FS: LS3/5a

[southall-1998]

I've decided to move these on. Too many speakers lying around! Plus, soon I'm going to be after a Supernait 2.

These particular LS3/5a's once belonged to Martyn Miles.

The best signature from these LS3/5a is their midrange. Simply rich and seductive!

There is some slight cosmetic flaws on the top and bottom, but noting too serious. Please look at the pics!

If the buyer is in no rush, I'm willing to post these LS3/5a anywhere in the UK for an extra £15. Finding some suitable boxes will take some time though!

Personally I'd prefer collection from my house in Torquay.

£580 collected or £595 posted. I only accept cash or BT for payment.

UK sale only.

PM if wanted.

S.


A little more info. on these. I purchased new, unused T27s. which were mint. The B110s were purchased from someone who could measure drive units responses, etc. Not from eBay. ( It can be dodgy buying from there...) Jerry Bloomfield of Falcon Acoustics supplied the new FL6/23 crossovers as used in the new Falcon LS3/5as just released onto the market.
The cabinets are ex. Harbeth HL-P3 ones, exactly the same as Harbeth used for their own LS3/5a. Later P3 cabinets were MDF. They were restored by a friend who is a restorer of musical instruments. The front baffle and hardware was from Stirling Broadcast, the tweeter grilles from Falcon. The Tygan front grilles from Sid Chaplin. Info can be found on his company, Traditional Radio Grilles, on the 'Unofficial LS3/5a Support Site .' The requisite cabinet foam was the correct spec.
No cost-cutting was taken during construction, every step carefully made with advice from Jerry where I needed it.
All who heard them were taken by them. I only sold as I now have a pair of Harbeth P3ESRs.


Correct Kef SP1003s, NOS Kef T27s. Falcon Acoustics FL6/23 crossovers, Serial Numbers 26 A & B, built to match the drive units. (Martyn Miles)


http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/TDL-STUDIO/IMG_20141110_233252_zps8aaa359d.jpg (http://s602.photobucket.com/user/TDL-STUDIO/media/IMG_20141110_233252_zps8aaa359d.jpg.html)

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[walpurgis]

How about a 'grilles off' piccie Shane?

[southall-1998]

Removing the grills is a bit challenging. Geoff.

There is a picture (taken by the previous owner) showing one grill removed. Will look for it and post it later!!

S.

[southall-1998]

BUMP.

More pics below (Taken by previous owner)

S.


http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/TDL-STUDIO/ls3_5a_001_wwwkepfeltolteshu__zpsec48c2f9.jpg (http://s602.photobucket.com/user/TDL-STUDIO/media/ls3_5a_001_wwwkepfeltolteshu__zpsec48c2f9.jpg.html )

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/TDL-STUDIO/ls3_5a_008_wwwkepfeltolteshu__zps758f534d.jpg (http://s602.photobucket.com/user/TDL-STUDIO/media/ls3_5a_008_wwwkepfeltolteshu__zps758f534d.jpg.html )

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/TDL-STUDIO/ls3_5a_009_wwwkepfeltolteshu__zps2a2fa94c.jpg (http://s602.photobucket.com/user/TDL-STUDIO/media/ls3_5a_009_wwwkepfeltolteshu__zps2a2fa94c.jpg.html )

[southall-1998]

BUMP.

S.

[southall-1998]

Open to sensible offers.

UK sale only.

S.

[southall-1998]

Withdrawn.

S.

[southall-1998]

I've decided to put these back up for sale.

I'm now asking £430 collected, or £445 delivered. This price now stays permanent.

Instead of spending over 1.5k on shattered LS3/5a's, buy mines :)

These are on spec, and are coming with renewed crossovers and good functioning drive units!!

UK sale only.

PM if wanted.

S.

[southall-1998]

BUMP.

S.

[southall-1998]

BUMP.

S.

[southall-1998]

BUMP.

S.

[twotone]

I'm amazed that these speakers are still here, certainly if I hadn't just bought a pair of Harbeth P3s then I would have snapped these up cause I know who made them and I'm pretty sure that they will be at least as good as the Harbeths.

GLWTS

Tony

[southall-1998]

Typical AOS post :rolleyes:

Anyway, provisionally sold.

S.

[southall-1998]

SOLD.

S.

[twotone]

Typical AOS post :rolleyes:

Anyway, provisionally sold.

S.

What's a trypical AOS post?

If your referring to my post above then I was only trying to help mate, I'll remember not to bother my arse the next time.

[istari_knight]

Shane's cranky 'cos its Christmas :D

[DSJR]

Tony, the P3's will always be smoother if nothing else, because the 3/5A with original drive units does have certain 'qualities' which identify it and give it its character. I'm not criticising, but I HAVE been able to directly compare the 11 ohm Harbeth 3/5A's to the P3's in their early days.

Having said the above, the original 15 ohm LS3/5A's did have something about them that was lost in 80's production I understand (and probably lost now due to old age). KEF did change the B110 a lot over the years I remember, intentionally or otherwise :)

[twotone]

Shane's cranky 'cos its Christmas :D

There's cranky and downright rude James.

[twotone]

Tony, the P3's will always be smoother if nothing else, because the 3/5A with original drive units does have certain 'qualities' which identify it and give it its character. I'm not criticising, but I HAVE been able to directly compare the 11 ohm Harbeth 3/5A's to the P3's in their early days.

Having said the above, the original 15 ohm LS3/5A's did have something about them that was lost in 80's production I understand (and probably lost now due to old age). KEF did change the B110 a lot over the years I remember, intentionally or otherwise :)

Thanks David, they P3s really are wonderful speakers, sometimes they just completely grab you when your not even thinking about the music, I've never had that with any speaker before.

Also, I think AS is totally correct when he says stands and amps don't matter, I've been listening to the speakers with the Denon integrated that I have for sale and they sound as good as they did with the XTZ integrated amp, different but not nasty or Shouty.

[DSJR]

I have a current issue with AS and it came to a head recently. I don't believe ANY two amps measure the same - hell, no two Naims (or any amp sharing the same amp boards) measure quite the same despite using the same amp circuit board, due to power supply changes.

Certainly, the speakers are the weakest link in the chain, coupled with most of our listening rooms and these two factors alone can make or break any audio setup in my opinion. To dismiss sources and amps as religiously as AS does and to challenge my expertise in matching the gear I sold at the time as deluded rankles somewhat, as I KNOW that domestic amps and sources can affect the sound of the speakers being played in both subtle and obvious ways as 'we' all know...

[Ninanina]

There's cranky and downright rude James.

+1

But what do you really expect from someone that says "I don't give a flying f**k" in their signature ?

[twotone]

+1

But what do you really expect from someone that says "I don't give a flying f**k" in their signature ?

:D

[Martyn Miles]

I have a current issue with AS and it came to a head recently. I don't believe ANY two amps measure the same - hell, no two Naims (or any amp sharing the same amp boards) measure quite the same despite using the same amp circuit board, due to power supply changes.

Certainly, the speakers are the weakest link in the chain, coupled with most of our listening rooms and these two factors alone can make or break any audio setup in my opinion. To dismiss sources and amps as religiously as AS does and to challenge my expertise in matching the gear I sold at the time as deluded rankles somewhat, as I KNOW that domestic amps and sources can affect the sound of the speakers being played in both subtle and obvious ways as 'we' all know...

I find that my P3ESRs sound much the same if driven by a Quad 34/303 or an Arcam Alpha 3.

With a very old pair of speakers I restored ( Radford BSLs ) the Quad drives them and so does the Arcam.
This time, though, the Quad definitely sounds the better match.
I cannot explain it fully. The Quad was designed in the days when many ( most ? ) speakers were 15 ohms impedance. It isn't just that, surely ?
I'm sure there are those on this Forum who can give more information on amp./loudspeaker matching...

M Miles.

[YNWaN]

Also, I think AS is totally correct when he says stands and amps don't matter,.

I don't, in fact I think he is entirely wrong. I've directly (level matched) compared many amps with the same source and speakers, differences were obvious and repeatable - the same for speaker stands. The difference between light open frame and heavy pilar designs is equally easy to hear as is the use of spikes to couple the speaker to the stand or blobs of Blutack.

I also don't agree with this whole 'the speakers are the weakest link followed by the room' mantra that seems to be in fashion on the forums at present. I say the above as someone who actually uses both passive and active room correction. Of course room correction makes a big difference (or can do if done right - it can make the sound truly appalling if done badly) but it can't reinvent information lost in the reproduction chain. The speakers being the most important component concept is most usually claimed by speaker manufacturers - no surprise there - or those who struggle to differentiate between qualitative and quantitative differences.

Regarding Shane's rudeness - I note that one of his more ironic recent posts stated that he didn't suffer fools lightly - you've gotta laugh :).

Dave, now that you and AS have fallen out does this mean you will be wiring his crossovers in the new year?

[twotone]

I find that my P3ESRs sound much the same if driven by a Quad 34/303 or an Arcam Alpha 3.

With a very old pair of speakers I restored ( Radford BSLs ) the Quad drives them and so does the Arcam.
This time, though, the Quad definitely sounds the better match.
I cannot explain it fully. The Quad was designed in the days when many ( most ? ) speakers were 15 ohms impedance. It isn't just that, surely ?
I'm sure there are those on this Forum who can give more information on amp./loudspeaker matching...

M Miles.

I've just received my Quad 34 pre & 306 power amp and the P3s sound fantastic with this amp combo, certainly as good as, if not better than, they sounded with the XTZ integrated amp that I was using with them last month.

With the modern Denon integrated amp that I have, which currently in the classifieds, the Harbeths sound brilliant but the sound is flat and upfront with a pretty linear sound stage which runs across the room, one could say the sound is 'harsh' or bright I suppose but the Denon sounds nothing like the Quads or the XTZ amp.

The point is though that the P3s sound great with any of these amps IMO.

Tony

[DSJR]

I don't, in fact I think he is entirely wrong. I've directly (level matched) compared many amps with the same source and speakers, differences were obvious and repeatable - the same for speaker stands. The difference between light open frame and heavy pilar designs is equally easy to hear as is the use of spikes to couple the speaker to the stand or blobs of Blutack.

I also don't agree with this whole 'the speakers are the weakest link followed by the room' mantra that seems to be in fashion on the forums at present. I say the above as someone who actually uses both passive and active room correction. Of course room correction makes a big difference (or can do if done right - it can make the sound truly appalling if done badly) but it can't reinvent information lost in the reproduction chain. The speakers being the most important component concept is most usually claimed by speaker manufacturers - no surprise there - or those who struggle to differentiate between qualitative and quantitative differences.


Dave, now that you and AS have fallen out does this mean you will be wiring his crossovers in the new year?

I don't fall out with people, I just leave them alone until I don't care any more. No need for a sarcastic joke either, survival is a serious business, especially when you have a large teenage mouth to feed! By the way, if you're so utterly confident, you could 'win' a pair of Harbeth 40.1's and be a few grand better off if you subsequently sold them on..

[YNWaN]

I'm sorry Dave, I'm aware of the financial issues you have and, as you say, bills must be paid.

With regard to Harbeth, I'm aware of their ridiculous marketing offer. Unfortunately I don't want a pair of their speakers or want to promote their business whilst attempting to jump through the various hoops they have set up to pass their 'test'.

[Martyn Miles]

I've decided to move these on. Too many speakers lying around! Plus, soon I'm going to be after a Supernait 2.

These particular LS3/5a's once belonged to Martyn Miles.

The best signature from these LS3/5a is their midrange. Simply rich and seductive!

There is some slight cosmetic flaws on the top and bottom, but noting too serious. Please look at the pics!

If the buyer is in no rush, I'm willing to post these LS3/5a anywhere in the UK for an extra £15. Finding some suitable boxes will take some time though!

Personally I'd prefer collection from my house in Torquay.

£580 collected or £595 posted. I only accept cash or BT for payment.

UK sale only.

PM if wanted.

S.


A little more info. on these. I purchased new, unused T27s. which were mint. The B110s were purchased from someone who could measure drive units responses, etc. Not from eBay. ( It can be dodgy buying from there...) Jerry Bloomfield of Falcon Acoustics supplied the new FL6/23 crossovers as used in the new Falcon LS3/5as just released onto the market.
The cabinets are ex. Harbeth HL-P3 ones, exactly the same as Harbeth used for their own LS3/5a. Later P3 cabinets were MDF. They were restored by a friend who is a restorer of musical instruments. The front baffle and hardware was from Stirling Broadcast, the tweeter grilles from Falcon. The Tygan front grilles from Sid Chaplin. Info can be found on his company, Traditional Radio Grilles, on the 'Unofficial LS3/5a Support Site .' The requisite cabinet foam was the correct spec.
No cost-cutting was taken during construction, every step carefully made with advice from Jerry where I needed it.
All who heard them were taken by them. I only sold as I now have a pair of Harbeth P3ESRs.


Correct Kef SP1003s, NOS Kef T27s. Falcon Acoustics FL6/23 crossovers, Serial Numbers 26 A & B, built to match the drive units. (Martyn Miles)


http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/TDL-STUDIO/IMG_20141110_233252_zps8aaa359d.jpg (http://s602.photobucket.com/user/TDL-STUDIO/media/IMG_20141110_233252_zps8aaa359d.jpg.html)

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/TDL-STUDIO/IMG_20141110_233332_zps5230180d.jpg (http://s602.photobucket.com/user/TDL-STUDIO/media/IMG_20141110_233332_zps5230180d.jpg.html)

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http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/TDL-STUDIO/IMG_20141110_233400_zpsda979133.jpg (http://s602.photobucket.com/user/TDL-STUDIO/media/IMG_20141110_233400_zpsda979133.jpg.html)

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I have bought them back.

I sold them to finance something else, and quickly regretted it. I was offered them by the buyer, but he sold them to Shane.
I was later in a position to afford them, so I made an offer.

As I spent a very long time building them, with advice from Falcon Acoustics and Stirling Broadcast, they became very personal.
I think Forum members will understand...

M Miles.

[wiicrackpot]

Good for you Martyn, the pull is strong when you know something is good,especially so when you've built them yourself,
i hankered over these as i feel they might be something special but i just don't need another pair of speakers.

[twotone]

Good for you Martyn, the pull is strong when you know something is good,especially so when you've built them yourself,
i hankered over these as i feel they might be something special but i just don't need another pair of speakers.

Knowing Martyn built them Andy I was sorely tempted myself.

[wiicrackpot]

Knowing Martyn built them Andy I was sorely tempted myself.

You should've Tony, it would have given me an incentive to travel to twotone towers to be wowed!!! again, :eek: can't get myself to go out these days.:(

[Martyn Miles]

I had forgotten just how good they are.

Currently listening to R3 and it's sublime.
The Harbeth P3ESRs are superior loudspeakers, but changing over to the '3/5as I am soon immersed in the music.
What else is it about?

[wiicrackpot]

I had forgotten just how good they are.

Currently listening to R3 and it's sublime.
The Harbeth P3ESRs are superior loudspeakers, but changing over to the '3/5as I am soon immersed in the music.
What else is it about?
I could imagine, don't want to tread on any toes but Shane and i have had dealings before so think he'll be o.k,
but these LS3/5a or ML110i ??,think he's got rid of the thoroughbred in my opinion.

[southall-1998]

Indeed, Andy.

The JPW ML-110i provides me with excellent musicality with tight controlled bass. But yes, they lack some neutrality and sophistication compared to LS3/5a.

Heard a pair of Stirling LS3/5a V2 at Walrus Systems. but a couple years back now. Lovely sound!

Well, If I ever decide to make a U-turn back to LS3/5a. Perhaps I'll look for some Stirlings next time.

S.

[wiicrackpot]

Indeed, Andy.

The JPW ML-110i provides me with excellent musicality with tight controlled bass. But yes, they lack some neutrality and sophistication compared to LS3/5a.

Heard a pair of Stirling LS3/5a V2 at Walrus Systems. but a couple years back now. Lovely sound!

Well, If I ever decide to make a U-turn back to LS3/5a. Perhaps I'll look for some Stirlings next time.

S.
Good man, you know you want to. :)

[Ninanina]

Heard a pair of Stirling LS3/5a V2 at Walrus Systems. but a couple years back now. Lovely sound! ....

Well, If I ever decide to make a U-turn back to LS3/5a. Perhaps I'll look for some Stirlings next time.
S.

I still have a pair of the original Stirling LS3/5a's, in a beautiful Rosewood finish, and cannot quite bring myself to sell them, though one day I must. With the right amp they do sound superb, but the AN Oto just won't drive them properly :(

The best I ever heard my Sterlings was when I had a Rogers E40A amp for a short time, which was built by Audio Note for Rogers... the sound was very very good indeed...the LS3/5a's do have something very magical about them even though I know they are not to everyones taste..

It's funny that I still own an Audio Note amp today.... I obviously like AN stuff...:D

[Martyn Miles]

I am running my ( and they really are mine...) LS3/5as from a Quad 34/303. A match made in Heaven.
This morning, when listening to R3, I was using an Audiolab 8000A.
OK, but not perfect.

Oddly the Harbeth P3ESRs are less fussy about amps.
That must please Alan Shaw...

[wiicrackpot]

I have a set of 1977 vintage Meridian 101/103d amps warming up nicely for them, luckily you jumped in and nabbed them.

[Martyn Miles]

I have a set of 1977 vintage Meridian 101/103d amps warming up nicely for them, luckily you jumped in and nabbed them.

Ah, the 101/103D. I bought a set from the ( legendary...) Westwoods of Oxford,
Would you believe I sold them to buy an Arcam Alpha as it had more facilities, and less of everything else...

[wiicrackpot]

You live and learn eh Martyn, R3 through my 104/101/103d is glorious, some of the best 40 or so watts out there,
certainly doesn't sound like it with it's own PS in each channel. :cool:

Have never corresponded with you before but it seems we've beeen on the same path kit wise,
all i need now is for you to confirm you are a Garrard user. :)

[Martyn Miles]

You live and learn eh Martyn, R3 through my 104/101/103d is glorious, some of the best 40 or so watts out there,
certainly doesn't sound like it with it's own PS in each channel. :cool:

Have never corresponded with you before but it seems we've beeen on the same path kit wise,
all i need now is for you to confirm you are a Garrard user. :)

No, not a Garrard user but my best friend is Nigel Pearson.
If you look on Loricraft's web site he turns up everywhere ! Nigel designed the Garrard power supplies, etc.
He is doing more design work away from Loricraft.
Royd's new Troubadour speaker was designed by him and initial listening sessions ( before the final design ) were carried out in my Conservatory
It had quite hard services, so unlike a studio, shows up flaws. You and I know a loudspeaker has to work in different environments

I have access to Garrard turntables I have yet to try one at home...

[DSJR]

I'm learning loads about the 'less is more' kind of scenario. I know that in some quarters that the kind of complex passive crossovers as used in BBC-Legacy speakers are regarded as the absolute pits, although I think Harbeth in recent years have proved that the worst bit about it all has been the drivers themselves, so accomplished are the current issue drive units they make - a really good sound *despite* the crossover intrusion (I don't think a huge amount of the complexity is in series with the signal but delighted to be proved wrong). I have in the past, regarded the likes of the JPW's and Royd's to be a bit too 'raw' for my tastes, although time spent with some delightful Wharfedale Diamond IV's (as well as Alex's Diamond 7.2's, which have a fuller bodied tone) has helped show me a different way of doing things.

The little JPW's Shane has do have a lovely 'tactile' way with music that's highly addictive on prolonged listening and this is something that's just as valid as a neutral/natural tone. So many speakers in the past have traded one for the other I think.

[cjm123]

I'm learning loads about the 'less is more' kind of scenario. I know that in some quarters that the kind of complex passive crossovers as used in BBC-Legacy speakers are regarded as the absolute pits, although I think Harbeth in recent years have proved that the worst bit about it all has been the drivers themselves, so accomplished are the current issue drive units they make - a really good sound *despite* the crossover intrusion (I don't think a huge amount of the complexity is in series with the signal but delighted to be proved wrong). I have in the past, regarded the likes of the JPW's and Royd's to be a bit too 'raw' for my tastes, although time spent with some delightful Wharfedale Diamond IV's (as well as Alex's Diamond 7.2's, which have a fuller bodied tone) has helped show me a different way of doing things.

The little JPW's Shane has do have a lovely 'tactile' way with music that's highly addictive on prolonged listening and this is something that's just as valid as a neutral/natural tone. So many speakers in the past have traded one for the other I think.

Hi guys,

Yes I am beginning to think that response flatness/neutrality/un-coloured as the be all and end all in speaker design is ultimately a pretty unrewarding way to go. My Stirling Broadcast MS-88s (LS3/5a clones based on the Rogers 60th Anniversary LS3/5a) are undoubtedly accurate and cohesive and beautifully made but obviously lack LF extension and dynamics. OK fair enough what can I expect from a cabinet that size but i suspect the complex LS3/5a type crossover is also a villain of the piece too.

Thing is when I come away from a live music event I don't think about the neutrality but I do think about how well the musicians played together, did they manage to communicate the emotional message, was it exciting etc and the PRAT and dynamics are a key part of the experience. Before my MS-88s I had a pair of Rega RS3s and found the HF a bit insistent (but the LF and mid range are engaging if a little raw) but tell you what they did dynamics well and the LF was discretely well extended. I guess it all comes down to which compromises you prefer to live with.

Maybe Linn/Naim/Rega and their PRAT approach are on the right track after all for a more enjoyable music reproduction experience:scratch:?...........don't shoot the messenger!

Chris :)

[Martyn Miles]

I went to an acoustic live music event last Thursday. Violin, accordion and squeeze box. Sat about 10 metres away.
I have to say I think live is wonderful !
With my little audio business ( MGM Audio ) I run a PA, but try to make it as unobtrusive as possible.

I don't do rock !

If you get, say, a female singer with guitar I can make the amplification unobtrusive. Using a very high quality Neumann vocal mic. and good mixer, you can get the least coloration on the voice.
The problems come with the speakers . ( Ah, that is what we're talking about - speakers )
I use small JBL Control 5s. Quite an uncoloured speaker for a PA model. By the way, the PA amp. is a Quad 405. Some PA amps. are dire !
My point ( I think...) is there are Hi Fi speakers for different uses.
As we have been talking about them, the LS3/5a is more like my girl singer.
The Linn Kan is the rock model.

As has been said many times previously.
'Horses for courses '

M Miles.

[cjm123]

I am a more an indie jazz blues classical guy not into rock either and Kans don't tick the box for me, way too forward and aggressive with some material.

My last live event was a recent show at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of music and dance in Greenwich. The music and vocals were performed by some Trinity students and included a 4 piece including grand piano. The PA was shall we say of uncertain provenance but goodness me it was exciting.

I know JBLs are not the last word in refinement but they do seem to me to have the ability to convey excitement.

Chris

[DSJR]

Some here were using full-range drivers. Sorry, can't remember who and when (a year or two ago), but just removing the passive crossover, making it a complex active op-amp based circuit and putting it before the amp may solve a large number of issues, but possibly causes others. Some of the titchy full-range drivers didn't appeal to me in the past, but I have a feeling that Tekton in the US (amongst others) and Icon Audio in the UK may be more on the right lines (Hifi Dave traded in a pair of icon speakers less boxes and rather liked them, he tells me).

[twotone]

I am running my ( and they really are mine...) LS3/5as from a Quad 34/303. A match made in Heaven.
This morning, when listening to R3, I was using an Audiolab 8000A.
OK, but not perfect.

Oddly the Harbeth P3ESRs are less fussy about amps.
That must please Alan Shaw...

Have to say that the Quad 34/306 set up with the Harbeth P3s is just wonderful.

I had Alan's Firebottle Plus hooked up to my system last night for a last listen before the amp went to it's new owner today and it was fabulous through the Quads, best I've heard vinyl in my system I would say.

The Quad pre comes with a modded MM phono module and a MC module, the MM phono module is great, probably they best I've heard built into an amp but the FB just had 'something else', loved it but it was sold so had to go, hope the new owner likes it as much as I did.

Anyone with a Firebottle valve phono stage should really consider getting some Quad amps cause that is a match made in heaven.

[Martyn Miles]

Have to say that the Quad 34/306 set up with the Harbeth P3s is just wonderful.

I had Alan's Firebottle Plus hooked up to my system last night for a last listen before the amp went to it's new owner today and it was fabulous through the Quads, best I've heard vinyl in my system I would say.

The Quad pre comes with a modded MM phono module and a MC module, the MM phono module is great, probably they best I've heard built into an amp but the FB just had 'something else', loved it but it was sold so had to go, hope the new owner likes it as much as I did.

Anyone with a Firebottle valve phono stage should really consider getting some Quad amps cause that is a match made in heaven.

I had the sensivity of my Quad 34s MC input adjusted to suit a Denon DL110, as I couldn't achieve enough gain. It works perfectly.

I still use an Entre 1 MC, which I bought in 1978. (!)
It has had a fair few new styli fitted by Expert Pickups over the years.
Wyndam Hodgson, EP's Prop., told me the Entre is still one of his favourite cartridges and takes an interest in it when it returns for a stylus.
I use it into an Audiolab 8000A, which has an excellent MC input.

[twotone]

I had the sensivity of my Quad 34s MC input adjusted to suit a Denon DL110, as I couldn't achieve enough gain. It works perfectly.

I still use an Entre 1 MC, which I bought in 1978. (!)
It has had a fair few new styli fitted by Expert Pickups over the years.
Wyndam Hodgson, EP's Prop., told me the Entre is still one of his favourite cartridges and takes an interest in it when it returns for a stylus.
I use it into an Audiolab 8000A, which has an excellent MC input.

I would love to try a MC cart Martyn, never heard one in my own system.

[Martyn Miles]

I would love to try a MC cart Martyn, never heard one in my own system.

They are a revelation. On first hearing, underwhelming perhaps, but then you realise how good they are
A little like my LS3/5as.
On first a first hearing someone said they were 'dull sounding.' I said nothing and went off to do something for about 15 mins.
When I returned he said they are 'natural sounding.'
Says it all...

[DSJR]

Oh Martyn, I didn't realise you use an 8000A still - I thought you were a Quad man... The 8000A MC input isn't as good as the 8000C offered and if you wish to stay with the brand, I'd look out for a late UK made (black cases) 8000C/8000PX or MX set, the later pre quite transparent (not as good as an AVI 2000 series or UK era 8000Q but better than the preamp in the 'A.' The X series power amps were DC coupled all through from memory and had a much leaner but ultimately clearer presentation, the 8000A sounding 'grey' and 'grainy' in comparison. I'd still say the later 8000A's were a cut above the sound we had from originals with the cables and speakers that were popular when the amp first appeared in the early 80's. And yes, I'm well aware of the pasting :steam: I had on the HUG because I feel and maintain that amps sound different using Harbeths as the speakers when using varied material and at various listening levels!!!!!

Above is my opinion based on personal experiences. It should be taken as read (but isn't always) that these 'personal' experiences/memories are subject to modification and may easily differ from other people's different experiences with various products. I hated the 8000A until the sources, cables and speakers we sold evolved to the point where the amp could work to advantage.

[wiicrackpot]

Dave,

Have you any experience of the Tag McLaren AV32r SL/Bp/192 Processor/Preamp?,
as i gathered they have Audiolab blueprint but are aimed at hi end AV applications.

[Martyn Miles]

Oh Martyn, I didn't realise you use an 8000A still - I thought you were a Quad man... The 8000A MC input isn't as good as the 8000C offered and if you wish to stay with the brand, I'd look out for a late UK made (black cases) 8000C/8000PX or MX set, the later pre quite transparent (not as good as an AVI 2000 series or UK era 8000Q but better than the preamp in the 'A.' The X series power amps were DC coupled all through from memory and had a much leaner but ultimately clearer presentation, the 8000A sounding 'grey' and 'grainy' in comparison. I'd still say the later 8000A's were a cut above the sound we had from originals with the cables and speakers that were popular when the amp first appeared in the early 80's. And yes, I'm well aware of the pasting :steam: I had on the HUG because I feel and maintain that amps sound different using Harbeths as the speakers when using varied material and at various listening levels!!!!!

Above is my opinion based on personal experiences. It should be taken as read (but isn't always) that these 'personal' experiences/memories are subject to modification and may easily differ from other people's different experiences with various products. I hated the 8000A until the sources, cables and speakers we sold evolved to the point where the amp could work to advantage.

The 8000A was an upgrade on the A & R A60 I had before, one of the reasons was its facilities. It worked well with the BC1s. The HL Monitors, yes but not as good as with the BC1s.
But as you know the HLs are preferred by me to BC1s.

( That is a bit radical for some on this Forum )

Incidentally, the Harbeth HLs are leaving tomorrow (!) Someone is going to give them an extended listen. My P3ESRs are coming back from my brother, so Christmas will not be 'Harbeth free.'

I have too many speakers anyway.
Current inventory:
My P3ESRs
My HLs
My LS3/5as
The recently acquired Dynaco A25s
The ( very old ) Radford BSLs

Some have to be 'hidden' in the loft...

[Ninanina]

I have too many speakers anyway.
Current inventory:
My P3ESRs
My HLs
My LS3/5as
The recently acquired Dynaco A25s
The ( very old ) Radford BSLs

Some have to be 'hidden' in the loft...

Boy that's a lot of speakers... I only have one 'spare' pair and that's the LS3/5a's.... sitting on their stands on the landing with a sheet over them... I really must get round to selling them... :)

[southall-1998]

How does the P3ESR fair, when placed against the back walls in a small room?

S.

[Martyn Miles]

How does the P3ESR fair, when placed against the back walls in a small room?

S.

It degrades its performance, as it emphasises the bass end.
Basically it becomes unbalanced.

Loudspeakers like the Linn Kan ( which I definitely don't like...) use the 'wall effect' to give a balanced response, although the Kan is unbalanced anyway.
In more ways than one...

[Martyn Miles]

Boy that's a lot of speakers... I only have one 'spare' pair and that's the LS3/5a's.... sitting on their stands on the landing with a sheet over them... I really must get round to selling them... :)

I am attempting to reduce the number of speakers. The Radfords are at prof. sound engineer's flat.
( No, he isn't going to use them as PA speakers !! )
Another friend, who has 'old-fashioned' tastes in audio equipment is wanting to hear them.
The Dynacos are such interesting loudspeakers I am loath to sell them on. Mind you, they don't come up for sale in England very often. 'Yankland' has lots for sale.
The HLs are in Wiltshire , and they are big, 2cu.ft. boxes.
As we men know, the house has to be cleared by 'SHMBO' for the Christmas Season.
Roll on the next school term and she is back to work.
Hurrah !

[Martyn Miles]

Boy that's a lot of speakers... I only have one 'spare' pair and that's the LS3/5a's.... sitting on their stands on the landing with a sheet over them... I really must get round to selling them... :)

When you want to sell the LS3/5as, please PM me. A friend is building up a vintage system.
Thanks
M Miles.

[Martyn Miles]

When you want to sell the LS3/5as, please PM me. A friend is building up a vintage system.
Thanks
M Miles.

I bought them.
My friend is a little 'old fashioned' and would not something 'modern' like the Stirling V2 .
These earlier models were some of the last made with traditional Kef drivers so, perhaps, still meet the BBC spec.
M Miles.

[Martyn Miles]

BUMP.

More pics below (Taken by previous owner)

S.



http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/TDL-STUDIO/ls3_5a_001_wwwkepfeltolteshu__zpsec48c2f9.jpg (http://s602.photobucket.com/user/TDL-STUDIO/media/ls3_5a_001_wwwkepfeltolteshu__zpsec48c2f9.jpg.html )

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/TDL-STUDIO/ls3_5a_008_wwwkepfeltolteshu__zps758f534d.jpg (http://s602.photobucket.com/user/TDL-STUDIO/media/ls3_5a_008_wwwkepfeltolteshu__zps758f534d.jpg.html )

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/TDL-STUDIO/ls3_5a_009_wwwkepfeltolteshu__zps2a2fa94c.jpg (http://s602.photobucket.com/user/TDL-STUDIO/media/ls3_5a_009_wwwkepfeltolteshu__zps2a2fa94c.jpg.html )

I have just taken delivery of a pair of Stirling Broadcast MS88 speakers and I will be selling these LS3/5as in the near future.
I was planning to have them checked by Derek Hughes before I advertise them, but if anyone is interested in them
before I do please contact me.

Of course, checking by Derek will have to be reflected in the price...

The cabinet damage to the veneer ( as shown in the pictures ) has been repaired.
The damage on the bottom is not visible anyway.
As for the price,
they will be £430 plus shipping.

Collection is preferred.

[AlanB]

Roll on the next school term and she is back to work.
Hurrah !

Blimey your wife is still at school? How old is she? :eyebrows:

[Martyn Miles]

Blimey your wife is still at school? How old is she? :eyebrows:

Come on, Alan, you know you should never ask a woman's age.

[spendorman]

LS3/5a and Quad 303, I think that late last year you mentioned something about this combination and that when the 303 was designed many speakers were 15 Ohm impedance.

I seem to remember that if one looks at the spec of the 303, it can be seen that distortion levels in to a 15 Ohm load are quite a bit lower than in to an 8 Ohm load.

[Martyn Miles]

I have just taken delivery of a pair of Stirling Broadcast MS88 speakers and I will be selling these LS3/5as in the near future.
I was planning to have them checked by Derek Hughes before I advertise them, but if anyone is interested in them
before I do please contact me.

Of course, checking by Derek will have to be reflected in the price...

The cabinet damage to the veneer ( as shown in the pictures ) has been repaired.
The damage on the bottom is not visible anyway.
As for the price,
they will be £430 plus shipping.

Collection is preferred.


I have decided to keep these LS3/5as.
They are rather special to me...

Martyn.

[Martyn Miles]

I have decided to keep these LS3/5as.
They are rather special to me...

Martyn.

I was listening to Vaughan Williams recently.
His music sounds superb through these little
speakers I built...

[Martyn Miles]

I have just taken delivery of a pair of Stirling Broadcast MS88 speakers and I will be selling these LS3/5as in the near future.
I was planning to have them checked by Derek Hughes before I advertise them, but if anyone is interested in them
before I do please contact me.

Of course, checking by Derek will have to be reflected in the price...

The cabinet damage to the veneer ( as shown in the pictures ) has been repaired.
The damage on the bottom is not visible anyway.
As for the price,
they will be £430 plus shipping.

Collection is preferred.


I have now bought a pair of Harbeth P3ESRs, so I'm going to sell these LS3/5as.
They have been checked over all all is OK.

I didn't realise the 'mono test' is a useful one to check speaker matching.
Wire one speaker out of phase and play a mono source, or use the Mono. button on your amp.
Bring the speakers together and at about an inch separation the signal should virtually
disappear.
A useful test for any speakers, not just LS3/5as.

Taking into account the checking, I am looking for £480 for these speakers

[Martyn Miles]

I have now bought a pair of Harbeth P3ESRs, so I'm going to sell these LS3/5as.
They have been checked over all all is OK.

I didn't realise the 'mono test' is a useful one to check speaker matching.
Wire one speaker out of phase and play a mono source, or use the Mono. button on your amp.
Bring the speakers together and at about an inch separation the signal should virtually
disappear.
A useful test for any speakers, not just LS3/5as.

Taking into account the checking, I am looking for £480 for these speakers


Now SOLD.