Designers and builders of Loudspeakers in the BBC tradition
Stirling Broadcast LS3/5a V3 Monitor Loudspeaker
Building upon the strengths of the well-received Stirling Broadcast LS3/5a V2, the Stirling Broadcast LS3/5a V3 “Ultra Low Distortion Monitor” retains the same drive units and thin-walled cabinet but adds a new, higher-specified crossover to attain much lower levels of distortion and higher levels of transparency.
The new crossover, designed by Derek Hughes, is considerably larger, being just 16mm smaller all-round than the front baffle, and incorporates much larger components, including closely matched air-cored inductors to remove the saturation experienced with ferrite or iron cores. The new crossover adds 28% to the weight of the LS3/5a V2 loudspeaker, namely 1.4kg!
Additionally the crossover is mounted on the rear panel, as for the Kingswood Warren prototype versions, to further decrease distortion.
Due to the higher cost of the new crossover, the Stirling Broadcast LS3/5a V2 will remain available for those situations were ultimate transparency is not required. In particular, to fully realise the additional capabilities of the V3 crossover, the quality of the users source and amplification is paramount.
“The positioning of the instruments, the voices in space was holographic and ultra realistic. The discovery of the Stirling LS3/5a V3 was a revelation for the entire ADHF team." - Pascal Grammon - ADHF Studio
“I have to admit to being won over by this LS3/5a. ... If you value communication above bandwidth and SPLs this is a very tempting proposition, especially where space is limited. I have to hand it to Stirling; the V3 is a beauty." - Jason Kennedy - HiFi+
“According to Doug it’s the first time that components of such high quality have been used in an LS3/5a.” - Jason Kennedy - HiFi+
"What the V3s have is almost holographic imaging, subtle layering of instruments and voices within the music.
Once heard, I found I couldn’t go back." - Martyn Miles - Pink Fish Media
"My most-loved album is Miles Davis’, “Kind of Blue.” … With every other system/speakers Bill Evans’ piano sounds flat, distorted … With the V3s the piano is RIGHT. The harmonic balance is breathtakingly good. The piano now has depth and more warmth due to the proper timbre balance. It sounds like a real piano, which I play, so I’m very particular and sensitive to its nuances.” - LS3/5a Group.io member
Technical Specifications
Power handling:
60w continuous, 110w short term, IEC268
Max sound level:
100dB, pair @2m
Input impedance:
11 ohms nominal
Input connections:
Bi-wire, 4mm terminals (plugs/wires to 4mm cross sectional area)
Freq. response:
75Hz to 18kHz +/-3dB (on HF axis @1m)
Crossover:
3kHz
Sensitivity:
83dB/1watt/1m
Cabinet details:
Two-way infinite baffle (sealed box). 188mm(w) x 168mm (d) x 302mm (h)
Weight:
5.4kg each (shipping weight 12kg pair)
Veneers available:
Cherry, Walnut, Rosewood Special
Reviews
ADHF Studio
(in French):
ADHF Studio
(Google translated):
Pink Fish Media User Forum:
Pink Fish Media User Forum: