The Rogers LS3/5a gold tag must be my 8th pair of LS3/5a that I have owned or once owned. Previously, I have the dream of collecting all the different LS3/5a speakers.
I started with a Harbeth gold LS3/5a, Rogers 11ohms, followed by a Rogers 15 ohms black tag, 15 ohms white belly, Rogers pusedo 15 ohms, Chartwell LS3/5a, Audiomaster LS3/5a. With the acquisition of the Tannoy and the 755a, I have practically sold all my other LS3/5a as I have found that the bigger speakers such as Tannoy has the advantage of having a wider soundstage and are more versatile in reproducing music such as the Orchestra and multiple instruments.
With the Tannoy Cantebury and WE 755a, the thought of having the ultimate LS3/5a, i.e The Gold Tag has always been at the back of my mind. I was lucky to be able to audition Richard's Gold tag and his other LS3/5a and the music from the Gold tag has left a very deep impression. There were two occasions where I was almost own the gold tag. Once I was offereed a $25,000 gold tag at R33 and last week Percy offered me a pair at $30,000, which I find it too expensive.
The LS3/5a will always be a love hate relationship. Using the performance vs. price ratio, the price for LS3/5a is raelly irrational and abit rediculous. At $12,000 (normal 15 ohms) to $17000 (Chartwell) to a Rogers Gold Tag ($25,000-30,000), the prices are no longer rational. At that price ranges, one could easily get a pair of large speakers such as Tannoy Chartwoth or Lancaster, JBL 4310, Cora Beta 8 with original cabinets etc...
However, LS3/5a being a legendary speakers with an amazing sound plus the increasing demand from China, it is no wonder that the prices of these babies are on a continuous upward trend. In conclusion, I would think that one would need a pair of large speakers such as the Tannoy, Altec, JBL for lisening of large sound stage, a 755a for listening of vocal and violin plus a reference speakers LS3/5a. With the acquisition of the Gold Tag, my hunt for the LS3/5a speakers has come to an end : )
However, the hunter is yet to retire as there is one more pair of speakers to hunt in the hifi jungle, The legendary AR1..
Let the hunt begin!
Hello, from Canada.I have a pair of Chartwell LS3/5a silver badge serial# 862 and 863. They are original . They sound very good ,but I do prefer a larger driver . If you know of anyone interested I may sell this pair. sincerely Cliffe Fraser
ReplyDelete