Looks interesting Musical Fidelity jumps aboard the LS3/5a train | Darko.Audio “ Musical Fidelity how joins that list of new production LS3/5a manufacturers with a version that has been built to “BBC R&D design 1976/29”. The upshot is a nominal impedance of 15 Ohms and a 82.5dB/W/M sensitivity rating. The full specifications list is as follows: Type: Two-way, closed Frequency response: 80Hz-20KHz +/-3dB Nominal Impedance: 15 Ohms Sensitivity: 82.5dB/W/M Woofer: 110mm cone Tweeter: 19mm dome Recommended amplifier: 20-150W Cabinet: 12mm birch plywood Finish: Palisander veneer Dimensions: 305 x 190 x 165mm (HxWxD) Weight: 4.9Kg (each speaker)”
I saw that. I’ve actually been keeping track of the LS3/5a reissues (ie, those released after the original production run). They include: Falcon Stirling Broadcast Richard Allen Graham Audio Audio Space Rogers Musical Fidelity Audio Space is the only non-UK manufacturer that has produced a BBC-licensed reissue.
When I saw the announcement for this MF offering, in my mind just popped an enormous WHY?!! What could the offer more / better (at the sane price) than the Graham, Sterling, Kef, Falcon and Rogers? It is going to sell in numbers that justify the production investment? Why not create a new design based on the LS3/5a? For me this kind of revivalism, in the place of invention and creativity, is just nonsense... just my opinion.
I've never heard them and I guess I just don't get it because of that, but its 16 ohm, infinite baffle, not very deep size wise, only gets down to 80 hz is very expensive (£2500) and has inset drivers with sticky out cabinet edges. So is the last 40 years of speaker development nonsense do bass reflex, 8ohm, deep cabinets matter. Every modern speaker has deep cabinets it must be for a reason. There must be a market for it I guess.
They don’t sound the same. Example … the Rogers Classic has a bit more sparkle than the Harbeth. As much as I love Harbeth speakers, I prefer Rogers and Graham Audio’s LS 3/5a.
7 UK manufacturers are now producing it. That's extraordinary in audio terms. And I struggle to think of a similar situation in another field. Perhaps have a listen?
Yes, vintage units should sound the same regardless of manufacturer, although different generations used different crossovers and consequently sound slightly different. There were also differences over time in cabinet construction. As for the modern recreations, because they all have to use substitute drivers as the original KEF drivers are out of production, they could indeed sound different.
Our demonstration was done with Musical Fidelity's new BBC-inspired LS3/5A design. This speaker's nominal impedance of 15 ohms means that it doesn't require much current, and that suits the new A1 perfectly. How does the new A1 sound? It is hard to make any firm judgement in a show environment, but the first impressions are certainly positive. I hear a bold and full-bodied sound; one that's richer, smoother and more easy-going than is typically the fashion today. The demo room was massive and packed with people, so it isn't fair to talk about dynamics, detail levels or rhythmic drive. Even so, the listening experience leaves me wanting to hear more and eager to try the little amplifier in the more familiar surroundings of our listening room (we have a review sample coming soon). At a suggested retail price of €1599, and a likely UK price below £1500, the new Musical Fidelity A1 is certainly a tempting proposition.
I can’t decide between this for $2500 or a Wharfedale Diamond 12.0 with a sock stuffed in its port for $25o.
Not always. Close sometimes, not the same as original vintage BBC licensed examples. Many of the original drivers aren't available now from KEF, or EMI.
Certainly they sound far more similar than different. Fortunately, sans attaching them to a headband and using them as cans, there are more modern speakers that outperform any LS3/5a for less coin. The LS3/5a models have better midrange and treble than any similarly sized BT speaker, so if portability is a goal (as was the primary goal for the BBC), that could be another application. I can see them being a great solution for those living in a 10’X12’ cabin in the Montana woods.
What drivers are they using? Who designed the crossover? Did they bother to get a license from the beeb?
Yes, there is two exemples. They address the same buyer/ consumer/ audiophile but are a step head in design. I believe that MF (now part of the Pro-ject Group) has the resources to do a new and innovative design, and that is the biggest part of my perplexity.
I'm wondering if they found this from some Chinese company and said, 'hey, let's slap our name on that and import it'. I'll tell you this... 'LS3/5a' manufacturers who won't tell you who makes their drivers... I can't take seriously.
Well, you've got to admit that if you're adding a new speaker to your product lineup, it's a lot easier and cheeper to add a speaker that has already been designed!
