I have realized that I have mentioned very little about the LS3/5a speakers. I used to own 4 pairs of LS3/5a...all of them are Rogers namely:
- - 15 ohms black badge
- - 15 ohms with white belly
- - Transitional model from 15 ohms to 11 ohms (pseudo 15 ohms)
- - 11 ohms
Initially, I have intended to collect all the LS3/5a, all brands and makes. However, after much A/B compariosn, I have realised that while there are some differences in the various LS3/5a, the differences are so little that it would be so insignificant to really create an impact.
The strength of the LS3/5a is in its reproduction of vocal and playing of solo instrument. However, it has its limitation as there is very little base and very little high ..only strong mid. When using the LS3/5a to reproduce Orchestra musics, it sounded "rush and messy".
With the limitation, I have decided to try out the larger speakers which can reproduce the Orchestra music better. One of the my first large speakers was a pair of Altec 604E 15 inch speakers. It will reproduce strong base and sounded great for rock and Orchestra music. However, it sounded too "metallic" for my preference which as prompted to change for a pair of Tannoy Chartsworth 12 inch gold monitor. I like the British sound much better. The 12 inch Tannoy has the combination of the sweetness of the LS3/5a mid plus having the extension of base as well as high. Immediately, I know that Tannoy is THE speakers that will satisfy most of my hifi needs. I was lucky enough to upgrade to a pair of Tannoy Canterbury with monitor Red which is my all time favourite. ( very relex sound)
Thus, the LS3/5a is a pair of very good speakers but is not without its limitation. Firstly, it needed very good speakers stand (such as the foundation designer stand) to bring out the best in its potential. Secondly, don't expect too much base or high when playiung with this little pair of speakers. Thirdly, the escalating prices of the LS3/5a has made the equation between price versus performance to an unaccetable level. A good pair of LS3/5a in 15 ohms is around HK$11,000 + $5000 (for a pair of Foundation stands) = HK$16,000. With these amount of money, one can buy a pair of Tannoy 12 inch monitor gold Lanchester or Chartsworth. In addition, there are so many "modified" or fake LS3/5a which make one nervous in buying one. Lastly, the LS3/5a needs bigger power amplifiers to push and / or sounded good with tube amplifiers.
Some think that the LS3/5a is "suitable for small home" as it will not take much space. However, the reality of it is that in order to bring out the sound from these speakers, one has to bring it out 2- 3 feet away from the wall. Thus, when one take into consideration the speakers and its stand, plus the need to be away from the wall by 2-3 feet, the LS3/5a actually requires a larget space then say a Tannoy or Altec who can be placed near the wall. Small in this sense is actually a myth..
In the end, I have sold off 3 pairs of the LS3/5a and keep only one pair for reference (plus the fact that I could free up some cash to get the larger speakers since resources are limited but wanst are unlimited).
The LS3/5a is the King for vocal reproduction. However, in order not to miss out on other music details, I would think that one would need 3 pairs of speakers namely one large speakers, one LS3/5a and a full range speakers in order to have the speakers to cater for all music. However, this is just my personal opinion. Music and hifi is so personal that it is like colours or food preference...it all depends on your needs....
If you can afford, having a wall of LS3/5a with all brands and all models is also a very lovely sight : )
I have a few close hifi friends who has their great wall of LS3/5a and they look lovely! Well, in Chinese they say: 知足常樂 meaning to be content is to be Happy, and we should always count our blessings!
For more information on the LS3/5a, please read:
http://www.hi-fiworld.co.uk/hfw/oldeworldehtml/rogersls35a.html
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