in a domestic environment. Great near-field monitors though. I would be fascinated to hear your views if you could compare these to a BBC spec pair, with bextrene cones and Tygan grilles in place. The original LS3/5a is still one of my four favourite classic speakers (the other three being Celestion SL6, any version of Quad electrostatic and most Lowther horns). Thanks again for your review of (I'll call it a tribute to) a loudspeaker classic.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Hi John, fascinating to get your insights. Speaker cone materials seem to have come a long way with the Aramids and carbon fibre cones. I am looking forward to getting some of those home to take a closer look 😊👍

[@davet3804]

I agree totally with your speaker list ! ( I remember the epos es14 too)

[@beagle7622]

I bought some in 1979, which I still have. They are almost identical to look at & I am told the crossover is basically identical. The mid range & tweeter are original. Not sure what wood was used but they are beautifully put together. I drive them with a Rotel 50W power amp. I have been offered $2200 for them , they are not for sale.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That is great. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@williamsiu6291]

Great review as always!! Well done Tarun :) Those are lovely speakers but I’d say they sound a tad closer to harbeth P3 than to LS3-5A.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you William 😊👍 Good point. Quite possibly 🤔

[@frostycanada6404]

Hello Tarun, another great review and I love the fact that you are reviewing affordable well made Chinese products. I alway wanted a Spendor 1/2 or Harbeth HL5 but they are just too pricey. Wharfedale to the rescue and I gladly purchased a beautiful pair of Chinese made Linton’s Heritage. Wester manufacturers really need to reinvent themselves. Why not produce a new design, different sounding UK made speaker with different material, easier lower cost construction at a more reasonable price point? If they don’t the Chinese will definitely do it for them, I sometimes I’m happy for that. Thanks again, stay safe, Brian PS: There’s also the SOUNDARTIST S5B which seems to be the ProAc version of your speakers for like $200 USD a pair. Would love a review of these, and to compare and contrast against your model of ProAcs.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Brian. Great to learn about your experiences. I does look like a ProAc clone. Ridiculously cheap. Thanks for the heads up 😊👍

[@richardherbert3519]

Hi Tarun, very interesting video.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching Richard 😊

[@1959ludo]

Good evening, I have two Major issues: first one: Buying a speaker without a listen is a great risk, second one: buying from the internet is also a major risk. When I want to buy something that I want to have I go to a local dealer. The last audio product I bought was a headphone made in China : a Hifiman Sundara. But I went to my dealer to have a close listening and he is the seller and he gives service and the price is the same. I love your reviews, keep up your good work. Ludo

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Ludo. I am all for supporting your local dealers whenever you can 😊👍

[@mojo2382]

Great Reviews In my one system I have Mint McIntosh Integrated Tube Amp 2275 mated to Bowers and Wilkins 805 D Also have completely restored Kenwood 9600 Reciever

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Mojo. Nice system 😊👍

[@robfranklin1032]

Well done! Love the channel. I have a pair of KEF 101s... love them would love a review of them?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Rob. I haven’t heard one of those for many years 😊👍

[@J.Christ-man]

I have two pairs of the Kef 101's. These pairs are updated to what Kef recommended back in the 80's with the T27, remove the paint from the dome and change out the cigarette styled filter under the dome with a light packed mineral wool. Made them come alive. Also bypass the S-stop circuit. Definitely are some of my most favorite sounding speakers. I'll take them hands down over the new (Bose-like) Kef. Raymond Cook was the one that gave us the tips on improving them. And he is so missed in my ears opinion 😅

[@philiprichardson5645]

Great review again Tarun, with a nice balance between the technical and descriptive. A few Qs on the Sound Artists, if you wouldn't mind indulging me: ? Does it snap into focus at low volumes, as this is key for me, as I'm a low volume listener (65-70db max)? ? Does it, do you think, sound fwd in the presence region, as I dislike spkrs that have a hump, or glare, around 1-3khz? ? Is natural sibilance in recordings: exacerbated, portrayed neutrally, or somewhat rounded off? (I ask as I struggle with brutally honest spkrs like ATCs that give you everything warts and all, and reproduce sibilance with no quarter given)? I respect what ATCs do, though, I should add, as they are like microscopes into recordings. ? Is there enough bottom end to make the spkr sound full and warm, as I can't tolerate thin sounding spkrs, though I know this will have (very) limited bass I look fwd to hearing from you on the above and keep up the great work👍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I suspect these speakers may fit what you are looking for. Although, a lot will depend on partnering equipment and room setup. They are good at low levels, not bumped up in the presence region, have good sibilance control for the price and a bit of warmth in the lower frequencies. They may be worth you checking out 😊

[@archiemacdonald553]

great review tarun as always .not for me but think it will be a great buy for some . 😊😊😊

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Archie. I appreciate you watching 😊👍

[@zindahoon]

Surly needed your thoughts on this as original Roger’s are still popular, cheers Tarun

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Atri 😊👍

[@beagle7622]

I have a set. They are a clone but have the Kef B110 driver & the original tweeter . I am not what wood they are made of but not chipboard or MDF . An expert told me the crossover was close to identical to the original. They are slightly larger than you quoted. Sound gorgeous & they go very low in the bass . They are just honest. I run them with a 50 watt Rotel Power Amp & a Rega Apollo. Fabulous Speaker. Turned down 2 really surprising offers for them.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Sound like you a little jam on your hands. Thank you for watching and sharing 😊👍

[@dctdave.buttybach]

Hello Tarun, I like your reviews in general 👍🏻 Would the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 bookshelf speakers have the edge over the Sound Artist LS3/5A 🤔 I have a small 10’x8’ room requiring speakers that will be wall mounted on swivelling brackets, if you can offer any advice I would be most grateful.

[@dougg1075]

They are good .. just get them:) great review

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Doug 😊👍

[@lsim001]

Nice review. I've been curious about Sound Artist speakers in general but was worried about the hassle of getting them in the UK.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Lim. I understand, there is always a bit of a risk when you haven’t got a local distributor. Lee has a fine reputation though 😊

[@brucermarino]

Tarun, an excellent review as usual. Two things come to mind. Do I remember correctly that the original made quite a thing of using birch plywood? And second, with respect to near field listening, any thoughts on the famous BBC bump? Thanks again, my friend!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Bruce. Yes the original is made from Baltic Birch Plywood. It has a dip in the presence region which helps give it it’s smooth midrange response 😊👍

[@ArunKumar-ud3uq]

Tarun, your reviews are unbiased and well rounded. Me and my 9 yr old son love watching them. I am looking to build a near-field/desktop setup. As a first step I got the Sound Artist LS3/5a and now in the market for an new/used integrated amplifier around the $1000 mark (can go up a bit if needed). Would prefer a one box solution as real estate is premium on the computer desk but open to suggestions. Any recommendations ?

[@ArunKumar-ud3uq]

I just realized that I haven’t given much information on the type of music I listen to. But the idea is pair the Sound artist with an amp that would get them playing to best of their ability.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@ArunKumar-ud3uq thank you Arun. The first thing that comes to mind would be a Hegel H95. If that is too big a jump the Audiolab 6000 Play would be a good choice. Please tell your son that Tarun says “Hi, I hope you enjoy listening to music on dad’s hifi!” 😊👍

[@ArunKumar-ud3uq]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 - Appreciate the suggestions. Any thoughts on pairing them with either NAD C368 (class D may not preferred by many) or Musical Fidelity M2si ? There are few used ones at attractive price. My son says 👋, he does love to listen in a good setup.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@ArunKumar-ud3uq good brands but I haven’t heard those models yet 😊

[@renzobarerodriguez2550]

I have them for about a year already, paired with a Nad power amp, balanced cables from a SMSL dac, also paired with a B&W subwoofer, playing from a mac mini , as you said it....sweet sound, beautiful with jazz, voices are very clear and natural. Not a rock and roll speaker...but...then you change it for your rock speakers you should have...lol

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences Renzobare 😊👍

[@paulkabrna345]

When i was relatively new to HiFi in the early 1970's, i remember aspiring to the original BBC Monitors in partnership with the Rogers Ravensbrook or Ravensborne amplifier.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎

[@sudd3660]

the speaker is adorable, i love it :)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎

[@jeffkalina7727]

Well done. Will be nice to hear the review of one of the 3 legit versions vs this.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Jeff. I hope to do just that 😊👍

[@devrajbanerji9039]

Great video

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Raj 😊👍

[@dougg1075]

Love love mine. Have in a bedroom system with a Pioneer SX750. Very rich and full for the size Waiting on my Wilsenton R8

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎

[@thisisnev]

Thanks for another well-considered review, Tarun! I wonder how these speakers would sound when paired with vintage amplifiers from the time the original LS3/5A was designed?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

They are an easy load so as long the sound character is what you are looking for they should work well with many vintage amps. Thank you for watching buddy 😊👍

[@davet3804]

I have used Rogers ls35a (15ohm) with exposure or quad for years.superb. But recently got NVA and was utterly astonished at improvement.

[@coraldonna1]

Thank you so much for this latest film- informative and entertaining. I note that you have your equipment stacked on glass- is there a sonic difference between glass /wood hi-fi stacks? Not knocking Chinese knock-offs!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you CA. There is no sonic benefit to having glass shelves. Probably the other way round if anything. Wood provides better damping. It was merely an aesthetic decision 😊👍

[@2HatHudders]

So glad your reviewing some of the china hifi store, their site can be very enticing at times.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Hardeep. They have some really cool stuff 😊👍

[@ap5672]

Proac Response 1SC! You sir have taste. I have the Response 1S that I still use until today from 1992 and they are still wonderful.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. It is a great speaker 👍

[@charlesclifton1006]

Interesting review and appreciated. Nice to know that these speakers partner up nicely with the Hegel H-95. For near-field these speakers sound like a fabulous buy without breaking the bank. For near-filed, I am currently using Kef Q150s and they are fine with my current tube amp but? I do think an upgrade would be in order. Now Tarun, you mentioned that you will be producing a review on the Willsenton R8. Now that I am looking forward to in a big way. (very big). I have to wonder where the Chinese get some of these names from(?) Willsenton? .... sounds like the name of a small town in Surrey (like Cobham) with one pub. In any case, I guess the Chinese prefer a British sounding name over say, an American name like Schiit? Okay I'll stop ... bring on the Willsenton (and the Pub) Charles, Canada

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Charles. Willsenton, sounds like an old village in the English countryside. The R8 review won’t be too far down the line 😊👍

[@larrywe3320]

Impressive ! Thanks...

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Larry 😊👍

[@gaborozorai3714]

I have another Chinese LS3/5a clone, the Mistral. Yes, they do only come into their own when used near-field. The best setup in my room is with not the speakers but myself sat close to the wall and the speakers in free space 5 feet away, pulled wide apart and toed in to cross in front of the listening position. And when you're listening close-up little power is required, like 9W of 300B valves in my case.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences Gabor 😊

[@cosmicgirl2761]

They look stunning and for the price

[@GrandTrunkWestern85]

They really do. I seen them at my local music shop that sells equipment new end used. He had a pair of these in there on a trade up. And was marked $475 and this is before I knew what they were and they were really really nice looking I was thinking $475 do they not work to deal with these things?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I agree. Thank you for watching 😊

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@GrandTrunkWestern85 thank you for watching and sharing your experiences 😊

[@studamanduncan9728]

Wow.A Hi Fi reviewer that didn't bore me.We need to talk .

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎

[@hugobloemers4425]

I am looking forward to the new Rogers review.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I hope to get there 😉👍

[@edwinblokland9454]

nice review....are you already been able to review the original one?

[@yannickfrancois9632]

Thanks Tarun, fan off you at the very beginning! Just wondering as I’m new to this hobby, how do this speakers(as other ls3/5a) and proac tablette 10 will do with small tube amplifiers? I’ m saving up for the luxman sq n150, but very confusing at this time. some say it works perfectly, other say no way to low sensitivity! Of course the purpose of use is in a small nearfield setup. I ve mentioned proac as you have those speakers and some people claim they are rather fatiguing and need much more power .Any way, just liking your reviews, you sound like a trustworthy intelligent guy with a really nice voice.Maybe you can get us trough this pandamic😉

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Yannick. A lot of people have had success with ProAcs powered by low powered valve amps. Stewart Tyler (founder and designer of ProAc) himself confirmed that to me in a conversation we once had. It is a similar story with the Ls3/5A. Watts relates to how loud it will play. If you are listening within a couple of metres at no more than 70-75dB even the 10W Luxman SQ N150 should do fine. Of course, can’t say for sure until you try it 😊👍

[@yannickfrancois9632]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks Tarun!😉Definitely gonna try to hear the proacs 10 signatures and let’s say the new original ls3/5a(falcon maybe) for comparison with low powered tube amps. visually and aesthetically it makes sense, important by the way, but often you see small monitors with rather beefy amps, and yes that makes sense to very often😊

[@JosefTreiber]

I bought them some months ago. It's like you said, you can't play them loud, there the sound is distorted. But at low to moderate levels they are wonderful. I love them for Jazz, but they can also Metal (at low volume).

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Josef. I appreciate you watching and sharing your experiences 😊👍

[@hamzatatta952]

I like your honest reviews, so it will be great with jazz vocals, how does it handle the separation of instruments, and would that depend on the am ?, I am still using a quad 303 to , pair it with nva p20 passive

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. They deserve decent amplification 😊

[@yiasemi]

Here in Hong Kong these speakers make a lot of sense in our small apartment spaces. Guessing urban dwellers here and in Japan have made many of those sales.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

The Japanese market has been massively important for the LS3/5A and many classic British bookshelf speakers over the years. Including my ProAc Response 1SCs 😊

[@2HatHudders]

I've finally taken the plunge on these, I really hope the build quality hasn't changed!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎 please let me know how you get on 😊

[@2HatHudders]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 will do!

[@2HatHudders]

​@@abritishaudiophile7314 Honestly, they are much better than I thought, even the built quality. Definitely better in near field, I didn't quite like them in the typical stereo situation. Just too small, either, I think there's a great tone to them, voices and strings sound great. Lots of bass too.

[@jim586]

Hi there. Good thorough review as always. You/we may have missed the boat regarding the Willsenton R8 and that’s before you even review it! The mini wave of exciting valve amps from China seem to be a victim of their own success. The Willsenton and the Doge 10s are not available for weeks if not months and they can’t keep up with orders. I’ve written to Doge about availability 3 times and have had no response which is a shame but also telling if anything went wrong. Cheers

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Yes Doge don’t seem to have a great reputation for customer service. I think you would be better off with the Willsenton R8 from Lee at China Hifi even if there is a bit of a waiting list.

[@jim586]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Yes, you’re probably right. My goodness does the Doge 10 looks special though. All the best

[@jim586]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Ooh, one more thing. I have Quadral Galan 9s. They’re 85db(although HiFi World said they measured 90db) and 4 ohm. Do you think the R8 would struggle to drive them?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@jim586 it seems to have plenty of current capability and a 4 ohm tap. Maybe worth a try 😉

[@jim586]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you. Look forward to the R8 review. Good health.

[@MrSmokingsanta]

I've looked for a long time to find speakers that satisfy the following criteria: (1) small form factor to be used on a desktop (2) near field use only (3) use at low to medium volume (4) placed very close to a wall (5) not ported or at least front ported (back will be almost touching a wall) (6) good sound quality (7) not too expensive since this is used only as a second system but I will use it a lot I just couldn't find anything on the market that satisfy all these criteria until I found these SA LS3/5A speakers. The SA LS3/5A do sound quite unique. I would describe them as sounding somewhat like FM radio, but in a very good way. Voices seem to really stand out so I don't know if this is good or not, but just different. I've never heard of a real LS3/5A but if these speakers are any representation of the real thing, then I'm not sure I would spend a few thousand bucks for this kind of sound. Don't get me wrong, these speakers do sound very good, but just different, and I like them. I will only be willing to pay a few hundred though, so these SA LS3/5A work very well for me.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@tomchan2559]

I was just looking at this at their website.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎

[@infn]

I have a pair of P3ESRs on my desktop and I've still been tempted to get these, just to see how far off they are.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

If you do, please let me know how you get on 😊

[@robertvonk4031]

Well I could buy these Soundartist for less then €400 new in the box from somebody who changed them for some original Rogers LS3/5a. Due to the low efficiency a minimum of 30W RMS amplifier is required. Indeed you have to listen on a short distance and yes the midrange and high is excellent. Even the low is amazing good for such a small size loudspeaker, 70Hz is the -3dB point but on average listening level clear and without distortion. I am very satisfied with them!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎 great purchase 😊

[@jameschan2404]

You always speak the truth.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you James 😊👍

[@wcg66]

Great review. I’m so tempted to order a pair. The price of the “real” version are getting crazy, probably to the point where they aren’t competitive.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you😊👍 These fill a nice niche in the market 😊

[@prembajwa57]

Hi Toruń ..I m from Malaysia one who also loves his Punjabi and Hindi both new and old music. My current setup is an Active Klipsch R15 PM pair with a same make 10 inch sub. Love them. Previously I had a marantz amp with Audio pro bookshelves. My source is Utube only (for now] . To meet my dream of upping my listening and within my humble budget, since my marantz amp does not have a sub out, I m wondering what your view on Kef LS w2 is?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Hi Prem, great to hear from you. I listen to a lot of stuff on KZbin too. I haven’t heard the LS50W MkII but my initial impression of the MkI was a good system with a tonal balance on the cool side of neutral 😊

[@vittoriomartinidonati]

Hello Tarun, waiting for the R8 review!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Coming soon 😉

[@JoseGarcia-oo4mc]

Thanks

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Must welcome 😊👍

[@ShanePleasance]

I forget how much I love a good small speaker. All 3 of my systems have floorstanders.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Wow. Three floorstanders. I wish I had your space 😊

[@michaelswitzer3186]

Question please: my problem is that I have a very large living room (12 feet by 37 feet). But if I listened from a distance of only 8-10 feet from the speakers, would they work acceptably? I’d very much like to buy a pair as I love vocals, particularly female vocals (think,e.g., Nina Simone singing Wild is the Wind). Thank you from New York City.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Yes, Michael. That can work. Check out my video on speaker setup 😊

[@s2v2e2n2d2]

Hej . Thanks for the review ..Would you say it is better than Linn Kan?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thanks. It has been a long time since I heard the Kan 😊

[@jked7463]

I just can't get over the time alignment issue created by the woofer being mounted to the back of the baffle, but the tweeter mounted to the front of the baffle. That's exactly the opposite of what physics dictates. Yes, you can play with the crossover settings to realign the phase offset. But......physics says it is wrong. That said, another excellent review. Thx.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I am not sure why the BBC boffins did that 🤔 Thank you for watching and commenting JK 😊👍

[@jked7463]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 my only thought as to the tweeter placement was a lack of ability to create a wave guide and minimize edge diffraction. The probably figured they could adjust the time arrival by changing phase in the crossover. Many engineers love to cite a study that says people can't hear time arrival, only frequency response problems due to time arrival/ phase. I can hear it. Bugs the crap out of me. Why the woofer is behind the baffle, I'm baffled. Pun intended. I brought time arrival up to the engineer at klipsch. He actually got mad at me. I backed off since I was his guest and he was showing me the facility. I have often wanted to get a pair of klipsch speakers, build a new box that aligns the drivers, think tannoy westminster with a jbl everest horn arrangement on top and redo the crossover to work with the proper time arrival. I bet the increase in clarity, imaging, loss of edginess from minimizing comb filtering would be amazing. But I have too many projects as it is and my wife would kill me if I started cutting up brand new speakers I paid for.

[@jked7463]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 btw, just finished sheffield labs "the king james version" direct to disc. While I'm not a fan of the title, if you don't have it in vinyl, get it. It is amazing and the back story is interesting as well.

[@RennieAsh]

I'd be more interested in the effects of the large amounts of "edge" in front of the bass driver. Maybe it actually helps with something? I notice many older speakers and also cheap boom systems seem to use this partial tube loading of bass drivers. Maybe it's just easier to make one circle in the wood than to route out the pincushion frame

[@roblawrence4792]

Another nice review Tarun. This version of the original is pretty temping, all things considered. Needs a better logo though :) Still looking forward to the Harbeth and original LS 3/5a when you get a chance. Thanks again!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Rob. Hope to get to them in time 😊👍

[@BadChizzle]

Hello my friend! You’re the bestest!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Great to hear from Chuk. I hope you are well? Stay safe my friend 😊👍👍

[@kirlu50]

Very interesting! My wonderful small Penaudios are 33 centimeters deep including banana plugs so they take a lot of room on my desk.. Therefore I have seriously considered some itiration of the LS3/5A for my office. Had they not been built in China (I try to support European industry when possible), these would be the ones. If I do eventually find a good second hand set, and buy it, I will have to figure out what to do with those lovely Penaudios.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Good luck with the hunt and thank you for watching 😊👍

[@kirlu50]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 No, Thank you!! And by the way, since you set me straight regarding Steve Guttenberg, I have been enjoying a considerable number of his videos. I saw his review of the Gato Amp 150, and I have found myself really wanting it. Partly out of pride (I am Danish), but mostly because it is an absolutely beautiful object. And apparently good, according to Steve G.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@kirlu50 as you know I am a fan of Steve G, the man, his values, his work ethic and experience as a reviewer. I know some things about him that I can’t share here but make me respect him more. He is at stage where he can just turn the camera on a talk about how he feels about a product. I don’t think he has to worry about trying to cover the bases and produce a detailed, objective review. That Gato amp looks interesting 😊

[@TheBursonAudio]

Hi Tarun, Great review, as usual! Would you like to be the first in the UK to review our Timekeeper 3i integrated amp? It could be an interesting match for the LS3/5A. Happy Listening, Alex

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Hi Alex, would love to. Can I email you?

[@TheBursonAudio]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Hi Tarun, yes please drop us a line at our main email: [e-mail] and we will get things moving.

[@TheBursonAudio]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Hi Tarun, looking forward to your message. Warm regards Alex

[@TheBursonAudio]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Please drop us a line at: [e-mail]

[@bergennorway]

Will you test the Respons Ratio Auream? They are similar to this, based on LS3, as far as I know…

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I haven’t come across them. Thank you for the suggestion 😊

[@Unker_Spunkanathan]

Yes, a very interesting review. So is this a licensed version or a modern interpretation of the classic? Small monitors are very popular with the Chinese whom I believe listen in small space n more for relaxation & an intimate experience. Anyway, it's a STUDIO MONITOR! I would imagine it to be placed no more than 2m from the listener.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you SP. It is an unlicensed version 😊👍

[@Unker_Spunkanathan]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 ah! An inspired version😝

[@eddihaskell]

I have an old pair made by Harbeth locked away in the closet in the original box. I need to unpack them and try them out!

[@karlailin]

I have a one request for you. I just want you to review a single driver speaker - full range, i.e. Cube Audio or something like that. If it's possible. Just wanted to know your take on it. Please.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Kartik. I have heard some demos of good ones over the years. I hope to get to do one at some point 😊

[@mgsboedmisodpc2]

Kent Engineering & Foundry (KEF) .........learn something new everyday

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Me too 😉

[@fletchermunson6225]

Looks like it started out as an old Quonset hut left from D-Day preparations.

[@kurts4867]

Kent Engineering and FOUNDRY....though Kef was someone's last name....cool....

[@TheRealWindlePoons]

Kent seems to be a bit of a hot-spot for quality loudspeakers. In addition to KEF we also have Lowther whose products are firmly high-end and with something like 95% of their output going for export, highly regarded in Italy, Japan & the USA.

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

What Hi-fi in January 1981 gave the following prices: Audiomaster LS3/5A £180 Chartwell LS3/5A £189 Rogers LS3/5A £180 JR149 £160 SuperWoofer LPA £207 Kef 101 £185 Looking at purchasing power £100 in 1980 would need £431.64 in 2020. So £180 in 80/81 would be about £776 today. That is around the price you could pay today for an original pair. Many manufacturers made LS3/5A including Chartwell, Kef (94-98) and Rogers (who resumed making them for £2750 in 2019). Falcon make LS3/5A for £2500. JR149 are cylindrical shaped. Have more bass than the LS3/5A. They require a powerful amplifier e.g. Meridian 105 100W mono blocks. The Kef 101 works well with lower powered amplifiers such as the A&R Cambridge A60 or the Cambridge Audio P80. I wonder how the LS3/5A compare to modern Adam near field active speakers A5X (£340) or A7X.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Very interesting. Thank you Gerald 😊👍

[@garyalexander5686]

Hi Tarun: As a long time owner of the Falcon Acoustics LS3/5A I was prepared to dismiss these speakers as pretenders. After your review I'm willing to say they likely have a niche in the market. I can understand how they might appeal to some. Perhaps they might be best approached not as an LS3/5A clone but judged strictly on what they can and cannot do. Based on your review they do have admirable and desirable qualities. But if one's goal is to fully experience the wonder of this classic design there's no substitute for the real thing.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I would be inclined to have the same opinion Gary. Thank you for watching 😊👍

[@matthewtaylor7355]

Try listening before assuming... 1 middle class reviewer preferred em to ur Jesus like reverence for the Falcs

[@marcbrummel8566]

Puh, were do i start? Was one of the first owners of Willsenton R8 with first stock tubes who bought the SoundArtist. It was great with EL34. After i changed to KT88 it looses some magic. The other speaker i had was Harbeth P3ESR who beat the SA in many ways, but not in "punchyness & fun". Later i get some LS3/5a from Falcon, Gold badge. They had the punch i missed from the Harbeth AND the clearness of the Harbeth. Now i bought a Line Magnetic 219 (this 55kilo Monster, similar to the 845 premium here) compley different sound, huge upgreate for the falcons. Back to topic. The Soundartist are nice, but meanwhile i would say, for 600 Euro overall, look for something else. They are to expensive for what you get, and not even close for a real LS3/5 setup. Here on sale in germany. Thank you.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences Marc.

[@marcbrummel8566]

Thats the reason i never get a discount from Mr. Lee 😁

[@Mrhifitunes]

Another great review Tarun. Thanks. Maybe you should review the Graham line. They have chartwell ls3/5 and ls3/5a and the new swisstone ls3 (half the price of a 3/5a). Would love to see how they compare. I thought those transformer looking inductors are indeed transformers. Different windings on primary and secondary coil could bring some benefits...not 100% sure though. Of course you listen to a ls3/5a with the grill on....look how ugly it is :P The ls3/5 doesnt have the felt and looks a lot better. I thought the felt was introduced after some change in the tweeter design and this was a 'quick fix'

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you buddy 😊👍 Thank Chartwell LS3/5 would be worth a few quid now. I would love to take a look at the Falcon crossover as they reproduced the original transformer style inductors. It is hard to tell from photos how exactly it is constructed 🤔

[@Mrhifitunes]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 can buy the ls3/5 still now for same price as ls3/5a. Check website from Graham. They bought license. Pity they don't put the cheaper Swiss tone ls3 on their site. It's modern version of ls3/5a by Graham ( not licenced so only 1/2 price) it's also slimmer cabinet as they took the original and mounted the drivers on the side plate. About the transfo in xo design. It's used to setup/ down the signal and also for impedance adjustments. I think there are only a few who still use it. (Complex and expensive probably)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Mrhifitunes from what I understand the BBC had difficulty getting consistency to get the 3/5 out in any quantity. The engineers had to rework the design. Hence the 3/5a. May not be an issue these days for Graham Audio.

[@Mrhifitunes]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Follwing the spec's from BBC wasn't easy. the birth of ls3/5a was due to changes in specs by KEF. But in 1974, before outside production began in earnest, the BBC's engineers discovered that KEF had altered, apparently without notice, the designs of the B110 and T27 drivers. That prompted three changes: a redesign of the speaker's crossover, to compensate for the audible differences between the old and new drivers; the installation of a thick felt corral around the tweeter's mounting plate, to keep that driver's output from roaming into the enclosure's front edge; and a new name: LS3/5a . Graham ls3/5 looks more like a harbeth P3esr. www.grahamaudio.co.uk/products/ls35/

[@vivianvaldi7871]

@@Mrhifitunes Tarun is one of the first guy around making people understand if u lesson to your music at 2-3 meters with smaller 3 to 5' much lighter units u'll get better sonic result than with a bunch of 10' going up to the ceiling. They don't quite realize what hell is 90 dB at 2m. 80dB is where I stand. Thx for this info.