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RE: Tube Friendly Stand Mount Speakers

Posted by RGA (R) on January 21, 2016 at 20:11:10

In Reply to: RE: Tube Friendly Stand Mount Speakers posted by AudioSoul on January 21, 2016 at 16:15:54:

There is a dedicated subwoofer for the LS-3/5a called the AB-1 (though it may have different names).

However when positioning many prefer the sub not to be directly under the speaker as it is pictured. People often get better results with the sub behind of beside the speakers.

My only problem with all of this is that the combined price of new units begins to get to a point where the overall sound is no longer as competitive with better loudspeakers - AND the main draw IMO of the speaker is the small size - so adding two more boxes then takes up more of the living room (especially if they have to be put behind or beside the LS-3/5a). So now it takes up lots of space, costs more than IMO the sound merits.

To me the LS-3/5a has simply been bettered - it makes sense here in Hong Kong or in tiny flats in Japan and maybe parts of Europe - but in a western home with some space you can simply get better sound for less money buying something else.

I know E-Stat likes to get on me for my AN recommendations - but if he could point me to something better that meet most of OP requests I'd be happy to offer up alternatives.

There is a video a few posts down below on the history of the LS-3/5a - in the second half 27 minutes on is LS-3/5a expert and engineer Andy Whittle describing the various LS designs. He also designed the Audio Note AX Two for Audio Note - it is 90dB sensitive can go right up against the back wall or in corners or free standing and sells for $1k.

In my direct comparisons of the AX Two and LS-3/5a (several versions all around $1500 and up with two cheaper versions AND the Harbeth P3ESR which is more than double the price (albeit with a MUCH nicer finish) you'd be hard pressed to come away not thinking the AX Two is the best sounding of the lot. It will also come away likely losing in the looks department however.

Still - some of the suggestions to you have been second hand speakers not your preferred new speakers and or will take up a bunch of space.

I do hate being a broken record on it - but there just ain't a ton of budget speakers offering ease of drive or the sound quality - even some of the LS-3/5a from China are approaching $2kUS and the LS-50 is $1500 US. 50% over budget. And the AX Two sounds better - I know I have both.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzF-S8rhTgw   (Open in New Window)

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