Graham Audio LS3/1 Loudspeaker (stand not included)

Graham LS3/1 Loudspeaker Is a Studio-Grade Monitor Reimagined for Domestic and Broadcast Use

Graham LS3/1 loudspeaker is a high-performance 2-way sealed monitor that builds on the legacy of BBC’s renowned acoustic research, engineered by Graham Audio for critical listening environments. Designed initially for outside broadcast (OB) applications, this model merges historical fidelity with modern acoustic refinement, offering studio-grade sound in both professional and home settings.

LS3/1 Loudspeaker Provides Sealed Cabinet Precision for Controlled Bass and Clean Imaging

The Graham LS3/1 features a sealed infinite baffle enclosure, a design shift from the ported architecture of the LS5/1 studio monitors. This configuration, combined with the modified 380mm bass/midrange driver, delivers controlled low-frequency response optimised for smaller enclosures. The result is tighter bass articulation and more accurate transient behaviour, ideal for listeners seeking precision over coloration.

This acoustic alignment not only reduces low-end bloom but also ensures the loudspeakers remain consistent across placement conditions, particularly in untreated or varied acoustic spaces—making them highly suitable for smaller studios or domestic rooms where ported designs may overemphasise bass.

Graham LS3/1 Offers Co-Axial Dual Tweeters for Coherent Imaging and Nearfield Accuracy

Unique among BBC-derived designs, the LS3/1 features dual 25mm soft dome tweeters in a coaxial configuration, centrally mounted on a panel aligned with the bass driver. This unusual but purposeful layout yields a tightly phase-aligned treble presentation, enhancing sound coherence at closer listening distances—perfect for nearfield monitoring or critical mixing setups.

Whether positioned in a compact control room or a dedicated hi-fi space, the co-axial tweeter design provides focused stereo imaging and a seamless transition between driver outputs, maintaining high-frequency integrity across the soundstage.

LS3/1 Speaker Delivers High Output with Studio-Level Dynamics in a Damped MDF Cabinet

Weighing 30kg and built using damped MDF panels with real wood veneer, the Graham LS3/1 embraces the BBC thin-wall construction principle. This approach, long favoured for its capacity to minimise cabinet colouration, uses controlled panel resonances to avoid smearing of musical detail.

With sensitivity rated at 87dB SPL (2.83V, 1m) and a recommended amplifier power of 50 to 250 watts, the speaker supports both modest and high-power systems without distortion. Its maximum output exceeds 108dB SPL per pair at 2 metres, enabling it to handle dynamic programme material while preserving sonic integrity, even at elevated levels.

Graham LS3/1 Maintains BBC Engineering Pedigree Through Complex Crossover Design and Smooth Dispersion

At the heart of the LS3/1’s acoustic balance is a 22-element crossover network tuned at 1.6kHz, ensuring accurate phase alignment and minimal distortion across the frequency spectrum. This complex filter topology provides smooth tonal transitions between the bass/mid and treble units, preserving timbral accuracy and natural instrument decay.

The slot-loading technique—employed in front of the bass driver and derived from the LS5/1 and LS5/5 designs—improves off-axis frequency dispersion, allowing the listener to experience uniform tonal quality even when not seated directly on-axis. This design nuance is particularly beneficial in rooms with shared or casual listening setups.

LS3/1 Monitor Combines Heritage Craftsmanship with Modern Acoustic Innovation

The Graham Audio LS3/1 reflects over 15 years of refinement in BBC loudspeaker development, distilled into a space-saving yet authoritative monitor. While inspired by broadcast utility, its tonal sophistication and wide-band response from 43Hz to 18kHz (±3dB) make it equally compelling in audiophile systems. The speaker seamlessly bridges its studio heritage with modern domestic demands, offering a blend of coherent sound-staging, rich midrange character, and deep yet disciplined bass extension.

Perfect for enthusiasts seeking a monitor that embodies historical authenticity and contemporary build quality, the Graham LS3/1 stands as a testament to British loudspeaker engineering at its most meticulous.