I was literally minutes from purchasing the Special 40's...

Exactly which BBC LS3/5 variant is best?

Some say it's the Harbeth P3 ESR, whilst others, lifelong fans of the BBC LS3/5s never seem to mention the Harbeth's at all.

Harbeth once had a licence to build the LS3/5s themselves due to its founder Dudley Harwood being an ex BBC employee himself.

For some reason, there seems to be a resistance to arrange a shootout between all of the available variations. It should be easy enough but nothing like that has been done for a few decades now.

In any case if it was me, I'd go for one of those that had screwed-in back panels, as the originals did. I remember that was one finding back then.

http://www.g4dcv.co.uk/ls35a/shootout.html

You might get lucky on the used marketplace. I bought my Rogers LS3/5A's (11 ohms) from an eBay seller in Lithuania (!!!) for $960 + shipping. At that price how could I resist! They arrived safely intact!

I certainly wouldn't spend thousands for the Falcon's or other versions! Reality check: the Rogers version listed at $450/pair in 1976 - 78! I was tempted then to buy a pair!

roberjerman

I certainly wouldn't spend thousands for the Falcon's or other versions! Reality check: the Rogers version listed at $450/pair in 1976 - 78! I was tempted then to buy a pair!

Reality check: $450 in 1976 is the equivalent of more than $2100 in 2020.

@cd318
This is the last line in John Atkinsons review of the Harbeth P3ESR. BTW, I happen to agree with him!

I love the Harbeth P3ESR. I think it’s the best iteration yet from any manufacturer of the BBC LS3/5A minimonitor concept.

This is the full review!

https://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/harbeth_p3esr_loudspeaker/index.html