Graham Audio LS5/5f Floorstanding Monitor Loudspeakers

Graham Audio LS5/5f Floorstanding Monitor Loudspeakers: A Refined Evolution in Sound

The Graham Audio LS5/5f Floorstanding Monitor Loudspeakers is a sophisticated development of the LS5/5, enhancing the performance and presence of its predecessor through a larger cabinet design. Built upon the same three-way system, it delivers even deeper bass, exceptional midrange clarity, and extended high-frequency response, making it an ideal choice for both professional and high-end home audio setups. This evolution reflects Graham Audio’s commitment to delivering precision and musicality, while incorporating subtle but powerful features designed to meet the needs of the discerning listener.

Larger Cabinet for Enhanced Bass Extension

The LS5/5f retains the same 300mm bass driver, 200mm midrange unit, and 25mm soft-dome tweeter as the LS5/5, maintaining the renowned performance characteristics of its predecessor. However, the floorstanding cabinet design results in deeper and more authoritative bass. The larger enclosure allows the LS5/5f to extend well below the -2dB point of 35Hz, providing a fuller low-end that delivers increased impact and definition, especially in larger rooms.

This expanded bass response ensures that the LS5/5f remains balanced and controlled, even when reproducing demanding bass-heavy material. It makes these loudspeakers ideal for environments where a natural, deep, and impactful low end is critical—be it in professional studios, large listening rooms, or high-end home theatres.

Adjustable Tweeter Control for Fine-Tuning

A unique addition to the LS5/5f is the inclusion of a tweeter level control on the front panel. This innovative feature allows the listener to adjust the tweeter output by ±1dB, offering the ability to tailor the high frequencies to suit the acoustics of the listening space or personal preferences. Though the adjustment may seem modest, this control offers valuable flexibility, particularly in rooms with reflective surfaces or varied positioning. Fine-tuning the high-end response can help mitigate brightness or emphasise clarity, allowing for an optimal listening experience.

The tweeter adjustment, combined with the flat frequency response of 35Hz to 20kHz, ±2dB, means the LS5/5f can adapt to a wide range of room characteristics while maintaining neutrality.

Slot-Loaded Drivers for Improved Power Response

Just like the original LS5/5, the LS5/5f utilises slot-loading for the bass and midrange drivers. This design remains a hallmark of the speaker’s controlled dispersion pattern. By mounting the drivers behind slots on the front panel, the off-axis power response is improved, ensuring a smooth and coherent sound across the listening environment. The effect of this design is particularly beneficial in typical rooms where reflections and room modes can often disturb the imaging and frequency balance. The slots help maintain clarity and focus, particularly through the crossover points at 400Hz and 3.5kHz, where seamless integration between the drivers is crucial.

BBC Thin-Wall Cabinet Construction for Sonic Purity

Continuing the BBC thin-wall design tradition, the LS5/5f cabinet is built with relatively thin panels, but these panels are mass-loaded to ensure that resonances are kept away from the critical midrange frequencies. This construction, alongside the use of rockwool damping, maintains the speaker’s tonal neutrality by controlling unwanted colouration. This is especially important in professional environments where accuracy and transparency are non-negotiable.

Externally, the cabinet features hand-matched real wood veneers, finished to a high standard, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional durability. The attention to detail in both the visual and acoustic design reflects the craftsmanship that Graham Audio is known for.

Floorstanding Design with Wide Amplifier Compatibility

Standing at 111cm tall, with a width of 36cm and depth of 48cm, the LS5/5f is designed to make a bold, yet elegant statement. Weighing 46kg, it’s a solid and substantial presence in any room, yet with real wood veneers, it integrates easily into both traditional and contemporary interiors. The additional height and cabinet volume give the LS5/5f a significant advantage in low-frequency performance without compromising on midrange clarity or high-frequency detail.

With a nominal impedance of 8Ω and a sensitivity of 88dB SPL (2.83V, 1m), the LS5/5f is efficient enough to be driven by a variety of amplifiers, making it versatile in a range of setups. Graham Audio recommends amplifier power between 50 to 250 watts, ensuring that the speaker can handle both moderate and high-power amplification without distortion, and achieving maximum output levels of over 104dB at a 2m distance.

Tailored for High-Fidelity Listening

The Graham Audio LS5/5f combines the revered qualities of its predecessor with enhancements that take performance to the next level. The combination of deeper bass extension, adjustable tweeter control, and classic BBC engineering principles makes the LS5/5f floorstanding monitor a top-tier choice for audiophiles and professionals seeking refinement, precision, and the flexibility to adapt to any listening environment.