Rogers LS3/5A value

@toddalin   I would guess that an immaculate pair of Chartwell LS3/5A’s in the current LS3/5A market would sell for between $2500 and $3000.  In terms of marketability IME the actual brand names of these speakers also tends to have an influence on their purchase price. For example, Rogers and Spendor seem to be the most desirable brands for the LS3/5A even though other brands like Chartwell are pretty much identical both sonically and physically. IMHO, and from a practical standpoint, if you’re looking for a used pair of original LS3/5A’s from the 1970’s through the 1980’s,  overall speaker condition is far more important than brand name.  Personally, I have always loved the sound of the LS3/5A and wish that I had never sold mine back in the early 1990’s. 

However,  I would never pay more than $1000 for any older LS3/5A that is in excellent condition, because you’re buying older gear whose drivers, wiring and circuitry are decades old, and likely in need of repair or replacement for them to sound their best.  For those who like the LS3/5A sound but don’t want to spend LS3/5A prices, I would highly recommend the KEF Reference Series Model 101 bookshelf speakers, which were manufactured from 1979 - 1986. 

At the time, KEF was not licensed by the BBC to build a version of the LS3/5A, even though they were supplying the B110/T27 drivers to other manufacturers who were building the LS3/5A under license by the BBC. 

KEF decided to build their own version of the LS3/5A with the same drivers, however, a different, yet, equally sophisticated crossover circuit, which was called the KEF Reference Series Model 101. This way they were able to sell a direct competitor to the LS3/5A without having to obtain a BBC license. 

IMHO, the Model 101 has a similar sound signature to the LS3/5A but does not distort like the LS3/5A when played loudly. It’s a wonderful sounding little speaker that scales beautifully with high quality sources and amplification. 

And the prices of Model 101’s have stayed quite reasonable. I purchased a very nice pair about five years ago for $350 delivered (The Model sold for about $600 when new which is about $2500 in today’s U.S. Dollars).  They are in my two channel system much of the time, being used on rotation with a first generation pair of Linn Kan’s and a pair of 1979 Qysonic Tad II’s.  

I use a pair of 2006 Quicksilver Minimite tube mono amplifiers to drive all three pairs of speakers, and the Quickies are a wonderful match with these speakers! 👍

your Greta joke was fantastic @deep_333 I am honored.

But.... she is too old for me now, maybe 10 years ago (said Mr. Tru...)

@jimmyblues1959 

the LS3/5A images more like a quality electrostatic speaker (think QUAD ESL)

I owned both (the electrostatics were the ESL-63) many years ago.  I bought the LS3/5A because I was commuting each week to Tasmania and I needed something portable.  But really, they are a bit of a joke, designed by the BBC scientists as a lightweight speaker that could be easily moved around, for example for outside broadcasts.  The scientists did a good job of controlling the lightweight cabinet walls with internal bracing, but full-range, they are certainly not!

Hello Parkergetdean,  unfortunately I’m replying to this after the auction has completed. I didn’t read all the responses but I went through a few and actually ran into one person, deep_333 that said these speakers are terrible. Goes to show that there is so much nonsense on the web and people talk with out knowing what they’re talking about. I’ve been listening to the LS3/5a speakers for around 30 yrs. I’ve owned about 8 different versions, most the 15 ohm but I had the 11ohm as well. I’m very knowledgeable about this speakers as it is one of the best speakers I’ve ever heard but it really depends on if you get the correct version. So when I say version, if we look at the company Rogers, they made about 50,000 pairs of this speaker but in my opinion only less than 7,000 or maybe 8,000 out of their 50,000 speakers are the best ones to own. When I say best, I’m referring to most revealing and open sounding. I know this because I know a lot of this speaker, its designers and the many versions that exist. I hope you won the bid on this speakers because the going rate for this one is around $2,000 and up. But the most important thing is that this version is the best one to get. It will sound clearer and more life-like that many other versions of Rogers.  I don’t know if you’re truly understanding me but it’s more complicated and I prefer to not get into the detailed about why this is one of the best versions. I own 2 pairs of LS3/5a, my son owns a pair, my daughter owns a pair and my friend own a pair. This all started with my love of this speaker. I’ve put the best Tube amplifiers on them costing over $10,000 and have always impressed my friends with the sound. When setup correctly, the LS3/5a has a very open, detailed, magnificent presentation. If you got to win the auction, you did very good. Here is my advice about setting them up. 100% tube amplifier. Do not use Solid State as it can damage the speakers and will not sound as good as with tubes, especially EL34 tubes.  The amp needs to be a minimum of 35 watts but call go up as high as you want. I play a times my 200 watts VTL’s amps on mine. No problem as long as you understand it’s not a speaker to play extremely loud. Use 2 subwoofers. Many people online say not to use subs but after owning my speaker for so long, I’ve incorporated subs and it sounds great. Acoustically treat the room, use high end components in the front end and get the proper stands and you will enjoy a fantastic sound. I own 3-4 midsized tube amps but I’m presently rotating between 3 large amps on the Rogers with great results. Cary 805, custom VTL 225, and Conrad Johnson Premier Four. Aside from the Rogers LS3/5a speaker, I have large Martin Logan speakers setup as well. Good luck 

thank you @lowtubes ! I lost the bids but I will keep my eye out for them. Sounds like they are wonderful speakers!