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Rogers LS35A - Stradivarius? Or Sentimental Hype?

I remember these from my audiophile youth and thought that they sounded quite good, if a bit thin.

In any case, I always thought they would make a nice monitor for a smaller room or bedroom, but then I am always shocked at the resale prices, especially for very good ones.

As I write, there is a pair on ebay which is already bid up to GBP 1,000 which I am pretty sure is a lot more than they cost new?!

So my question - what is so special about this monitor in its original configuration?

Do the best mini monitors today give these a good run for their money -- especially in the area of midrange magic?

If they really are so wonderful, why doesnt someone knock them off in China for a fraction of the price?

Are these really a big deal, or are collectors just being irrational?
cwlondon
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Stradivarius (with the proper electronics).
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
Geoffkait

What electronics in your view give the full Stradivarius experience?

And do we know why a Stradivarius is a Stradivarius? The body of the instrument?

In the case of the Rogers, why cant we knock them off in China? Is the magic in the boxes? The drivers? The crossovers?

I am intrigued by your answer, but I still dont get it.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
LS3/5a utilizes a very complex crossover designed to BBC spec (LS3/5a is the name of technical spec) for studio monitor - the x-over looks like a small amp. Also, the Rogers' cabinetry and drivers are all very high quality. Electronics should be tube type, around 15-50 watts. If I were to get some LS35a's (and I think about it from time to time, trust me; I had two pairs of Rogers previously, before Quads and Fultons) I would get the ones with special outboard x-overs and special cabinets currently made in UK (I think).

GK
aktchi
274 posts
 
Cwlondon: It is both.:) Great speaker but current prices include the hype factor.

As others have said, Spendor S3/5 or an offering from Harbeth would be just as good but fairly priced.

I listened to LS3/5a many years ago and chose Spendor BC-1 instead. That's another great speaker from yesteryear, often available quite cheaply.

If you are not into nostalgia, then decide the speaker size and budget, and just get the best match you can find.
fra-ask726e
1 posts
 
I bought mine in 79, and I had them rebuildt in 03 by a friend of mine, It has been used with a Cord amp 150 w and Tandberg 3000 series for som yars. Today i am using a Roxan 150 w Amp. together with Pro Ace B2/50 subwoofer and they still sounds great. Frank in Oslo
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