The LS3/5A was designed by the BBC as an outside broadcast monitor speaker. This ultra compact system used the KEF B110 and T27 bass and treble units, a complex crossover network, and an enclosure of which the construction was specified very carefully to minimize colouration of the sound by panel vibrations. Licenses were offered to companies willing to manufacture these for the BBC and, in 1975, Rogers was the first to take up the opportunity. Such was the reaction amongst audiophiles that the LS3/5A developed a strong reputation for use in high quality domestic audio systems.

 

The rest, as they say, is history. Over 100,000 LS3/5As have been sold all around the world and, in 1994, KEF, who had also been supplying the crossover networks since 1987, decided to join the other licensees by manufacturing the complete system. The LS3/5A was included into the Raymond Cooke Series along with the Reference Series Models 107/2 and 104/2.

 

Specification: Model LS3/5A
System type: Two-way, bookshelf
Enclosure type: Closed box
Dimensions (H x W x D): 300 x 190 x 170mm (11.9 x 7.5 x 6.4 inches)
Weight: 5.5kg (11.4 lb)
Nominal impedance: 11ohms
Amplifier requirements: 25-75W (into 8 ohms)
Frequency range: 70Hz to 20kHz +/-3.0dB at 2m on reference axis
Sensitivity: 82.5dB at 1m on reference axis for a pink noise input of 2.83V (anechoic conditions)
Maximum output: 95dB on programme peaks under typical listening conditions
System: SP3183 (1994-97) Teak and Santos Rosewood
Drive units: B110 bass/midrange unit (SP1228), and T27 tweeter (SP1032)
Crossover: SP2195
System: SP3260 (1996-97) Piano Black
Drive units: B110 bass/midrange unit (SP1228), and T27 tweeter (SP1032)
Crossover: SP2195

 

Download Raymond Cooke Series Brochure
Download Reference Series Model LS3/5A Installation Instructions