Which LS3/5a?

BTW, only the 15ohm versions were the best sounding and only 15ohm used the Rifa capacitors.  There was only a few years in production where Rogers, Chartwell, Goodman, Audio Master, Ram used the Rifa caps.  Rogers used them in the late 1970’s. Rogers early production LS3/5a speakers are not the best sounding but are the most valuable.  Since I am mostly a Rogers LS3/5a collector, I do not know the time period where other manufacturers used the Rifa caps inside their LS3/5a speakers but I have seen it in some of there models.  Years ago, Chartwells were highly sought after by Asians and I believe it was because some, not all Chartwells contained the Rifa caps.  I was a member of a forum many years ago put together by the son of one of the engineers who designed the BBC LS3/5a and we talked about this issue 25yrs ago of why do some LS3/5a’s sound better than others.

Thanks lowtubes!

No problem.  Ive been into hifi audio for around 30yrs and I still remember that one of the best sounds I ever heard was from a pair of Rogers driven by the Cary 805 mono tube amps.  I’ve heard a lot of systems and still love the midrange from the late 70’s Rogers.  Everyone has a certain sound that is for them. 

I have extensive experience with the Rogers and would not consider any other make. If you can find a pair in good shape by all means go for it. On stands with a pair of subwoofers and a properly treated room you can have a 90% system. The last 10% will cost you $100K. 

The new Roger’s “special edition” aka gold badge are by far the best (and most $$$). Try listening to all of them. The chartwell’s /vintage sell for the most because their vintage, but of the new ls3/5a’s the Roger’s se’s take the cake! Add an audio research i50, and you have as close to “perfection” as $$$ can get! (Or an allnic T-2000) but they’re $15,,000! Since they’re 15 ohm and have a slightly crisp sound, you definitely want to pair them with a high-quality tube amp.