12 replies to this topic

[Graham Andrew]

Hi,

Seeking a little advice. Considering the age of the LS3/5A the 15 ohm version, is it still considered a great speaker?

Would you consider the purchase of these speakers today, as say against a later model Harbeth P3?

Graham

[THOMO]

The LS3/5a is a coherent and refined sounding speaker but is lacking in dynamics.
Most modern speakers would beat it in this regard.

[triode12]

Save your money - there are much better speakers for the less or the same $$.

Edited by triode12, 24 February 2012 - 12:59 PM.

[Graham Andrew]

Thanks, sounds like good advice.

[guru]

as someone who listens to ls3/5a speakers every day,these are the 1 pair of numerous speakers i own that i would never sell.

[Zaphod Beeblebrox]

Speakers are like women. We will never agree on which is best. For my part, the LS3/5A was always dull, boring, but inoffensive sounding. They'll make crap recordings sound acceptable and brilliant recordings sound acceptable.

[rantan]

The LS3/5A are the most wildly over-rated speakers ever produced.
They have no particularly superior qualities and the essential design is deeply flawed IMO. How they became semi legendary is beyond my comprehension and although I have heard dozens of examples of them with a huge variety of sources and amplification, I have never once heard them live up to the hyperbole.

For those who have them and/or love them, good luck to you, after all, audio is subjective and nobody's opinion is more or less valid than my own.

YMMV.

[Tony M]

Like anything "collectable", they cost more than they are worth in terms of basic function. A lot of expensive classic cars are outperformed in many ways by current entry-level Korean runabouts, but that doesn't diminish their appeal.

So, if collectability isn't a factor, they're probably not a great buy in terms of sound quality vs $. However, I found the total package very appealing when i stumbled across a mint pair at a very good price. Part of this was the fact that I expect them to retain their value.

Also, if you have a lot of speakers, the LS3/5a's are great at not taking up much room. I like their "inoffensive" sound and really don't expect a speaker of their size to deliver a great deal more in terms of all-round ability, while accepting that they can easily be beaten by others in specific attributes.

I can relate to guru's comment. When we get dragged, kicking and screaming, from our current abode to a nursing home (not for decades, I hope), I'll have an ls3/5a under each arm. Can't say the same for the Klipsch LaScala's.

Edit G'day Rantan - You'll have to have a listen to mine with the Xindaks sometime - probably won't change anything, but I've had some pretty good feedback about the sound they produce in the study and I reckon they sound great. But, like you say, it's subjective and we all react differently. I agree with you that it is a tall order to match the hype that has grown around them over the years. I see them as a bit like a 1275cc Mini Cooper S in terms of a classic car analogy. Deeply loved and revered by many, but it's understandable that others just can't see the attraction.

Edited by Tony M, 24 February 2012 - 01:03 PM.

[ozcal]

The 3/5a can sound fairly indifferent unless set up well. Take the time to get them working well and they produce good music.
If you want better dynamics buy a pair of Gale 401's

[Tony M]

If you want better dynamics buy a pair of Gale 401's

Good thinking, Ozcal - couldn't agree more.

[Zaphod Beeblebrox]

The 3/5a can sound fairly indifferent unless set up well. Take the time to get them working well and they produce good music.
If you want better dynamics buy a pair of Gale 401's

That would be like comparing an Austin Healy Sprite to a current model Commodore. Although they are designed to do very different things, the Commodore will walk all over the Sprite in every meaningful way. Hardly a comparison. Better, would be to compare the LS3/5A to a modern, small speaker.

[vmhf]

So what have you gone for Graham?

[Graham Andrew]

Hi,

I am looking at a pair of Rogers Studio 1As, just concerned may be to large for the room. I have also played around with positioning of my Harbeths and appear to be getting better sound.

Cheers,

Graham