Falcon Acoustics LS3/5a 15 ohms

**Jerome W** · February 27, 2016, 04:01 AM

Hi Folks,

I received a pair of Falcon LS3/5a this week.
Listened to them with 2 tube amps of rather low power ( MAC 1500 : 2 x 30W and Halgorythme : 2 x 20W ) and various styles of music.
As much as I love the Harbeth P3ESR, the Falcons are clearly better to my ears. More natural sounding. I connect instantly to the music.
There is no stress at all. The timbres are incredibly natural.
The P3ESR puts maybe a tiny more weight in the notes but on many recordings it does not appear. The Falcons are not lean speakers at all. For their size, the meat on the bone is incredible.
Main differences are in the bass and the treble.
The bass of the Falcons is more neutral. Now that I have them side by side I can hear clearly that the P3ESR's have a bass bump.
The treble of the P3ESR is more resolved, and goes a bit higher. More detailed. More "modern" sounding.
The treble of the Falcons is not rolled off at all. Its resolution is more natural to my ears. Sounds sweeter.

Overall, I enjoy much more the music through the Falcons. Maybe that the P3ESR are harder to drive.

To me the Falcon's are the very best LS3/5a iteration I ever heard.

**Jerome W** · February 27, 2016, 04:08 AM

**joeinid** · February 27, 2016, 04:15 AM

Congratulations Jerome, are these current production speakers? I'll have to look for them.

**Jerome W** · February 27, 2016, 04:24 AM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Congratulations Jerome, are these current production speakers? I'll have to look for them.

Absolutely Joe.
See the Stereophile review.

**joeinid** · February 27, 2016, 04:39 AM

Wow! Great review. I'll have to look into them. What finish are yours?

**Jerome W** · February 27, 2016, 05:03 AM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Wow! Great review. I'll have to look into them. What finish are yours?

Cherry.

**MDP** · February 27, 2016, 08:37 AM

Congrats Jerome

I read that review also and would love to hear a pair!

**Mike** · February 27, 2016, 09:36 AM

Jerome - do they have much larger speakers? Are you considering any of those?

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**Paul** · February 27, 2016, 10:01 AM

Jerome, Have you ever heard the Rogers LS3/5A ?

**Zero** · February 27, 2016, 10:18 AM

Lovely. Congrats man!!!

**Jerome W** · February 27, 2016, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

Jerome - do they have much larger speakers? Are you considering any of those?

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I do not think so Mike.

**Jerome W** · February 27, 2016, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by Paul

Jerome, Have you ever heard the Rogers LS3/5A ?

Yes Paul.
The Rogers 15 ohms are better than the 11 ohms. But the Falcons are better than the Rogers. The Definition is much higher.

**Paul** · February 27, 2016, 12:00 PM

I see. My impression was exact opposite. I guess we all have different hearing

. Enjoy it Jeorme.

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**Jerome W** · February 27, 2016, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by Paul

I see. My impression was exact opposite. I guess we all have different hearing

. Enjoy it Jeorme.

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Paul, the problem is that most 15 ohms are old and may not sound as they were supposed to 30 or 40 years ago. I have listened to rather bad 15 ohms.
Hence the stunning idea of Falcon to make a new version of them.
The LS3/5a original sound, the one that made it a legend, is the 15 ohms version. Not the 11 ohms.

**Jerome W** · February 27, 2016, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by Zero

Lovely. Congrats man!!!

Thanks !

**Cucumber_jones** · February 27, 2016, 01:57 PM

I thought you were no longer an audiophile!

**Jerome W** · February 27, 2016, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by Cucumber_jones

I thought you were no longer an audiophile!

So why a LS3/5a lover should be an audiophile ? That is precisely the opposite.
The Falcons are all about music.
When you can enjoy a tiny box like the LS3/5a, as much as a full range Altec based speaker, imho it means that you're not an audiophile.

just a music lover.

**the professor** · February 27, 2016, 03:04 PM

Congrats

I love LS3/5a's - they do so much right!

**Jerome W** · February 27, 2016, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by the professor

Congrats

I love LS3/5a's - they do so much right!

Thanks !

**Jerome W** · February 29, 2016, 02:21 AM

Update after a week of owning : the Stereophile review is spot on. Those speakers are incredible at disappearing and the rightness of timbre is just hard to believe.
http://www.stereophile.com/content/f...ihi7zIpyhB1.97
I prefer them to my beloved Harbeth P3ESR's.
The P3 have amazing qualities. But listening side by side with these Falcon's, there is the evidence of this upper bass bump ( around 150Hz probably) in the P3 which is completely absent in the Falcons. Does it mean that the Falcons are missing bass compared to the Harbeths ? No. They just present the bass in a more "civilized" and refined way.
Especially, the Falcons are more invisible than the P3. They seem to be less colored and hence I can dive deeper into the music. The "escape" factor is clearly better.
I do love the P3ESR's a lot. But the Falcons are a kind of "refinement" or "upgrade" version. It just seems that all the little "defects" of the P3 have been deeply washed and rinsed with the Falcons.
I do recommend the Falcons more than any speaker I ever met. To the ones who favor music over gear and attitude. For a "little secondary" system or for a main system with top notch high end electronics even in a large space ( the Falcons, like the Harbeth P3ESR's are able to fill large rooms with an incredible ease !).
If you're not after the last octaves of bass, those Falcons are the best ever to my ears, without any reserve.
I just sold my two pairs of P3ESR's. And I ordered a second pair of Falcons.

**joeinid** · February 29, 2016, 11:09 AM

Jerome,

I am so happy for you. I've been thinking about these. The local US distributor has a few in stock and I am so curious.

**MDP** · February 29, 2016, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Jerome,

I am so happy for you. I've been thinking about these. The local US distributor has a few in stock and I am so curious.

Uh oh.............

**Zero** · February 29, 2016, 02:17 PM

Interesting. I know two people who tried the Falcons and darn near drop-kicked them outta their abode.

Still, all that means is that I'm now more inspired to bring in a set. Hopefully that'll happen sooner rather than later.

**joeinid** · February 29, 2016, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by MDP

Uh oh.............

**joeinid** · February 29, 2016, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by Zero

Interesting. I know two people who tried the Falcons and darn near drop-kicked them outta their abode.

Still, all that means is that I'm now more inspired to bring in a set. Hopefully that'll happen sooner rather than later.

Now I find that interesting. I wonder what amps were used with them and if that made a difference. I am thinking maybe an Atma-Sphere S-30 OTL could be really nice with the 15 ohm Falcons.

**Zero** · February 29, 2016, 02:51 PM

That's exactly why I'm interested! I'm always fascinated by a product that receives contrasting reviews. I'm sure the Faclons sound great. The question is, are they picky about what they're fed, or is it all a matter of personal taste? Will try to find out.

**Jerome W** · March 20, 2016, 01:39 AM

A few notes after some time with the Falcons little demons.

These speakers are the pinnacle of hifi.
They are precisely the essence of why I am in love with sound reproduction. The BBC engineers understood everything. The finesse and truth of their reproduction is beyond words.
By comparison, the P3ESR are more extraverted but they do get in the way of music even very lightly.
The Falcon LS3/5 a 15 ohms puts absolutely nothing between my ears and the performers. They let me connect to the music like no other speaker I owned.
They do not do anything. They surely miss deep bass and very high treble.
But the magic is precisely here : you cannot think for one second that you're missing something when you listen to them.
And while being extremely transparent and detailed, like a pro instrument made for mastering, they are very easy to drive and very tolerant with the associated gear.

It is so good to know, that in the jungle of today's ultra high end speakers, of very sophisticated cases and drivers, delivering sounds that are extremely different from one brand to an other, while proclaiming that they are the closer to reality, it is so good to know, that somewhere, there is a tiny little box, not costing a fortune, not noticeable when you enter the room where they are located, and who can deliver the highest dose possible of magic in music reproduction.
The LS3/5a is the Queen of Hifi. Like a real Queen, it is modest and refined. To the highest level.

Congratulations to Falcon Acoustics for the revival of the legend.
The speakers are a blessing.

PS : for best performance with the LS3/5 a, imho, one should be careful about two things.
- do not use metal stands, even the best ones. Only solid real wood.
- do not place them at the standard height of 60 cm. They do really shine when they are far from the ground, 1 meter being the minimum. I use them at 1m10. The tweeters are well above my ears but imho they do sound much more like real size speakers at this level.

**Jerome W** · March 20, 2016, 01:42 AM

Here they are in walnut :

**Paul** · March 20, 2016, 01:54 AM

You bought the Harbeth like me and now the LS3/5a ? You copy cat !!!

I'm glad you enjoying them. They are hidden gem which most of audiophile would ignore them. I still have my LS3/5a after all these years.

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**Jerome W** · March 20, 2016, 02:02 AM

Originally Posted by Paul

You bought the Harbeth like me and now the LS3/5a ? You copy cat !!!

I'm glad you enjoying them. They are hidden gem which most of audiophile would ignore them. I still have my LS3/5a after all these years.

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Paul : I came to Harbeth because of you.
But I did not know you still have your 3/5a.
Rogers 11 ohms ?

**Paul** · March 20, 2016, 02:04 AM

Originally Posted by Jerome W

Paul : I came to Harbeth because of you.
But I did not know you still have your 3/5a.
Rogers 11 ohms ?

I have both 11 & 15 ohms.

I praise them every time I get the chance last few years in here and there but no one cared

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**Jerome W** · March 20, 2016, 02:07 AM

Originally Posted by Paul

I have both 11 & 15 ohms.

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Cool !! And you prefer the 11 ohms from what I understand.
The 15 ohms may be a bit old. Some guys say that the filters often need to be rejuvenated. The caps used at this time do degrade noticeably with years.

**Paul** · March 20, 2016, 02:10 AM

Originally Posted by Jerome W

Cool !! And you prefer the 11 ohms from what I understand.
The 15 ohms may be a bit old. Some guys say that the filters often need to be rejuvenated. The caps used at this time do degrade with noticeably with years.

No I'm not saying the 11 ohms is better it depends on type of music you playing. The 15 is sweeter but the 11 ohms are all around player.

Mines are mint as day one. Nothing is needed to be done last time I checked.

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**mcanaday** · April 3, 2016, 07:22 AM

any specific recommendations for wood stands for the Falcons? Which brands are especially good?

thanks.

**joeinid** · April 9, 2016, 07:23 PM

bump

**Jerome W** · April 9, 2016, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by mcanaday

any specific recommendations for wood stands for the Falcons? Which brands are especially good?

thanks.

HiFi racks got great reviews. I will try them.

**Bruce** · April 9, 2016, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by mcanaday

any specific recommendations for wood stands for the Falcons? Which brands are especially good?

thanks.

The only stands that were specifically designed to bring out the best of the venerable LS3/5a are the Tallis ones Pictured below.

I've owned Harbeth and Chartwell version of the Speakers--comparing to the Skylan/ Partingdons--the Tallis were far superior on all sonic counts.

Sadly no longer made ( UK) but can be found on S/H sites in the UK and EU.

I believe there was a pair on the Tonbridge Audio fair a while back

Good hunting

Bruce

**Jerome W** · April 10, 2016, 02:43 AM

Originally Posted by Bruce

The only stands that were specifically designed to bring out the best of the venerable LS3/5a are the Tallis ones Pictured below.

I've owned Harbeth and Chartwell version of the Speakers--comparing to the Skylan/ Partingdons--the Tallis were far superior on all sonic counts.

Sadly no longer made ( UK) but can be found on S/H sites in the UK and EU.

I believe there was a pair on the Tonbridge Audio fair a while back

Good hunting

Bruce

Thanks Bruce.
Top plate is metal though.
But they look good !

**Tom Z** · April 10, 2016, 03:28 AM

They look nice Jerome. The Falcons are almost as tall as my Infinity Reference 40's which are large 3-way stand mounts, though my pair has replacement Emit-R planar tweeters & a tweaked crossover. Do they sound anything like Harbeths which also have a connection to the BBC?

Originally Posted by Jerome W

**Jerome W** · April 10, 2016, 09:07 AM

Originally Posted by Tom Z

They look nice Jerome. The Falcons are almost as tall as my Infinity Reference 40's which are large 3-way stand mounts, though my pair has replacement Emit-R planar tweeters & a tweaked crossover. Do they sound anything like Harbeths which also have a connection to the BBC?

They do sound very different than the P3ESR. Especially in the bass.
I find the Falcon's more neutral and balanced.

**kzhtoo** · April 11, 2016, 12:14 AM

Saw the below mini review on cnet and wondering if it aligns with anyone's experience regarding the Falcons. I'm looking for a very compact set of speakers for my bedroom.

"I couldn't resist comparing the Falcon LS3/5a with my KEF LS50 speakers; it's a thoroughly modern design inspired by the original LS3/5a. First thing, the LS50 sounded richer, warmer, with softer treble. The imaging wasn't as big and clearly focused as the Falcon LS3/5a's, and the midrange wasn't as natural on the LS50. They are both excellent, but very different-sounding speakers."

**joeinid** · April 11, 2016, 12:50 AM

Wow, could be a fun little speaker.

**Zero** · April 11, 2016, 04:18 PM

Warm, rich, and soft are the exact opposite words that I'd use to describe the KEF LS50. This hobby is crazy.

**Paul** · April 12, 2016, 11:11 PM

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

Saw the below mini review on cnet and wondering if it aligns with anyone's experience regarding the Falcons. I'm looking for a very compact set of speakers for my bedroom.

"I couldn't resist comparing the Falcon LS3/5a with my KEF LS50 speakers; it's a thoroughly modern design inspired by the original LS3/5a. First thing, the LS50 sounded richer, warmer, with softer treble. The imaging wasn't as big and clearly focused as the Falcon LS3/5a's, and the midrange wasn't as natural on the LS50. They are both excellent, but very different-sounding speakers."

What !?! Must be typo !!

**Paul** · April 12, 2016, 11:11 PM

Originally Posted by Zero

Warm, rich, and soft are the exact opposite words that I'd use to describe the KEF LS50. This hobby is crazy.

I'm with Sean

**kzhtoo** · April 12, 2016, 11:57 PM

I see. Like Joe said, it could be a very fun speakers to own, the Falcon's that is..

**joeinid** · April 13, 2016, 02:36 AM

I plan on ordering a pair next month. I'm sure I will not be disappointed.

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

I see. Like Joe said, it could be a very fun speakers to own, the Falcon's that is..

**leon** · June 5, 2016, 05:55 AM

good morning gents,

I also recently purchased a pair of Falcon Acoustics in Rosewood (run them via a Naim Unity 2) . Fantastic little speaker. However, i was quite surprised to read the latest review in The absolute sound; In my view it was quite negative , and very biased towards the Harbeth p3esr. The interview was almost like a long commercial to buy Harbeth speakers iso giving a good analysis about the ls3/5a and Falcon Acoustics in particular. Now, like some of you guys i also have owned the Harbeth p3esr for several years and also still own the larger super 5HL in another system. Harbeth are great speakers. But in terms of pure musicality and joy the little Falcon wins it from the little Harbeth. Think that Jerome has detailed it very well in one of his earlier messages. Its just funny to see how subjective people and so called experts can be and have opposite views in terms of quality etc.

cheers

leon

**joeinid** · June 5, 2016, 09:58 AM

Welcome to the forum Leon, thank you for joining.

**Jerome W** · June 5, 2016, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by leon

good morning gents,

I also recently purchased a pair of Falcon Acoustics in Rosewood (run them via a Naim Unity 2) . Fantastic little speaker. However, i was quite surprised to read the latest review in The absolute sound; In my view it was quite negative , and very biased towards the Harbeth p3esr. The interview was almost like a long commercial to buy Harbeth speakers iso giving a good analysis about the ls3/5a and Falcon Acoustics in particular. Now, like some of you guys i also have owned the Harbeth p3esr for several years and also still own the larger super 5HL in another system. Harbeth are great speakers. But in terms of pure musicality and joy the little Falcon wins it from the little Harbeth. Think that Jerome has detailed it very well in one of his earlier messages. Its just funny to see how subjective people and so called experts can be and have opposite views in terms of quality etc.

cheers

leon

Hi Leon,

You nailed it. The Falcon's are supremely balanced.
This is my Falcon set up. Please show us yours !

Thread: Falcon Acoustics LS3/5a 15 ohms