SoundArtist LS3/5A Monitor Speaker Review - BEST LS3/5A speakers?

LS3/5A bbc monitor speakers were famous. Rogers LS3/5A speakers being the most prominent and Chartwell LS3/5A speakers probably being the most desirable. Falcon just re-issued the licensed version of their LS3/5A speakers as well. So where does this cheap Chinese Soundartist LS3/5a that's clearly a fake LS3/5a fit in?
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#Speakers #hifi #audiophile

[@Jayiyagi]

This video is not sponsored for more info on how we work: nbtsmedia.com/about-us/ Check out relevant reviews: willsenton R8 review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4mwoX6pp6uLfMU Triangle BRO3&2 review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJi8ZY2JnNCfhtk Elac Debut Reference review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH_EeXmkmKproKM Recommended Speaker Stands: amzn.to/2TwmCdc Soundartlist LS3/5A: www.china-hifi-audio.com/en/soundartist-amplifier-speaker-c-78/soundartist-ls3-5a-monitor-bookshelf-speakers-loudspeakers-pair-p-2320?zenid=afcfe79e2aff2571fca0ad748d039ca7 Licensed LS3/5a: www.falconacoustics.co.uk/ls3-5a-full-bbc-specification.html

[@petethegreekre]

Happy New Year from Bremen, Germany Jay and everyone else.Thanks, for a year of great reviews!

[@WarinPartita6]

Happy​ 2021​ New​Year, Jay! You're​ our​ 'next​ best​ thing.'​ Thanks​ for​ sharing​ all​ the​ honest​ idea​s​ with​ us.​ May​ God​ bless​ you​ and​ the​ family.​

[@gimmigimmigimmi]

listening to this through a pair of Rogers ;) love these speakers.

[@trevorm574]

Axiom M5HP review on the way? Really liked your videos of the visit there. Hope you have a great New Years. Cheers.

[@skylordsrebornpvpreplays5795]

Great review as always! What are the top 3 DACs u would recommend around 600$? There's so many options it's tough to pick one when you can't hear them for yourself. I'm looking to buy it mainly for the Audeze LCD-X headphones I'll buy soon and maybe using it as an external DAC if possible instead of the one in Rotel A14 I use for speakers

[@alex-wk7mq]

thx,and a happy new year.

[@hongho1436]

Thank you for doing what you are doing! Happy NY!

[@joshuaschneck]

Hi Jay. Thanks for the video. Still waiting for your review of the Wilsenton R800 and particularly how it compares with the R8. I have a new pair of Tekton Electron SEs and I’m looking for a good integrated tube amp to match them with. Thanks! Josh

[@michaelmityok1001]

Wanted to say congrats to you Jay on a big year for your channel, which I believe is partly due to your courage to live your dreams instead of just dreaming. Thanks for providing the audiophile community a really useful channel for good value gear, and your generosity to me personally. I wish you a happy and prosperous New Year 2021 that sees your channel continue to grow!

[@Cartier_specialist]

Thanks, I've been trying to decide if I should save up for the Sound Artist LS3/5a or try to buy all the parts to make my own. I think your review just tilted my decision to buy the parts to build my own.

[@joankovacs6924]

Happy New Year Jay!

[@dennishaley4443]

Just rec'd the Sound Artists.....After about 12 hrs. they started to open up....wow, Then I tried the severe toe in like you suggested...WOW . I went from being disappointed when I first hooked them into to my Belles Aria. The midrange is better than mu Alon Lotus Elite ($5,000)....Linda Ronstadt never sounded so Real....Norah J. WOW...Diana Krell....yikes. I'm excited, really excited. Can't stop listening. Everyone needs a pair of these speakers. Toe in even for plain old 2 channel and for nearfield listening, I've never heard a speaker so enjoyable. I don't need a sub with this. Beautiful.

[@philiprichardson5645]

Great review, Jay, and very helpful to those considering buying a pair. Can I ask you the following: ? Do the Sound Artist spkrs snap into focus at low volumes, as not all spkrs have this trait? ? Do these spkrs: exacerbate sibilance that is present in the original recording, render it neutrally, or slightly reduce it? Do they sound warm and full, or do they tend towards sounding lean and thin? Keep up the great work, Jay, and look forward to hearing from you on the above, if you have time to reply😀

[@josephchamberlain3681]

No big thing, just a "heads-up," but there's "if you will," and "if you so choose" but as far as I know there is no "if you so will." I believe for your most commonly used cases you would use, "if you will. Thanks for all your hard work, I enjoy your videos!

[@richardatkinson4452]

What crossover point do you suggest for a sub ?

[@daveapex493]

You just re-sold me on my Fried B's as my near field monitors - Thanks

[@munlive5130]

Hi, Jay. Can you tell me how this speaker is in comparison to CSS Audio 1TD kit (original version)?

[@azzinny]

1:54 Thanks for pointing out the intended usage of LS3/5A.

[@nickking8317]

I want a pair is the wilsenton r8 a good match for these speakers?

[@gerard3797]

From a value perspective go for a second hand pair of Harbeth P3ESR for desktop use or Falcon LS3/5a for nearfield/midfield stereo use and combine it with one or two Rel t5i(s). I have the Harbeths on my desktop with a Rel t5i. Beats my living room setup (Buchardt S400) easily with vocal music and smaller ensembles. Tonality wise they are in a different league. The Harbeths are actually surprisingly versatile with all types of music, except for pounding EDM and big orchestral types of performances.

[@timc_2433]

What are you driving them with?

[@kennethjohnritsema7019]

I own a par of Raymond Cook gold-plated LS5/3A (with sub cabinets )bought them, back in the nighties . Now they are worth lots (with the original box and certificates) My advice is buy some original vintage KEF models like the Chorale , Corelli , 104AB or Cadenza. I know they are not near field loudspeakers But they sound wonderful most have a T27 tweeter ,closed cabinet and just a larger woofer also a rubber band. So these are cheaper and ....yes sound better than the LS5/3A (in a two way set up) for the majority of us . Thank you for uploading Regards Kenneth John The Netherlands

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

JA.................volledig akkoord !

[@kermitfrosch6559]

Which speaker stands you're using here? Thanks die a reply in advance.

[@zeissiez]

Happy New Year Jay! Thanks for the review

[@wongcheewai6343]

Jay when you review Willsenton R800 845 or 805🙏

[@net_news]

fantastic!! Happy 2021 Jay!

[@RoaroftheTiger]

LS 3/ 5a - the Mid Range ... the Mid Range ... the Mid Range. Simply, the LS 3/5a, in all it's iterations; has served as a template to know & understand , if nothing else - "vocal purity". Not convinced ? Just play , your favorite Female Vocalist. Young or Old; anyone's "ears" - No, It's Not the Ears alone. It's how "our" Brains process, Music & Sound can find the "familiarity", most especially in the Female Voice. Perhaps, It's a primordial trait. Regardless, a useful trait, which can helps us determine; just how "good" is that Mid Range, in any Loudspeaker.

[@c_o_l_m]

I'm conflicted on whether to buy these or save for ATC SCM 11s. I love low level detail and value bass quality over quantity.

[@fernandocoutinho6661]

atc will hold their value long term. SA no one will get them second hand unless you sell them for nothing...

[@engineer4life]

I urge you to check out the BestVox LS3/5A, 15ohms. You will be shocked by the sonic performance and finishing of the product

[@kuisin88]

Have this on my desk driving it with a 6.5 watt tube amp. Good enough for near field listening especially I don't listen to them loud.

[@pipilangstrumpf7076]

:) I have Rogers LS3/5a with Accuphase E-650, me also super happy.

[@robk5745]

@@pipilangstrumpf7076 would love to hear that set up!

[@hansiangng2808]

do you feel the heat from the tubes?

[@kuisin88]

@@hansiangng2808 Funny that you asked. I forgot to turn off the amp yesterday, and walked into my home office later in the day. I was wondering why it was so warm in there and every where in the house was pretty cool.

[@hansiangng2808]

@@kuisin88 wow. looks like the heat is real!

[@user-ys4og2vv8k]

I have a dilemma. I own Dali Menuet speakers (non SE) but have the opportunity to get a Graham Chartwell 3/5 or a Stirling BBC 3/5a for a fairly good price. Is it worth trading my Menuets for BBC monitors, in which areas are (if) they better - what do you think?

[@cmessi]

What did you choose?

[@user-ys4og2vv8k]

@@cmessi Graham Chartwell LS 3/5 - they are fabulous!

[@robh9079]

Stirling (licensed LS'ers ?) still make a set of 'bass extenders' for LS designs in general. Essentially a pair of subs tuned for LS's that sit under them resulting in a set of 2-piece, 3 way mini towers. Just over 3x the cost of a pair of stands from them....! (though I would look at considering a decent REL for much less - there's a comparison) Cheapest LS's - kit from Wilmslow UK. Parts; £260, Flat pack +£100, fully built @ £625(all ex vat). Monacor driver similar to original KEF. Been around for decades - might be a very interesting (either way!) speaker to explore.

[@zeissiez]

For desktop use, do these speakers give a satisfying bass? Do they feel bass light?

[@gerard3797]

Yes very bass light. On the other hand, bass is very difficult to manage above a desk. So these speakers paired with for example a Rel t5i sub will give you best of both. I have tried a lot of active (studio) speakers, including Hedd type 05, Adam A5x etc, but eventually settled on Harbeths P3s with Rel t5i. Also see ZeroFidelity video on desktop setup. If you really like modern music maybe the new Hedd type 05 with new subs are also a nice combo to try out. If will be a much more dynamic sound.

[@zeissiez]

Gerard. Thank for sharing your experiences and suggestions. I appreciate that.

[@johnshore3095]

I like LS50 nearfield 0.7m to my ears with the ports plugged and with subs .. excellent.

[@alanmansfield9109]

You should never use them with the covers off. They are important for the curve of the speaker .And you should use stands tuned for the speaker

[@bradgrossman5949]

What about the splendor S3/5R 2 grate sounds

[@saedamad]

Good morning and Happy New Year from Singapore

[@charliegrant3851]

You’re like concentrating hard while listening to those speakers. Doesn’t even look like you’re actually feeling the music

[@klewja]

Jay you have convinced me to sell my Rockport Atria II and get the sound artist LS3A. 😂 Thanks for telling it like it is and not pulling any punches. It is greatly appreciated in a sea of folks that just hype gear.

[@rx7dude2006]

These sound about 85% of the original speakers for a fraction of the cost.

[@dougg1075]

I have mine in a bedroom system powered by a vintage pioneer receiver.. the bass is deep as hell for a speaker this size and the over all sound is ... delicious. There’s no freakin way an original LS/35a is 2k more sound quality than this. Just get em. I got mine from China HiFi and they showed up in a about 10 days which was a pleasant surprise. Every time I go to bed I have to turn it on for a second ( if I’m just going to bed) for a second just to put a smile on my face. I did try them with a low powered tube amp and it sounded good but when I put power to them WOW! Do it

[@greensteven6262]

Very good show,,,,,, very nice computer desktop it's looks good,,,,,,,,

[@one-wayexistence4482]

At 2:05 min you say the LS3/5a has a 'colored' sound signature when it was released back then whereas at 3:10 min you say many audiophiles pick these speakers just because their lack of coloration. Are you talking of two different things here?

[@Jayiyagi]

For the lack of better words, it’s coloration is what I said at 3:10

[@gli7utubeo]

So is the KEF LS50 considered an LS3/5A? I love the LS50s (powered versions). Great nearfield on my desk.

[@goodsound4756]

What’s up with that „we finally got rid of Jay“ by Audio excellence Canada? Did you split up in anger?

[@arnolfini1434]

The instructions on my Ltd Edition KEF LS 35As say, the grilles must be left in place.

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

The grilles straightens the frequency a little. See GR research review.

[@arnolfini1434]

Straighten in the right direction so why remove the grilles!

[@greendg7]

A quick examination of the SA's guts seems to reveal that (if I was forced to guess - I have no inside information) the SA factory purchased an LS3/5A kit from Falcon Acoustics itself and then proceeded to clone the cabinet, drivers, crossover, insulation, etc., using cheaper parts. While imitation is often touted as the sincerest form of flattery and while lots and lots of companies have always ripped off each other's intellectual property over the years, it is only in recent decades that the internet provided the means with which to suggest to lots and lots of people that the clone product is just as good as the genuine article

[@marcgabor9690]

like a good cover band, you get a taste of what it's like to see the real deal live at your local bar for $5.

[@zjzozn]

⭐️👍

[@stevescott200]

just checked on Aliexpress $599 plus shipping $399

[@robk5745]

You have me sold that when I do a desktop set up this is going there. I’m thinking I nice Japanese amplifier, older Denon or accuphase? Yummy...

[@hrvojekant9415]

Falcon golden badge is above all of them...period.

[@turiddu9]

I'd say they sound virtually indistinguishable from the Rogers or the Falcons only, it would be absolute sacrilege for any self respecting reviewer to say so. Seems that every youtube reviewer that has reviewed these Chinese clones has spoken of them with similar claims, that they are 'close' to the originals. If they didn't sound like the British made BBC spec models, at least a few reviewers would have said that they are completely different. And notwithstanding: "Our Review Policy for Companies It is very important that we talk about the fate of the review unit AFTER the review. If a company wants to support us via any type of compensation, it is very important that it is talked about AFTER the review. Patreon giveaways can be pre-arranged. We do not do affiliate links for the purpose of “commissions”. NBT Studio has the rights to terminate the review process for any given reason including but not limited to solicitation for positive reviews. By sending in your product, you agree to pursue no legal action against a negative feedback of the product." I've never heard a completely negative review, nor a disclosure that a review was not published because the product did not meet with a certain quality standard. Jay, you do a great job and this post isn't an indictment of you, your people or your channel, the same can be said for all the reviewer I follow on youtube. The most critical reviews I've heard have been from Thomas and none of his are highly negative... Keep up the good work, you have very entertaining videos!

[@coolpkduck]

I don't like company label there product as "LS3/5a" with no intention of making it with BBC spec. ifi made a clone of the LS3/5a years ago (still do I think) and they let people it is just a clone. In addition, Falcon create the Q7 to milk all the woofer, tweeter and crossover that made specify for the LS3/5a. Falcon can call those Q7 a clone and yet they don't. Of course company need to make money and they should, but slipping the "LS3/5a" without the intention of licensing is a big no. I hate knock off stuff and this is one of them.

[@veniceog]

I saw these same speakers reviewed recently by another YT channel. I thought it strange that that review was quoting two other reviews and diminishing the work done by others, largely in a passive aggressive manner. I was turned off by such a negative take and sought out the other reviews and found yours. I am positive this review was being quoted. Its unfortunate that that self proclaimed expert tries to validate himself on the shoulders of others.

[@dougg1075]

Take it from me , it’s freakin bad ass.

[@creativeslink]

That speaker is just kind of hard to look at.

[@RoaroftheTiger]

Don't ! But, listen to it; especially with your Favorite Female Vocalist ( an acoustic recordings, would be better still) And You Won't "see" them ... You'll hear "her".

[@pinglunlaw3437]

talk reflect expectations of suppose limited budget.

[@gw61]

Drink every time you hear ls3/5a

[@Jayiyagi]

Promise you will have a good time lol

[@kuisin88]

I think you will be drunk very quickly.

[@gnoter2]

Addemdum: My comment wasn't directed towards any lack of ethics on your part. Your premise in the majority of your "reviews" appear sincere. It was directed more towards my viewpoint of a lack of perceived "objectivity" I perceived from the way the "review" was conducted/set up, wasn't totally helpful nor informative (for me), ... fair!? ... I realize that the majority of KZbin audio reviews are simply opinions, some taken with a finite grain of sodium! In this case, I found it wasn't sufficient informationally to have an unbiased, informed perspective.

[@greendg7]

I wonder if you hearing is fine? really

[@ghostnoterboomboom9119]

A reproduction. Get w it!

[@florianpasch2495]

I am repeating myself. I am getting stronger and stronger Darko vibes.

[@Jayiyagi]

Im repeating myself. I’ll take it as a compliment!!

[@josefserf1926]

That's how to slip a punch.

[@dilbyjones]

Yea.., no thanks.

[@samanthahung3730]

China offers you options. If you wanna pay premium, you know what to get. However, when you are tight on budget but want to taste 80-90% of the original, you have options now that may cost you 20-50% of the original. So people should stop complaining what China is offering. BTW, this SoundArtist LS3/5 is not a copy, it is officially certified by BBC.

[@Jayiyagi]

SoundArtist LS3/5 is not officially certified by BBC.

[@crissnickers_frog6689]

HNY,....RO........haha

[@greendg7]

Sorry, this not right - encouraging a Chinese knockoff industry to steal intellectual property is not cool. Fake staples and cheap drivers and the logo on the grill is just embarrassing. You going to display this in your living room, as a reviewer and lover of audio and tradition? Come on m am..

[@gnoter2]

This "review" could've been presented in a much more informative manner! It seems that your prior experience with Rogers speakers, isn't evident in your vapid attempts in describing this pair. I'm grateful that it was covered, troubled that your coverage was WOEFULLY inadequate. 'D" grade. 1.5 star. Sorry