Graham
AUDIO
Chartwell BBC Licensed LS3/5A
The LS3/5A is perhaps the best-known of all the BBC monitor loudspeaker designs, which was originally evolved from the LS3/5. With the help of Derek Hughes, Graham Audio present both versions under The Chartwell badge.
The LS3/5 loudspeaker was originally designed by the BBC for use in a small environment and specifically to reproduce the sound of musical performance as accurately as possible. Only 20 original pairs of the LS3/5 were ever produced and due to a change in available components the LS3/5 was redesigned by the BBC as the LS3/5a.
Derek Hughes has recreated both LS3/5s using bespoke drivers from Volt loudspeakers and Seas. The crossover networks have been developed using extensive research from the original BBC Kingswood Warren curves and physical testing, using Southampton University’s anechoic chamber.
In common with all our BBC loudspeakers, the cabinet uses the classic BBC "thinwall" construction, where the panels are mass- loaded to ensure that resonances are moved away from the critical mid-range region, and a layer of Rockwool is secured
by upholstery to provide air damping. To support the authenticity of the original LS3/5A, Velcro is used to support the grille.