Rogers LS3/5a Speaker:
Twenty years and still going strong
Actually, my involvement in audio had its genesis with the Rogers LS3/5a and the JR149. A coworker, knowing that I was just starting my interest in audio, introduced me to her audiophile friend who had both speakers. In case you have never heard of the JR149, it utilizes the same KEF drivers as the LS3/5a but uses a cylindrical aluminum housing instead of a box. If my history is correct, its designer--Jim Rogers--was one of several luminaries in the Research Department of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) who was involved in the development of the LS3/5a. A clever variant intended to compete head to head with the LS3/5a, I found them more dynamic, threw a wider and deeper soundstage, and could go slightly lower in bass. These speakers were more impressive. I would have bought them but they were not for sale. The Rogers were, and that's how I ended up with the LS3/5a. During that two hour comparison, I found the Rogers a close second choice. Of course the JR149 has long been out of production and rarely seen in the US, so chances are I'll never find out which truly would be more musical after longer use.
History
The LS3/5a has a renowned history that provides some insight to its longevity. In the early 1970s, the BBC was in need of a small monitor speaker for use in outside broadcast vans. To that end, they commissioned their design team to develop such a compact speaker that would fit that working environment. The outcome was the LS3/5a which was then licensed to commercial speaker companies for production. Aside from Rogers, other manufacturers licensed by the BBC to produce the LS3/5a were Chartwell, Audiomaster, Spendor, and Harbeth.
In 1988, the BBC revised the crossover with the intention to bring the current production on target. Apparently, there was a higher than usual deviation of the production units from the BBC specs. The revision was designed not to change the frequency or tonal balances. The owners manual that came along with the units to be reviewed indicates that KEF now also supplies the crossover network. Formerly, KEF supplied only the two drivers. Current producers of the LS3/5a are: Spendor, Harbeth, and KEF with their classic line of speakers.
Technical
Each speaker employs two drive units, a 4" Bass Driver, with Plastiflex Doped Bextrene Cone (KEF B110), and a 3/4" Dome Tweeter. The later units use a version of the same Bass Driver from KEF. Overall frequency response is +/- 3db 70 - 20,000 Hz. The impedence--formerly 15 ohms--is now 11 ohms nominal for the revised version. The overall dimensions are 185mm x 300mm x 160mm (7 1/2" x 6 3/8" x 12"). Each weighs 5.5kg (11.5 lbs). Power handling is specified at 25 watts speech and music with a note indicating the maximum sound level at 95db. Older owner manuals from Rogers indicate the date of manufacture whereas the most recent one I have does not.
Reference
As I have previously stated in past issues, I maintain one and only one reference system. It is both simple and practical. Having more would be confusing. The following equipment were used to evaluate the monos: Audible Illusions Modulus 3 tube preamplifier, Classe' DR-9 amp, Quicksilver KT-88 Mono amps, JVC XL-Z1050 Compact Disk player, the original Pink Triangle turntable with Sumiko MMT arm and Promethean Green cartridge, Inouye power conditioner, Sound Dynamics 300Ti Speakers with Target stands, Kimber 8TC speaker cables and MIT interconnects.
I had the entire system powered for about two to three hours before any serious listening. I had the CD playing several of my favorite classical disks as it was warming up. In reviewing equipment, I first look at the whole or macro level performance of the unit and the way it conveys emotion. Some components let you connect with the music while others don't. Some even give you goosebumps! Then I scrutinize the relationship of the parts to the whole.
Sound
There is a characteristic sound, a musical authenticity if you will, to the Rogers LS3/5a that has always made me go back to it despite its drawbacks. I am not alone in this. A speaker this size will have obvious drawbacks. Used as intended however, e.g., in a small apartment or bedroom, it will astound you at what a shoe-boxed size speaker can do. Its countervailing attraction is its midband. It has one of the least colored midbands around. It presents the correct musical and tonal balance of the different instruments. The speakers cast a wide, deep, and stable soundstage. The human voice is rendered unadorned to be appreciated. It sounds like a BIG speaker sans the low bass.
I still buy records when the occasion presents itself, and keep hundreds of old favorites. One of these is The Best of Sam Cooke (RCA AYL1-3863). I have listened to this record with the Vandersteen 2Ce, Martin-Logan Aerius, Sound Dynamics 300 Ti, and the Rogers. The Rogers' rendition of Sam Cooke's voice is still my hands down favorite. The same goes as well for my Johnny Rivers albums. The Rogers has this uncanny ability to handle the human voice. Now don't get me wrong. To be able to appreciate their songs, one must not only appreciate the artist's voice but also the other instruments in the arrangement. The parts are there in appropriate relationship, and it is this correct relationship that brings credence to the entirety.
There is this one LP that I purchased on a lark, Christine McVie (Sire SASD-7522).The album is refereshing in its sheer simplicity. Emotions are laid bare. In "I'm On My Way" Christine Perfect conveys the emotion of a woman madly wanting her man. "Wait and See" portrays the melancholy and longing to go back home to her mate. "I'd Rather Go Blind" reveals the hurt and pain. All of these came through the Rogers.
Limitations
Of course there is no low bass. What can one expect with a shoebox? The speaker fools you with a bump in the midbass. The bass too can sound tubby. Compared to the latest generation of the minimonitors around, it is not as dynamic. Also, it is not as transparent in the treble. The leading edge of the cymbals is not accurately captured. When partnered with inferior, especially transistor amps and CD players, treble can be grainy, whitish and irritating. I believe that the LS3/5a sounds better with a tube amp.
Conclusion
I must confess that the Rogers LS3/5a has been my backup speakers for many years. I have owned six pairs. If I see an excellent pair selling at a good price and I have money to spare, I'll snap them up knowing that they are always in demand. Placement is flexible. It is perfect for small dorm rooms. Its price is steady at around $300 - $600 a pair depending upon condition, age and the knowledge of the seller. You can buy, use, and then sell them at minimal loss. It is musically versatile. It serves as a reminder that while we may have gone a long way in speaker technology in certain aspects we have not gone very far at all. That's why the Rogers LS3/5a is still in demand after 20 years. Three clefs to this venerable speaker.
by Rome Castellanes
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