LS 3/5A....what are they?
Posted by: anselm on 26 July 2003
I see this name attached to a lot of speaker makes and assume that it was a standard pattern that was built under licence, is this true...and were they that good that?!??? 
also there is a clear divide between folk on SBL's and isobariks, excuse my ignorance but who built isobariks and what is all the fuss about...
light blue touch paper retreat to safe distance
anselm
all art is contemporary; it is the way we look at it that changes...
also there is a clear divide between folk on SBL's and isobariks, excuse my ignorance but who built isobariks and what is all the fuss about...
light blue touch paper retreat to safe distance
anselm
all art is contemporary; it is the way we look at it that changes...
Posted on: 26 July 2003 by HTK
The answer to your first auestion is yes and yes.
The answer to your second question is Linn.
Both are legends. That takes care of the factual stuff, the wisdom will surely follow.
The answer to your second question is Linn.
Both are legends. That takes care of the factual stuff, the wisdom will surely follow.
Posted on: 26 July 2003 by undertone
Probably far too lengthy a subject for any of us to try to describe here, best if you study at the following website;
The Unofficial LS3/5a Support Site.
Ken Kessler is somehow involved, you have been warned!
The Unofficial LS3/5a Support Site.
Ken Kessler is somehow involved, you have been warned!
Posted on: 26 July 2003 by Hans 67
Hello,
I have a Nait5 and LS3/5a's. I think the combination is very good. It can not go loud, the woofers of the LS3/5a's are the limit not the Nait5. The LS3/5a's do not go very low in frequency, but my Nait5 drives them vey good and all bass that the LS3/5a's are capable of is delivered.
The LS3/5a's have a bass hump of +3 dB at 120 Hz. That means that perfect placement is somewhere in the middle of the room (definitely not with their backs to the wall). But placed good (also on proper stands) the bass tune is good to follow (I suppose the Linn Kan's are better in this area).
The midrange is the best part of the LS3/5a's. It is a nice compromise between uncoloured sound and speed. And the highs complement the mids.
The whole sound of the LS3/5a's is not the best in dynamics, but my CD-player (Marantz CD6000 KI Signature) and in a lesser way the Nait5 are more limited. My first and second upgrades are not the speakers.
Greetings, Hans
I have a Nait5 and LS3/5a's. I think the combination is very good. It can not go loud, the woofers of the LS3/5a's are the limit not the Nait5. The LS3/5a's do not go very low in frequency, but my Nait5 drives them vey good and all bass that the LS3/5a's are capable of is delivered.
The LS3/5a's have a bass hump of +3 dB at 120 Hz. That means that perfect placement is somewhere in the middle of the room (definitely not with their backs to the wall). But placed good (also on proper stands) the bass tune is good to follow (I suppose the Linn Kan's are better in this area).
The midrange is the best part of the LS3/5a's. It is a nice compromise between uncoloured sound and speed. And the highs complement the mids.
The whole sound of the LS3/5a's is not the best in dynamics, but my CD-player (Marantz CD6000 KI Signature) and in a lesser way the Nait5 are more limited. My first and second upgrades are not the speakers.
Greetings, Hans
Posted on: 27 July 2003 by Jean-Marc
I use a pair of mid 1990s Kef limited edition 3/5A (11 ohms) and they are wonderful speakers, gorgeous in their rosewood finish, when supported by good stands and driven by the right amp.
These speakers have followed my upgrade path from CD3.5/Nait3 to present system CDS2/52/250/LP12-Aro-Lingo/fraim/dedicated spur
Hans,
speaking of bass response, you won't believe what the 3/5as are able to do. I also thought bass were limited due to the speakers when driven by the Nait, now it is another story with the 250 and very good sources!
For the moment I don't feel the need to change my speakers.
my 2 cents
Jean-Marc
These speakers have followed my upgrade path from CD3.5/Nait3 to present system CDS2/52/250/LP12-Aro-Lingo/fraim/dedicated spur
Hans,
speaking of bass response, you won't believe what the 3/5as are able to do. I also thought bass were limited due to the speakers when driven by the Nait, now it is another story with the 250 and very good sources!
For the moment I don't feel the need to change my speakers.
my 2 cents
Jean-Marc
Posted on: 27 July 2003 by JohanR
As a LS3/5a owner since 1978 (still the original ones!), what can I say? They where hailed as one of the worlds great speakers in 1978, and who could guess that they, a quarter of a century later, still are!
Today I mostly use Royd RR3:s, for their control of the music, but LS3/5a:s still beat them on voices.
JohanR
Today I mostly use Royd RR3:s, for their control of the music, but LS3/5a:s still beat them on voices.
JohanR
Posted on: 27 July 2003 by Stuart M
I had LS3/5As and sold after I bought Naim IBLs. While I love Naim IBLs & SBLs the LS3/5As are really special in some areas.I wish I'd kept them.
To err is human; to really foul it up requires a computer.
To err is human; to really foul it up requires a computer.
Posted on: 27 July 2003 by vicdiaz
Hi,
They still make the LS3/5a:
http://www.stirlingbroadcast.net
The Tropical Linnie
Flat-Earther circa 1984
LP12/LVII/Karma/Cirkus/Trampolinn/Genki/Wakonda/2*LK240/Katan/Creek CAS3040
They still make the LS3/5a:
http://www.stirlingbroadcast.net
The Tropical Linnie
Flat-Earther circa 1984
LP12/LVII/Karma/Cirkus/Trampolinn/Genki/Wakonda/2*LK240/Katan/Creek CAS3040
Posted on: 28 July 2003 by plynnplynn
The KEF B110 drive unit is found both in the LS3/5a and the Linn Isobarik. Used in many designs throughout the 70s and the 80s and still used in new LS3/5as. Loved by many and much maligned by others - it has however stood the test of time. It of course is to a great extent responsible for the quality midrange.
Terry
Terry
Posted on: 28 July 2003 by tonym
They are a lovely sounding speaker, no doubt about it. I built a pair, using KEF drivers, back in about 1980, & they're still going strong. Being a sealed box design & not very efficient they certainly benefit from a high-quality amplifier with a bit of a shove to it. I gave the speakers to my daughter, who uses them for all sorts of 'orrible music, but they still manage to sound sweet!
Posted on: 28 July 2003 by plynnplynn
Forgot to say that the B110 is also used in the Linn Kan.
Terry
Terry