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Stirling Broadcast

Stirling Broadcast LS 3/6

Stirling LS 3/6

A new BBC designed loudspeaker appears so rarely, the new Stirling LS 3/6 might be the last in our lifetime! Actually, the 3/6 appeared very briefly before, manufactured by Rogers before it became the Rogers Export Monitor, and it's also similar to the Spendor BC1 in some ways.

But, the Stirling Broadcast 3/6 is a very modern loudspeaker using modern, top quality components, far more sophisticated than the original would have used, yet still adhering to the original BBC specs and earning the coveted BBC approval plate on the rear.

BBC approval

Doug Stirling worked with Derek Hughes, son of BBC engineer and founder of Spendor loudspeakers, Spencer Hughes, developing the modern version of the LS 3/6. It might also be of interest that BBC approval isn't just a formality - a licence fee is paid on each and every pair of speakers made. It also used to be the case that random samples would be picked and tested by the BBC to ensure specification was being met, though we're not sure if this still happens!

We thoroughly endorse the new loudspeakers. From our tests, they can stand up and be counted with the best. Contemporary components give them a clarity (not to mention power handling) which the originals couldn't have come near to, but the neutrality for which BBC designs are famous for is very much in evidence.

Stirling Broadcast LS 3/5a

Stirling Broadcast LS 3/5a

Stirling Broadcast is not the best known name in loudspeaker manufacturers, but the LS3/5a is one of the best known loudspeakers ever made!

In the early 1970's the BBC needed a mini monitor loudspeaker for outside broadcast use, and commissioned its own design team to produce it. The result was the LS3/5a which was subsequently produced under licence by several manufacturers to a stringent specification.

Loudspeaker manufacturer KEF produced the original and famous T27 tweeter and B110 woofer used in the LS3/5a, but eventually manufacture of these drive units ceased leading to difficulties for LS3/5a manufacturers and service agents alike.

Stirling Broadcast, who had been maintaining other manufacturers LS3/5as for many years, have now redesigned key areas of the loudspeaker whilst still gaining the coveted BBC licence to manufacture them. The result, the LS3/5a V2, retains all the attributes of the original whilst benefitting from new drive units and crossover, leading to even greater clarity, something the original itself wasn't lacking. The cabinet, incidentally, is apparently closer in design and materials to the original BBC prototypes than any other LS3/5a produced in recent years!

The downsides of the LS3/5a are low sensitivity and limited power handling, and, obviously, restricted bass extension. But, the clarity, evenness of frequency response, and the sheer musicality of these mini monitors more than makes up for this. Whether it's Classical, Rock, Jazz, or even BBC Radio Four plays, you won't find another 'speaker quite like the LS3/5a.

Currently available in Cherry and Walnut, and at greater cost in Maple Burl, Ebony "Tiger Stripe", Rosewood,and Zebrano (whatever that is!).

More details can be found on the manufacturer's own website: http://www.stirlingbroadcast.net/

Stirling Broadcast AB-2

AB-2 Bass extender

The AB-2 subwoofers ("bass extenders" according to Stirling), shown above with (different finish) LS3/5as mounted, are Doug Stirling's answer to the original Rogers AB-1 design, and improve on the originals in many ways. They turn the LS3/5a into a full range 'speaker, both sonically and visually. You can run them in two different ways. Recommended is to let the subs filter bass away from the 3/5a hence making it easier for them. Or, you can simply run them in parallel if your amp allows, or ideally, bi-amp them.

Although "tuned" for Stirling's own loudspeakers, they can successfully be used with any vintage LS3/5a. A selection of finishes are available which match those of the Stirling LS3/5a. More information can be found here: http://www.stirlingbroadcast.net/ab-2.html