Graham Audio LS5/8 Monitor Loudspeakers: The Flagship of BBC Design
The Graham Audio LS5/8 Monitor Loudspeakers represents the pinnacle of BBC monitor design, developed in response to the need for higher sound pressure levels, improved transparency, and greater consistency over its predecessor, the LS5/5. This flagship model offers a refined audio experience, balancing authoritative bass with detailed midrange clarity, making it a choice speaker for larger spaces, studios, and audiophiles alike.
Advanced Polypropylene Diaphragm for Low Colouration
At the heart of the LS5/8 lies a carefully engineered 12-inch Diaphnatone polypropylene driver. This was a significant innovation when the LS5/8 was first introduced by the BBC, as the switch from Bextrene to polypropylene reduced cone mass, improving efficiency and lowering unwanted colouration. The result is a bass/midrange unit that not only reproduces low frequencies with authority but also extends well into the midrange with exceptional clarity.
The cone profile has been precisely tuned to provide smooth, accurate midrange reproduction—an essential feature in professional monitoring environments where vocal and instrumental accuracy is paramount. This makes the LS5/8 particularly suited to critical listening tasks, including recording, mixing, and mastering, where transparency and sonic detail are required.
Seamless Integration with Audax Tweeter for Midrange Clarity
To complement the impressive bass/midrange driver, the LS5/8 is paired with the 34mm Audax HD13D34H tweeter, the same high-performance tweeter found in the renowned LS5/9. This tweeter has been chosen for its ability to deliver smooth and extended high frequencies, reproducing every detail from 40Hz to 16kHz with ±3dB accuracy. The continuity between the LS5/9 and LS5/8 in terms of timbre and tonal balance ensures that engineers and listeners can confidently move between these monitors while maintaining a consistent sonic profile.
Thin-Wall Birch Plywood Cabinet for Accurate Sound Reproduction
The LS5/8 follows the BBC's thin-wall construction tradition, utilising high-quality birch plywood and hardwood batons. The cabinet panels are 12mm thick, designed to be mass-loaded in order to shift cabinet resonances away from the sensitive midrange frequencies. By doing so, the LS5/8 reduces colouration and allows the drivers to perform with greater accuracy. Inside, rockwool damping is used to absorb unwanted internal reflections, a superior choice over cheaper foam alternatives, ensuring that the speaker's internal acoustics are tightly controlled.
This construction provides a balance of rigidity and damping that results in a speaker cabinet capable of reproducing music with a natural, uncoloured sound. The real wood veneer finish not only gives the speaker a sophisticated appearance but also reflects the craftsmanship and attention to detail in the build process.
Passive Crossover for Enhanced Imaging and Resolution
Originally conceived as an active monitor, the modern LS5/8 has been reimagined with a passive crossover, designed by Derek Hughes in collaboration with Volt Loudspeakers. This passive design enhances the speaker’s resolution and imaging, surpassing the original active version in delivering greater spatial accuracy. The crossover points at 400Hz and 3.5kHz have been meticulously tuned to ensure seamless integration between the bass/midrange and tweeter units, ensuring that the LS5/8 delivers a coherent and immersive soundstage, even in larger listening environments.
The passive design conforms to the demanding BBC specifications, maintaining the transparency and linearity expected from a top-tier reference monitor, while also making it more versatile in terms of amplification.
Designed for Large Spaces and High-Level Listening
The LS5/8 has been engineered for larger rooms and spaces where higher sound pressure levels are needed. With a frequency response of 40Hz to 16kHz and a maximum output of 110dB (measured at 2 metres), the LS5/8 offers extended bass response and superb dynamic range, making it a powerful tool for professional studios and high-end listening environments.
Despite its size, the LS5/8 is remarkably efficient, with a sensitivity rating of 89dB SPL (2.83V, 1m) and a nominal impedance of 8Ω, allowing it to be driven by a wide range of amplifiers. Graham Audio recommends amplifier power between 50 to 250 watts unclipped, ensuring that the LS5/8 can deliver its full potential without distortion, whether in studio or home settings.
The Ultimate Monitor for Midrange Purity and Bass Authority
The Graham Audio LS5/8 strikes a perfect balance between midrange purity, low-frequency extension, and high-level dynamics. Its seamless integration of cutting-edge polypropylene diaphragm technology, combined with the legendary BBC thin-wall cabinet design, makes it a top choice for professionals who need accurate and transparent monitoring. Whether for classical music, vocals, or full orchestral scores, the LS5/8 is designed to convey the emotion and nuance of the original recording with unerring precision.
This loudspeaker’s ability to fill large spaces with music and its exceptional transient response has made it a standout model, as echoed by glowing reviews from audio professionals worldwide. For those looking for a reference monitor capable of delivering both power and finesse, the LS5/8 remains an essential component in any high-performance audio system.
