Graham LS5/5
Designed in 1967, the LS5/5 is a substantial three-way monitor. It features a 12-inch driver dedicated to low frequencies up to 400Hz, transitioning to an 8-inch midrange driver, and then to a 1-inch soft dome tweeter at 3.5kHz. The frequency response of this setup is remarkably flat, varying by no more than ±2dB from 40Hz to 20kHz.
One of the first things to catch the eye is the unique mounting of the bass and midrange drivers behind slotted front panels—a design choice that's quite rare today. This design ingeniously manages the off-axis response of the drivers, facilitating a more uniform response across the crossover points in a typical listening setup. Given its uniqueness, this aspect has piqued considerable curiosity, prompting us to craft a detailed article to elucidate how these slots function.
Echoing the BBC's traditional "thinwall" cabinet design, the LS5/5 employs relatively slender panels that are mass-loaded to shift resonances away from the vital mid-range. The cabinet also benefits from air damping provided by Rockwool. The exterior showcases hand-matched veneers, finished to an exceptionally high quality. Moreover, the grille has been thoughtfully engineered to reduce diffraction effects and is secured discreetly with concealed rare-earth magnets.