Graham Audio Chartwell LS3/5A BBC licensed loudspeaker in walnut finish
Pair of Graham Audio LS3/5A loudspeakers on stands
Graham Audio Chartwell LS3/5A BBC licensed loudspeaker in walnut finish
Pair of Graham Audio LS3/5A loudspeakers on stands

Graham Audio Chartwell Loudspeaker BBC Licensed LS3/5A

from $1,699.00

The LS3/5A is perhaps the best-known of all the BBC monitor loudspeaker designs, which was originally evolved from the LS3/5. With the help of Derek Hughes, Graham Audio present both versions under The Chartwell badge. 

​The LS3/5 loudspeaker was originally designed by the BBC for use in a small environment and specifically to reproduce the sound of musical performance as accurately as possible. Only 20 original pairs of the LS3/5 were ever produced and due to a change in available components the LS3/5 was redesigned by the BBC as the LS3/5a. 

Derek Hughes has recreated both LS3/5s using bespoke drivers from Volt loudspeakers and Seas. The crossover networks have been developed using extensive research from the original BBC Kingswood Warren curves and physical testing, using Southampton University’s anechoic chamber. 

​In common with all our BBC loudspeakers, the cabinet uses the classic BBC "thinwall" construction, where the panels are mass- loaded to ensure that resonances are moved away from the critical mid-range region, and a layer of Rockwool is secured 

by upholstery to provide air damping. To support the authenticity of the original LS3/5A, Velcro is used to support the grille.


Color:

The LS3/5A is perhaps the best-known of all the BBC monitor loudspeaker designs, which was originally evolved from the LS3/5. With the help of Derek Hughes, Graham Audio present both versions under The Chartwell badge. 

​The LS3/5 loudspeaker was originally designed by the BBC for use in a small environment and specifically to reproduce the sound of musical performance as accurately as possible. Only 20 original pairs of the LS3/5 were ever produced and due to a change in available components the LS3/5 was redesigned by the BBC as the LS3/5a. 

Derek Hughes has recreated both LS3/5s using bespoke drivers from Volt loudspeakers and Seas. The crossover networks have been developed using extensive research from the original BBC Kingswood Warren curves and physical testing, using Southampton University’s anechoic chamber. 

​In common with all our BBC loudspeakers, the cabinet uses the classic BBC "thinwall" construction, where the panels are mass- loaded to ensure that resonances are moved away from the critical mid-range region, and a layer of Rockwool is secured 

by upholstery to provide air damping. To support the authenticity of the original LS3/5A, Velcro is used to support the grille.


By popular demand, Graham Audio are proud to present the BBC-licensed Chartwell LS3/5A.

The LS3/5A was produced by BBC Designs Department in response to detail changes in the performance of the drive units that were originally chosen for the LS3/5 as designed by BBC Research and Development. It is the most well-known of all the BBC loudspeakers, and remains the compact loudspeaker of choice for many today.

As you would expect, our version - engineered by Derek Hughes - includes authentic details such as the perforated metal tweeter grille, thick felt pads surrounding the tweeter, and Velcro rather than our usual hidden magnets to secure the grille frame. The cabinet uses 12mm panels and a fixed rear panel, according to BBC Designs Department's specification.

As the only company to have ever manufactured the LS3/5, and now also the LS3/5A, audiophiles are now in the unique position of being able to hear for themselves the differences that these changes made to the design originally intended by BBC R&D.