Probably the most iconic speaker ever produced, the LS3/5a was designed for the BBC by their own R&D team to meet their exacting standards of broadcasting excellence.

Originally introduced in 1975 these amazing little boxes are the only speaker ever to have enjoyed a production lifespan of nearly 50 years and they are still the reference speaker of choice for many audiophiles today.

The Spendor LS3/5a BBC monitors are classic two-way loudspeakers originally designed by the BBC for use in broadcast environments. Here are the key specifications:

• Type: 2-way, 2-driver loudspeaker system
• Frequency Response: 90 Hz to 20 kHz
• Power Handling: 40W
• Crossover Frequency: 3500 Hz
• Impedance: 11 ohms (post-1987 models; earlier models have 15 ohms)
• Sensitivity: 82.5 dB
• Bass Driver: 110 mm (4.5 inches) Bextrene-cone KEF B110
• Tweeter: 19 mm (0.75 inches) Mylar-dome KEF T27
• Dimensions: 305 x 190 x 165 mm (12 x 7.5 x 6.5 inches)

The LS3/5a speakers are renowned for their accuracy and detailed sound, particularly in the midrange, making them highly valued for studio monitoring purposes.

Spendor Audio at a glance

Spendor loudspeakers are designed and hand built at the Spendor factory in Hailsham, Sussex in the UK. Traditional craftmanship, skilled design capability and modern engineering materials all combine to produce superbly built loudspeakers with models to suit any taste or application.

Spendors unique bass and mid drive units are also designed and built in Hailsham. Many other manufacturers are content to buy in standard, or slightly modified versions of drive units easily obtainable from component suppliers, whilst claiming the drive units as their own. Not so with Spendor. The main drivers are the heart of the loudspeaker, and should be designed and built with care, and without compromise.

Originally founded in the 1960's by Spencer and Dorothy Hughes, Spendor grew out of the expertise gained in the BBC's sound engineering department. The original BC1 design became the studio monitor of choice and soon this and other designs were to be developed for the consumer market.

For well over 30 years a succession of distinctive and innovative products has set a reference standard for consumer and professional users. Many Spendor designs have earned international cult status amongst discerning audiophiles and sound engineers, and the virtues of such classics as the Spendor BC1 and LS3/5a are embodied in today's products.