Quick Update… After many more hours of listening. I have concluded the Falcons absolutely trounced the Kef 11ohm.. the recording clips really do not convey the ability of the 15ohm Falcons. I’ve found LS3/5a are rather difficult to record. I will work on better recording techniques as the channel continues. Thanks again to all who have watched, liked and subscribed. Kindest Regards Ditton Works.
I discovered you just a short time ago & absolutely love your channel. In 10 seconds, the difference came through loud & clear. The Falcons lower mid base was richer, fuller, sounding more at ease then the KEF's. For what it is worth I had bought a pair of the KEF Raymond Cook ltd edition in the piano black back in the day. I ended up parting with them because they just didn't sound as good as my friends Roger's 15 ohmer's. Let's be honest, LS 3/5a's are historic legends, the Falcons do the mark proud. Thank you very much for all your hard work & most appreciated efforts my friend.
Just stumbled across this channel - really interesting stuff and very good sound demos. The KEFs sound great, but the Falcons immediately grabbed my attention as soon as they started playing - they seem much more engaging even via a CZcams video!
i like the KEFs more. They are more airy, spatial and yet a little smaller sounding but beautifully musical. To me the baas on the Falcon's got in the way of the airiness and the spatiality. The Falcons are fine speakers but I would keep the KEFs. My overall spaker preferende is the Spendor BC1. I sold my 15 ohm Rogers because of the wonderful musicality of the BC1s. I call them Quads in a box.
Nice. Here's a thought; Falcon do a 'COMPLETE' cab only for under £200 - you could transfer the gubbins to it from a different LS....the original cab might have decent value for someone with a destroyed cab.... 'The cabinet kit is designed and pre-drilled for new Falcon or second-user KEF B110 and KEF T27'
Another great video Kevin. I remember reading somewhere long ago that the BBC conducted an extensive research into speaker cabinet materials & out of 20 to 30 different materials, they chose Birch plywood as being the most suitable for loudspeaker cabinet due to their superior acoustic properties. So no surprise that the Falcon sounds better than your KEF. Sadly, many manufacturers today use MDF for cost reasons i guess. A true blue BBC inspired loudspeaker should stick to birch plywood damped with bitumen on the internal walls.
Hi just found yr site. I really like it. Instant sub my man. Im just getting interested in this LS3/5 thing. Can you future video why a ls3/5 type over say the Tablette , P3,A1 variants? Prices so much more friendly ! Even what’s best used LS3/5?
According to your music piece, I like KEF LS3/5A more than Falcon. Volume level seem louder in Falcon than KEF a little bit. KEF sound more airy, musical, clear background voice harmony , rich emotion and feeling presentation.
I just stumbled upon your channel. I like what I see and hear! One question arises. Are the units mounted from the back with nuts?Anyway, it sounds fantastic in both examples. I have a pair of b 110 8 ohm drive units made by Harwood acoustics. In fact they are German not British. But they are probably cleaner than the old Bextrene units from 70s. I’m not sure I can live with the lack of bass extension. I have not the T27 treble units. They look extremely hard to cross over properly. I’m going to try emulate the sound that you got.
One thing I noticed is that the Kef had airier highs but less bass. Going from 11 ohm to 15 means that the nominal impedance changed a bit but I don’t think it is flat like a compensated network filter would do.
Hello, thank you for the video. My first time to view you. A very pleasant listen to two wonderful speakers and the ongoing BBC monitor debate, always interesting. Is that a pair of Spendor 2/3 r2 or Classic 2/3 there. Thinking of investing. Every good wish to you. Michael
The Falcons which type of crossover do they have are they traditional Transformers or open core. It's down to the ohm difference you could make the others into 15 ohms. you said the KEF had a 15 ohm version be interesting to compare that. What about with tweeters are they the same or there different as well in resistance? The hi ohmage gives you better damping Factor on your amplifier so that's probably why the base sounded a bit tighter.
May I ask - how are you mic-ing your videos when you're demoing speakers? (just out of curiosity). Your comparison vids sound pretty good, considering it's YT. Also, I see you're sitting in a nearfield position, here. Is this your normal listening spot? I miss having a nearfield space. Nothing gets in the way in that kind of config. My current room sucks... living space limitations and all that. Keep up with the cool vids. Cheers!
Wow, i love the track and your system's sound. A good A/B comparison is always right up my street. I found your Kefs more inviting and emotional for some reason. Any chance you can mention supporting kit for these demos?. Thanks again. Phil... I remember LS3/5a from late 70s!
Hi there, I am curious what amplifier you were using. I have a pair of KEF LS 3/5A myself and looking for an other amp. Any recommendations in the price range between GBP 3000 to 5000 price range? My shortlist currently is NAIM Supernait 3 and tube amps like the Audio Note OTO or Leben CS300XS. But the OTO is more expensive and not sure about the 10W/ch power rating... I have heard my LS 3/5A's with some tube amps in the past and always pleased with the musicality, holographic corporeality and certain warmth on the BBC monitors.
The Falcons are outstanding ! They are on a different level to your Kefs ; but your KEF s are still very,very good . Interestingly in North America MOFI Fidelity has commissioned Falcon to build a MOFI Edition which comes in at $1000 US cheaper ( 2K or £1450 !) than the Falcon Badged LS 3/5 A’s . Specs seem the same ; I’d love to hear the difference though . At any rate it appears to be a real bargain !
Seem like the Falcon sounded more hollow and clean clear both vocal and background, thought the KEF is a bit more saturated (maybe warmer, not sure it's equipment or the ohm?)
@@arnolfini1434 that is what I thought myself, also it depends on what kind of music you like too, which will pair better with it more and what amp you use with it
Spender used MDF cabinets as well. The 15ohm version might well sound better on this type of music but they fall down on faster, more modern material - try some drum & bass and then they are slow and ponderous. Also nearly all old 15ohm models will have developed a nasty peak at 1Khz. When Stirling was developing their LS3/5a a priority was to emulate the richness of the 15ohm version bass, but they handle their bass much better, maybe because of the thinner walled cabinets, which are birch like the prototypes
Hi 👋 alas I haven’t heard them. Many many years ago I had the Falcon Kit called the Tabor, they were brilliant. I would imagine the Q7’s are pretty good
Dear, in your opinion…What a bout a right amp for Falcon gold badge? Actually I’ve two mono solid state power amp Restek Extract, driven by a Taralabs tube preamp. Maybe I’d like to change for an integrated amp, tube or solid state …preferring tube one. Thx
I have a pair of Spendor LS3/5a 15 Ohms I guess I am local to you as Signals (Alistair) is a stones throw away from me from the beach. I can always bring mine round if you want to have a listen.
@@KTea88 oh even better.. I’ve got 11 & 15ohm Spendor plus Falcon Silver.. I can prob borrow Gold’s off Signals 😬 I’m hoping to get a massive LS3/5a shoot out also including Harbeth’s P3esr.. all blind testing. Look me up on Ditton Works Facebook if you’re on it?
Maybe the impedans indicates what types they are, 15 old versions are closer to the original spec. Thy was, and are made to specs by several produsers. Maybe your amplifier "prefer" one of them over the other one too because of different impedans and dividing filter.
Yes 👍 I’m a big fan of Spendor speakers. The Prelude are great sounding, personally I found the SP2/2 a tad more refined and have the most glorious mid range.. please be mindful of the surrounds hardening on some older Spendor speakers.
I actually picked them on Facebook market place for $70 Australian dollars the tweeters need replacing and I was thinking about replacing the posts as well All parts will come to about 120 British pounds from Falcon accoustics What do you mean exactly about the surrounds sorry for asking but I have never been into fixing old speakers before it was only the Spendor connection that inspired me to restore them
Good question.. I actually bought the Falcons for late night listening. Although they play louder and deeper than the Kef’s!! They play quieter “better” than my Spendor Classic 2/3’s, they sing once things get a bit louder. 👍
@@dittonworks Wonderfull. i gonna take a listen in birmingham and decide is is what i'm looking for. any recomendation for Amplifier? i was thinking on HEGEL H95.
I wasn't impressed with the Falcons, the KEF sounded smoother and less silibant. I thought the volume on the Falcons was slightly higher too, which changes things a little...
@@dittonworks That actually sounds very good. I even laughed when the close-miked saxophone started to play, it's almost over-the-top impressive, something that makes all speakers sound good. To evaluate speakers, you also learn a lot by playing some flawed '60s or '70s recordings.
@@dittonworks Excellent, I know the guy that makes them. Had him make some custom stands for a loudspeaker I distributed in the UK several years ago, they really allow the speaker give a wide open sound stage. Have you ever come across any iF Designs stands? Roger who designed these is also a friend of mine and he started by building a stand just for the LS3/5a. Also got him to make a custom stand for me. Those in the know remember the Tallis model, in many circles it’s considered the best stand for the LS3/5a. I had clients in the Far East queuing for a pair if I ever got my hands on any
Quick Update…
After many more hours of listening. I have concluded the Falcons absolutely trounced the Kef 11ohm..
the recording clips really do not convey the ability of the 15ohm Falcons.
I’ve found LS3/5a are rather difficult to record. I will work on better recording techniques as the channel continues.
Thanks again to all who have watched, liked and subscribed.
Kindest
Regards
Ditton Works.
Im planning to buy a pair of falcon ls3/5a 15 ohm , your testing is very helpful, thank you.
I discovered you just a short time ago & absolutely love your channel. In 10 seconds, the difference came through loud & clear. The Falcons lower mid base was richer, fuller, sounding more at ease then the KEF's. For what it is worth I had bought a pair of the KEF Raymond Cook ltd edition in the piano black back in the day. I ended up parting with them because they just didn't sound as good as my friends Roger's 15 ohmer's. Let's be honest, LS 3/5a's are historic legends, the Falcons do the mark proud. Thank you very much for all your hard work & most appreciated efforts my friend.
Just stumbled across this channel - really interesting stuff and very good sound demos. The KEFs sound great, but the Falcons immediately grabbed my attention as soon as they started playing - they seem much more engaging even via a CZcams video!
The Falcon are superb 👌. Thanks for watching 👍
The falcons are more responsive to micro dynamics. Both excellent nevertheless. For near-field sound I imagine they are a very immersive experience.
Superb video as always Kev. A classic British speaker like no other.
I have both KEF and Falcon (Gold Badge). In my opinion, the Falcon is better than KEF much more.
i like the KEFs more. They are more airy, spatial and yet a little smaller sounding but beautifully musical. To me the baas on the Falcon's got in the way of the airiness and the spatiality. The Falcons are fine speakers but I would keep the KEFs. My overall spaker preferende is the Spendor BC1. I sold my 15 ohm Rogers because of the wonderful musicality of the BC1s. I call them Quads in a box.
Great video, loved every minute, nice history lesson and a good honest opinion. Brilliant
The Falcons are stupendous. Just brilliant!
Another great review Kev. I've heard the Falcons at a hifi show, I think. They were amazingly good, real stop in your tracks and listen good!
From this side the KEF's sounded better. They had an airy ethereal sound that fit the song very well. She sounded more angelic.
I heard better "pacing" through The KEFs.
The very best audiophile test i love,,,,,
.......great review Kev, the guys at Signals certainly have some wonderful equipment on show!
They sure do Gary ☝️
Nice. Here's a thought; Falcon do a 'COMPLETE' cab only for under £200 - you could transfer the gubbins to it from a different LS....the original cab might have decent value for someone with a destroyed cab....
'The cabinet kit is designed and pre-drilled for new Falcon or second-user KEF B110 and KEF T27'
I was thinking the very same thing, I'd do it without a second thought.
Listening to this video with a pair of vintage Rogers LS3/5a's. Interesting comparison.
After hearing of the variations of the ls3/5a’s = I believe the Roger’s, were, are, and shall forever be the BEST
Another awesome video thanks.
I think this is a illnesses.😂
Cant get enough of hi end stand mount speakers. Just want to buy them.
Thanks Mikey B.
I love stand mount two way speakers.
I haven’t had enough spare time to do any videos lately.
Thanks for watching 🤩
I have rogers ls3/5a 15ohm new clasic rosewood and its phenomenal 😍😍😍😍
11 ohm burst in to tears (Watching this video with LS3/5A 15 ohm)
Another great video Kevin. I remember reading somewhere long ago that the BBC conducted an extensive research into speaker cabinet materials & out of 20 to 30 different materials, they chose Birch plywood as being the most suitable for loudspeaker cabinet due to their superior acoustic properties. So no surprise that the Falcon sounds better than your KEF. Sadly, many manufacturers today use MDF for cost reasons i guess. A true blue BBC inspired loudspeaker should stick to birch plywood damped with bitumen on the internal walls.
Hopefully a big LS3/5a shoot out soon
Thanks for watching
Songs that i wished audiophile would never play again: Liberty, Keith don’t go, here but I’m gone, bubbles
I have FalconAcoustics Crossovers in my 1976 Roger’s and a birch cabinet
Hi just found yr site. I really like it. Instant sub my man. Im just getting interested in this LS3/5 thing. Can you future video why a ls3/5 type over say the Tablette , P3,A1 variants? Prices so much more friendly ! Even what’s best used LS3/5?
According to your music piece, I like KEF LS3/5A more than Falcon. Volume level seem louder in Falcon than KEF a little bit. KEF sound more airy, musical, clear background voice harmony , rich emotion and feeling presentation.
My 1976 Roger’s LS35 A’s sound v similar 😀
I just stumbled upon your channel. I like what I see and hear!
One question arises. Are the units mounted from the back with nuts?Anyway, it sounds fantastic in both examples.
I have a pair of b 110 8 ohm drive units made by Harwood acoustics.
In fact they are German not British. But they are probably cleaner than the old Bextrene units from 70s.
I’m not sure I can live with the lack of bass extension.
I have not the T27 treble units. They look extremely hard to cross over properly. I’m going to try emulate the sound that you got.
One thing I noticed is that the Kef had airier highs but less bass.
Going from 11 ohm to 15 means that the nominal impedance changed a bit but I don’t think it is flat like a compensated network filter would do.
Falcon LS3/5a 가 여유가 잘 숙성된 소리이며, Harbeth에 근접하는 소리라고 느꼈어요.
Hello, thank you for the video. My first time to view you. A very pleasant listen to two wonderful speakers and the ongoing BBC monitor debate, always interesting. Is that a pair of Spendor 2/3 r2 or Classic 2/3 there. Thinking of investing. Every good wish to you. Michael
Hi Michael. Thank you for watching. Yes Spendor Classic 2/3
Falcons by a mile. And If you’ve ever heard the Roger’s S.E. Ls3/5a’s they trump both of these! 🔥🔥
Roger’s 15ohm circa 1976 LS35A’s
With Falcon crossovers ❤️
The Falcons which type of crossover do they have are they traditional Transformers or open core.
It's down to the ohm difference you could make the others into 15 ohms. you said the KEF had a 15 ohm version be interesting to compare that.
What about with tweeters are they the same or there different as well in resistance?
The hi ohmage gives you better damping Factor on your amplifier so that's probably why the base sounded a bit tighter.
May I ask - how are you mic-ing your videos when you're demoing speakers? (just out of curiosity). Your comparison vids sound pretty good, considering it's YT. Also, I see you're sitting in a nearfield position, here. Is this your normal listening spot? I miss having a nearfield space. Nothing gets in the way in that kind of config. My current room sucks... living space limitations and all that.
Keep up with the cool vids. Cheers!
Hi thanks for the question.
I used my iPhone to record the clips.
Yes I prefer a near field position 🙂
Ideally you'd have them further from the wall and head on for best 3D imaging and depth of field.
They were actually a fair way from the wall. Thanks for watching
Wow, i love the track and your system's sound.
A good A/B comparison is always right up my street.
I found your Kefs more inviting and emotional for some reason.
Any chance you can mention supporting kit for these demos?.
Thanks again.
Phil... I remember LS3/5a from late 70s!
Supporting kit..
iPhone 5se (iTunes)
Benchmark DAC1
Quad Artera Pre
Meridian 557 power.
Balanced XLR
Audio quest Rocket 22 speaker cable.
Something solid stands. 😉
@@dittonworks Thanks. Great kit
Hi there, I am curious what amplifier you were using. I have a pair of KEF LS 3/5A myself and looking for an other amp. Any recommendations in the price range between GBP 3000 to 5000 price range? My shortlist currently is NAIM Supernait 3 and tube amps like the Audio Note OTO or Leben CS300XS. But the OTO is more expensive and not sure about the 10W/ch power rating... I have heard my LS 3/5A's with some tube amps in the past and always pleased with the musicality, holographic corporeality and certain warmth on the BBC monitors.
You have a great budget, the world is your oyster my friend. 👍
The falcons sound more natural but the Kef sounds fuller and more holographic. I prefer the Kef more although the Falcons are more accurate.
Really? I thought falcons sounded bigger and fuller
The Falcons are outstanding ! They are on a different level to your Kefs ; but your KEF s are still very,very good .
Interestingly in North America MOFI Fidelity has commissioned Falcon to build a MOFI Edition which comes in at $1000 US cheaper ( 2K or £1450 !) than the Falcon Badged LS 3/5 A’s . Specs seem the same ; I’d love to hear the difference though . At any rate it appears to be a real bargain !
Just to stir the pot! What about Andy Whittle’s version? Those new Rogers are $$$$!
@@nigelgauntlett582 I have absolute respect for Andy, he also worked for Celestion.
I’ll be sticking with the Falcons 👌
Seem like the Falcon sounded more hollow and clean clear both vocal and background, thought the KEF is a bit more saturated (maybe warmer, not sure it's equipment or the ohm?)
Saturated sound, I like that!
@@arnolfini1434 that is what I thought myself, also it depends on what kind of music you like too, which will pair better with it more and what amp you use with it
Falcon is more neutral and open. Kef is more for old classic sound. I prefer Falcon.
100%
Spender used MDF cabinets as well. The 15ohm version might well sound better on this type of music but they fall down on faster, more modern material - try some drum & bass and then they are slow and ponderous. Also nearly all old 15ohm models will have developed a nasty peak at 1Khz. When Stirling was developing their LS3/5a a priority was to emulate the richness of the 15ohm version bass, but they handle their bass much better, maybe because of the thinner walled cabinets, which are birch like the prototypes
The Falcon are the best 15 ohm I’ve heard.
Have you heard the Falcon Q7’s? Would love to see how those compare.
Hi 👋 alas I haven’t heard them.
Many many years ago I had the Falcon Kit called the Tabor, they were brilliant. I would imagine the Q7’s are pretty good
I thought Falcon stole it too. Would it be possible to put the KEF drivers in a birch cabinet ?
I’m considering doing that.
@@dittonworks 👍
How much did you get for the Kef's in the end...
Dear, in your opinion…What a bout a right amp for Falcon gold badge? Actually I’ve two mono solid state power amp Restek Extract, driven by a Taralabs tube preamp. Maybe I’d like to change for an integrated amp, tube or solid state …preferring tube one. Thx
Sounds like you’ve got some great equipment already👍
No doubt the Kef's are well and truly run in by now, have the Falcon's had a break in time ? cheers.
Very good question.. yes the Falcons are well run in. They are Signals HiFi ex demo pair.
@@dittonworks Are the demo pair coming home to roost ? :)
@@ronnieright4935 oh yes 👍
Good demo and comparison. How about to compare with Rogers 15ohm ?
Rogers are in next weeks video
I have a pair of Spendor LS3/5a 15 Ohms I guess I am local to you as Signals (Alistair) is a stones throw away from me from the beach. I can always bring mine round if you want to have a listen.
Ooh that would be great..
I’m doing a massive LS3/5a shoot out soon..
Perhaps you could assist?
@@dittonworks yes that would be great I also have a friend who’s a massive ls3/5a fan who has some Rodger’s 15 ohms
@@KTea88 oh even better..
I’ve got 11 & 15ohm Spendor plus Falcon Silver.. I can prob borrow Gold’s off Signals 😬
I’m hoping to get a massive LS3/5a shoot out also including Harbeth’s P3esr.. all blind testing.
Look me up on Ditton Works Facebook if you’re on it?
Agreed
Hi Kevin, what stands are you using ? various opinions on stand height and density, cheers Ron.
Something Solid 60cm open frame stands
@@dittonworks Cheers, :)
Maybe the impedans indicates what types they are, 15 old versions are closer to the original spec. Thy was, and are made to specs by several produsers.
Maybe your amplifier "prefer" one of them over the other one too because of different impedans and dividing filter.
Review kef 101 vs ls3/5a
good job, and what is the speaker stand?
Something Solid
Hi just wondering have you had any experience of listening to spendor prelude speakers
Cheers
Yes 👍 I’m a big fan of Spendor speakers. The Prelude are great sounding, personally I found the SP2/2 a tad more refined and have the most glorious mid range.. please be mindful of the surrounds hardening on some older Spendor speakers.
I actually picked them on Facebook market place for $70 Australian dollars the tweeters need replacing and I was thinking about replacing the posts as well
All parts will come to about 120 British pounds
from Falcon accoustics
What do you mean exactly about the surrounds sorry for asking but I have never been into fixing old speakers before it was only the Spendor connection that inspired me to restore them
Kef for me.
Kef is unicorn
How is the sound under 60 db? Need volume for full experience? is it recomended for a small room in near field listening mode?
Good question..
I actually bought the Falcons for late night listening.
Although they play louder and deeper than the Kef’s!! They play quieter “better” than my Spendor Classic 2/3’s, they sing once things get a bit louder. 👍
@@dittonworks Wonderfull. i gonna take a listen in birmingham and decide is is what i'm looking for. any recomendation for Amplifier? i was thinking on HEGEL H95.
@@dimachesebastian6407 I couldn’t think of anything better 👌
Hi, do you prefer Valve or Solid States with the ls3/5a’s?
Probably SS
@@dittonworks thank you, really appreciate all your coverage of these magical speakers. Keep up the great work! Could you recommend some solid states?
I wasn't impressed with the Falcons, the KEF sounded smoother and less silibant. I thought the volume on the Falcons was slightly higher too, which changes things a little...
The sax was better on the Kefs and the girls voice was a little more natural.
What is the vocal track you listened to?
Liberty by Anette Askvik
@@dittonworks That actually sounds very good. I even laughed when the close-miked saxophone started to play, it's almost over-the-top impressive, something that makes all speakers sound good. To evaluate speakers, you also learn a lot by playing some flawed '60s or '70s recordings.
Have you tried Harbeth P3ESR XD vs Falcon?
I hadn’t sorry
@@dittonworks You must try them. In my opinion they sound better than M40.2, which i own too, in terms of resolution, soundstaging and voice details.
What stands are you using?
Something solid buddy 👍
How much did you pay for the Falcon Acoustics ls3/5a?
Something Solid stands?
Yes 👍
@@dittonworks Excellent, I know the guy that makes them. Had him make some custom stands for a loudspeaker I distributed in the UK several years ago, they really allow the speaker give a wide open sound stage. Have you ever come across any iF Designs stands? Roger who designed these is also a friend of mine and he started by building a stand just for the LS3/5a. Also got him to make a custom stand for me. Those in the know remember the Tallis model, in many circles it’s considered the best stand for the LS3/5a. I had clients in the Far East queuing for a pair if I ever got my hands on any
SHAME U HAVEN'T LISTENED TO THE SOUND ARTIST 500GBP IN A BLIND TEST AGAINST THE 2000+GBP ONES MIXED IN.
#Rogers, you can’t beat a clsssix…
no no no.
kef does never use MDF.
Baffle board is.