Gold Badge LS3/5A

Sensitivity: 80-86dB

All products from this brand

Tweeter: Soft Dome

Specifications

System type: Two-way infinite baffle (sealed box)
Frequency response: 70Hz - 20kHz ± 3dB
Sensitivity: 83dB for 2.83V © 1m
Nominal impedance: 15 ohm
Bass/Midrange driver: 138mm Falcon Acoustics B110 - Graded and Computer Matched
Tweeter: 19mm Falcon Acoustics T27 - Graded and Computer Matched
Crossover: Falcon Acoustics FL6/23 (BBC Design) Graded and pair matched components throughout
Crossover frequency: 3Khz
Cabinet: Selected grade Baltic Birch Ply, Beech battens, internally damped
Finishes: Cherry, Walnut, Rosewood, Burr Walnut, Yew
Dimensions: 305mm H x 190mm W x 165mm D
Weight: 5.35 kgs each

Manufacturer product description (from their site)

The Falcon Acoustics Gold Badge 15 ohm LS3/5A is the only LS3/5A in production that faithfully replicates the original BBC design published in October 1976. Hand-assembled by Falcon Acoustics in Oxford England, the Gold Badge LS3/5A is widely held to be the best production LS3/5A ever made, and follows on from the 12 years of research that led to the Kingswood Warren Special Edition. It is the only LS3/5A to ever achieve Stereophile Class A component status, a unique accolade which has been awarded since 2021.

Overall product release timeline

Falcon GC6500R Reference

Brand highlights

We analyzed reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—and what stands out most is the following:

Falcon Acoustics offers meticulously crafted speakers, with the LS3/5a being a fully BBC-licensed product, hand-assembled in Oxford, faithfully replicating the original 1976 BBC design.
A significant differentiating factor is their in-house manufacturing of key components like the B110 mid-bass driver and T27 tweeter, designed by Falcon's founder, ensuring high quality and consistency.
Beyond the LS3/5a, Falcon Acoustics designs and manufactures its own range of speakers, like the Reference GC6500R, showcasing their engineering capabilities beyond BBC-licensed designs.
Falcon's designs, like the M10, prioritize a "traditional voicing" aiming to bring the musicians into the room, focusing on a smooth, svelte sound that avoids the starkness often found in modern designs.

Select products

25178

Falcon GC6500R Reference

Product lineup breakdown

Every Falcon uses drive units the company makes itself in Italian cabinets, giving the accurate midrange the brand is known for. The M10 uses a B110 unit and suits a small room. The M40 adds a separate B110 midrange to a B200 woofer, so the woofer focuses on bass and reaches 26Hz. The Falcon GC6500R Reference uses two graphene enhanced bass cones and a ribbon tweeter to reach 20Hz.

Start here. Choose the M10 if you have a small room and a tight budget and want a Falcon stand mount.
Sweet spot. The M20 gives a medium room an 8 inch woofer reaching 38Hz and easier driving at 90dB sensitivity than the M10, so bass goes deeper and a modest amplifier does more.
All in. The Falcon GC6500R Reference is a separate design priced well above the M50, and its lighter graphene cones give quicker bass attack and recovery for listeners who want the tightest low end.

Brand details falconloudspeakers.co.uk

Avg. Product Price

$2,501-$5,000

Used For Sale

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Brand Popularity

219

of 900+

Badges

Top 50 Brand

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Products Listed

Founding Year

1972

Our take on the brand

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What if you spend more?

Bowers & Wilkins

805 D4

9500

Reviews

Bowers & Wilkins develops many of its own components in pursuit of a speaker that adds nothing to a recording and takes nothing away. The British company, founded in 1966 by John Bowers, pioneered Kevlar cones and developed the Matrix cabinet to cut resonance. The flagship Nautilus, built for dedicated listening rooms, uses tapered damping tubes to lower distortion. The 606 S3 and 603 S3 open the range with a Titanium Dome tweeter, and the 700 Series adds a Carbon Dome tweeter and Continuum cones. The Zeppelin is on our Best Wireless Speakers list.

Lowest Frequency: 41Hz-50Hz @ ±3dB

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Our summary

Sensitivity: 87-89dB

Product Strengths

Excellent build quality, featuring a blend of aluminum, leather, and wood veneer, or gloss paint.
Detailed sound with excellent stereo imagery.
Good detail and clarity.
Wide and deep soundstage.
Design features contribute to cabinet rigidity and reduced coloration.

Product Considerations

May sound bright with the wrong amplifier or cables.
May require a high-power solid-state amp.
Needs quality amplification and may sound soft if underpowered.
Requires stands, adding to the overall cost.
Bass may not satisfy those seeking high-output bass without a subwoofer.

Takeaway: The 805 D4 is an excellent speaker that is beautifully built and delivers a detailed and engaging sound. It's a great option for those seeking a premium listening experience.

Video review

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Julian Shapiro

ExtremeHiFi Writer

Gershman

Studio II

5500

Reviews

Delivers performance beyond what is typically associated with its price.

Gershman Acoustics is a Canadian speaker maker, established in 1993 by Eli Gershman. Every speaker is handcrafted in Canada. The company's patented Bass Trap design controls the driver's back wave to extend bass and reduce resonance, and its upper models add the Separate Sub Alignment System to isolate the bass from the midrange and treble. The Studio II gives its tweeter a dual chamber, suits small and medium rooms and is on our Best Studio Monitors for Listening to Music list.

Lowest Frequency: 21Hz-30Hz

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Our summary

Enclosure Material: Composite

Sensitivity: 87-89dB

Product Strengths

Full-range sound, impressive bass response, and the ability to pressurize a room, often negating the need for a separate subwoofer
Smooth, warm, and coherent midrange provides natural and engaging vocals and instruments for long listening sessions without fatigue
Well-extended treble presents in a naturally smooth, enjoyable, and pleasing manner
Excellent imaging and soundstage capabilities create a realistic and immersive listening experience
Sound reproduction makes it a speaker that one can live with
Connectivity options are available

Product Considerations

Quality amplification with sufficient power and current is required to achieve optimal performance and control the woofer effectively
The backplate for bass adjustment uses wood screws, making it easy to strip if not handled carefully
Placement and setup, especially stand height and toe-in, are crucial for achieving the best high-frequency response, it can sound dull if not optimized
May not be ideal for listeners who prefer a brighter, more forward sound signature or those who prioritize extreme loudness levels
Grilles may cause micro-rattling at moderate to loud listening levels due to weaker magnets

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

Vs Totem Acoustic Manny 2 Signature: The Studio 2 has a more forgiving presentation, denser midrange, and stronger bass
Vs Klipsch Forte 3: The Studio 2 offers a more natural tone, especially in the midrange and upper bass, along with greater soundstage depth
Vs Vienna Acoustics Mozart Symphony Editions: The Studio 2 beats them in bass and midrange
Vs Harbeth (SHL5 and Compact 7 XTs): The Studio 2 cannot be matched by the Harbeth's articulate bass response
Vs Celestion SL6-S: The Studio 2 has deeper roots in the trunk, and they got high branches and leaves, but they don't go all the way up to the highest branches and leaves at the tippy top

Takeaway:

The Studio 2 is a well-built bookshelf speaker that delivers a smooth, full-range sound with surprising bass and clear imaging, making for an engaging listening experience. With the right setup and quality components, these speakers can provide years of musical enjoyment in a variety of room sizes.

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Julian Shapiro

ExtremeHiFi Writer

Dynaudio

Focus 10

5500

Reviews

Dynaudio's idea is to make its own drive units, from diaphragm to magnet, even for its entry-level speakers. The Danish company was founded in 1976 and builds its Heritage Special and Contour Legacy by hand in Skanderborg. The flagship Confidence range uses the Esotar 3 tweeter, whose Hexis inner dome damps resonance. Reviewers hear a smooth sound that suits long listening sessions. The Core and LYD ranges are studio monitors. The Emit range shares MSP cones with Evoke and suits smaller rooms, and the Special Forty is on our Best Bookshelf Speakers list.

Lowest Frequency: 41Hz-50Hz @ ±3dB

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Our summary

Wireless

Product Strengths

Integrated technology allows direct high-resolution listening without extra devices
The speaker uses the same Pascal Class D amplification and processing technology from Dynaudio's Pro line Core series
Discrete amplification channel per driver: 110 watts for the tweeter and 280 watts for the woofer
Dirac Live room correction is available, which can tune some of the annoying sounds of a garage, for example, using the soft dome tweeter

Product Considerations

Running a digital coaxial cable from one speaker to the next results in the signal being sent at 24-96 kilohertz, which is a lower quality than what the master speaker receives (24-192)
There is no HDMI arc or e-arc connection
Drilling holes may be required to attach the speaker to stands
Setting up the speaker with the app is not as quick or seamless as Bluesound
A microphone is required to do Dirac room calibration

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

Vs PSB Alpha IQs: Plays louder with a higher level of amplification
Vs Dynaudio Core 7: The Core 7 has more power and a slightly better tweeter and woofer, but is not as aesthetically pleasing and needs a Bluesound Node
Vs Dynaudio Evoke: It is similar to an Evoke speaker, but with a bigger woofer

Takeaway: The Focus recMsY5ljWopDD7UU is a sophisticated wireless speaker that pulls technology from Dynaudio's Pro line and features Dirac room calibration. It is ideal for someone looking for high-resolution listening without extra devices and who values sophisticated sound and aesthetics.

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Julian Shapiro

ExtremeHiFi Writer

Arendal Sound

1528 Monitor 8

5900

Reviews

Generating a powerful sound in a (slightly) less imposing form factor than 1528 Towers, 1528 Monitors deliver a clarity and depth that outshines many floor-standing speakers. Feel every detail with stunning precision, deep bass, and a rich, immersive soundstage. Sleek, modern design and versatile settings ensure perfect sound tailored to your environment. Enjoy full-range sound without needing a subwoofer.

Arendal Sound is a Norwegian speaker and subwoofer maker, started in 2015, that sells only direct. Its cabinets are high-density fiberboard with internal bracing, and many designs set the tweeter in a waveguide for controlled directivity and a smoother off-axis response. Its speaker series include the compact 1961, the THX Ultra certified 1723 and the 1528 flagship, with its 28mm lithium-magnesium tweeter and a Carbon-Graphene midrange. The 1723 S models use a 6.5-inch driver in place of the 8-inch for smaller rooms, and port plugs on many models let owners tune the bass.

Lowest Frequency: 31Hz-40Hz

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Our summary

Enclosure Material: Composite

Sensitivity: 80-86dB

Product Strengths

Exceptionally well-built, described as monolithic and like concrete bricks
The tweeter provides detailed highs, comparable to a good AMT tweeter, and performs effortlessly even at high volumes
The midrange is special, with a carbon graphene construction for well-behaved out-of-band performance and high output
The speaker's design allows for significant room gain, providing real bass extension below 20 Hz
Immense potential, described to be a top shelf product

Product Considerations

The image was a little high
The speakers want power from a good amplifier to really open up
The listener might not always be as emotionally convinced by the result as they perhaps should have been
The speakers are large and may be obtrusive for most UK spaces

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

vs Paradigm Founder 120Hs: Similar to the Paradigm Founder 120Hs, which have active jumpers
vs RBH SVTRs: The reviewer loves the RBH SVTRs, and these new speakers are being tested to see if they can be a game changer in the industry
vs Spendor Classic 3-1: Arendal 1528 is neutral from top to bottom, while Spendor is warm from top to bottom
vs Cabasse Morano: Cabasse Morano has some coloration, but the Arendal 1528 is dead neutral

Takeaway:

The Arundel Sound 1528 recMsY5ljWopDD7UU speakers are incredibly well-built with high-quality components that deliver an excellent listening experience. They are capable of filling large rooms with detailed sound and powerful bass.

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Julian Shapiro

ExtremeHiFi Writer

What competes at this price?

Falcon Acoustics

M10

3200

Released

2022

The M10 is the smallest in the range, a 2-way ported stand mount speaker, with matched pairs of 5" B110 woofers especially selected for a smooth response, which together with the custom Falcon M Series tweeter produces a speaker capable of outstanding quality, absolute precise imaging, excellent bass extension and extended sound stage.

Lowest Frequency: 31Hz-40Hz @ ±3dB

Expand Details

Our Summary

Sensitivity: 80-86dB

Product Strengths

Smooth, svelte, and silky sound, avoiding harshness and brightness
Good balance and coherence, creating a new quality in the sound
Images very well, producing a larger than expected soundstage for its size
Notable bass response, offering a faster, tighter bass with good extension
Easier to drive compared to the LS3/5a, making it compatible with a wider range of amplifiers
Fit and finish of the real wood veneer cabinet are of high quality

Product Considerations

Dynamics can suffer at higher input levels, meaning it will not produce deafening SPLs, and dynamics may suffer
Treble response has a slight lack of air and space compared to some rivals

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

Vs. LS3/5a: The M10 is easier to drive, has more powerful bass, and is more tonally even
Vs. LS3/5a: The M10 has more open treble, slightly higher dynamics, and a more withdrawn foreground
Vs. Neat Ministra: The Neat Ministra offers more air and space in the treble

Takeaway: The Falcon Acoustics M10 is a musical speaker that offers a smooth, balanced sound, making it suited for long listening sessions. Its ability to create a large soundstage and work well in smaller rooms makes it a rewarding choice for audiophiles.

Video review

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Julian Shapiro

ExtremeHiFi Writer

Sonus faber

Duetto

3999

Released

2023

Duetto marks Sonus faber's inaugural active stereo wireless speaker system. Powered by four bespoke amplifiers, Duetto presents an all-in-one sound solution, harmoniously blending a multitude of connectivity options while keeping the listening experience wire-free.

Lowest Frequency: 31Hz-40Hz

Sonus Faber builds speakers like string instruments, with lute-shaped cabinets in solid walnut and other woods, finished in leather, and every finished speaker tuned by ear. The Italian company, founded in 1983 and based outside Vicenza, puts modern drivers inside those cabinets, and the Sonetto VIII carries the cork midrange chamber first used in the Suprema flagship. The house sound is rich and full without being tiring over a long evening. The Lumina series opens the range, and the Sonetto and Olympica ranges cover the middle.

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Our Summary

Wireless

Product Strengths

Gorgeous sound is clear, smooth, detailed, and dynamic
Elegant design is dashingly elegant, minimalist aesthetic, and painstakingly crafted for equal parts style and substance
Impressive bass extension and output, described as deep and firm, surprising for their size
Clear midrange makes voices sound purposeful, characterful, and entirely present
Versatile connectivity with streaming and input options, including Chromecast, AirPlay 2, phono pre-amp, and HDMI ARC/eARC

Product Considerations

Some reviewers experienced streaming and HDMI ARC reliability issues
Input and control layout can be inconvenient and awkward
Prototype unit had operational bugs
No bass level adjustment is available, though it could be added in mobile app

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

Vs KEF LS50 Wireless II—the KEF LS50 Wireless II is a similarly high-end option
Vs PSB Alpha iQ—the PSB Alpha iQ is a more compact wireless speaker package than the Sonus Faber and is comparatively lighter on bass

Takeaway: The Sonus Faber Duetto speakers are well-suited for those seeking amazing sound and a beautiful design in one package. These speakers are easy to connect and use, and fill the room with rich, detailed audio.

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Julian Shapiro

ExtremeHiFi Writer

Buchardt

Anniversary 10

3988

Released

2023

The Anniversary 10 (A10) is a culmination of all the experience that we have gathered over the last 10 years of designing and building HiFi speakers. Over the last decade, we have produced and sold thousands of speakers to happy HiFi enthusiasts from all around the world. Listening to feedback from our customers, learning from the best and adding our own flavor to the mix, has created extremely popular and critically acclaimed speakers, and now, this has evolved into our best sounding speaker yet.

Lowest Frequency: 21Hz-30Hz

Buchardt Audio is a Danish speaker maker that sells direct to customers instead of through dealers and distributors. Many of its compact speakers use passive radiators for deeper bass than the cabinet size suggests, and waveguides that match the directivity of the tweeter and woofer for a wide, even soundstage. Its own workshop in Silkeborg makes many of the cabinets and stands from solid European wood. The active Anniversary 10, which is on our Best Active Speakers list, supports Mastertunings, downloadable DSP profiles that adapt the sound to the room and placement.

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Our Summary

Wireless

Product Strengths

Exceptional bass performance for its compact size, with bass that is fast, clear, and tight
Multiple 'Master Tunings' offer customizable sound profiles, adapting to different room acoustics and user preferences
A high-quality Purifi woofer and SB Acoustics tweeter contribute to clarity, detail, and low distortion
A solid wood cabinet made in Denmark provides a luxurious look and feel

Product Considerations

Bass output may diminish or be limited at high volumes to protect the drivers from damage
A separate purchase of the Platin Stereo Hub may be required for full wireless functionality and room correction
The 'Made in China' label applies to the electronics inside the cabinet
While the A10 offers impressive bass, some may still prefer to add a subwoofer for a true full-range experience

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

Vs Buchardt S400 Mark II, the A10 is more transparent with greater inner detail, clarity, and top-end extension—and deeper, tighter bass—while the S400 Mark II is more relaxed and forgiving with harsh recordings
Vs Buchardt A500, the A10 has comparable performance, with possibly a crisper sound in some instances

Takeaway: The Buchardt Anniversary 10 is a compact yet powerful speaker that offers a customizable listening experience. Its impressive bass and versatile tuning options make it a great choice for those seeking a high-quality audio solution in a small to medium-sized room.

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Julian Shapiro

ExtremeHiFi Writer

MoFi

SourcePoint 10

2999

Released

2022

The SourcePoint 10 is designed like a cost-no-object loudspeaker, a complete from the ground up approach, to deliver the highest sound quality and value.

Lowest Frequency: 41Hz-50Hz

MoFi Electronics is an American maker of turntables, phono stages, cartridges and speakers, founded in 2014. It grew out of Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, the record label behind the Original Master Recording series. The StudioDeck uses a 10-inch straight aluminum tonearm for low tracking error, and the UltraDeck adds constrained layer damping with three aluminum plates. Andrew Jones designed the SourcePoint speakers, which put the tweeter in the center of a concentric woofer. The UltraPhono doubles as a headphone amplifier, and the StudioPhono is on our Best Phono Preamps list.

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Our Summary

Enclosure Material: Composite

Sensitivity: 90dB+

Product Strengths

Remarkable sound power and early directivity indexes make it a true point source speaker.
Special sound quality for the price offers a level of performance not typically found in speakers at this price point.
Very good neutrality is present when the speaker is turned off axis.
It is a very versatile speaker to drive.
The midrange presentation is very dead center and coherent.

Product Considerations

The bass does not reach as low as some listeners might prefer.
The speaker can get bright at times.
Care should be taken to place it not directly on axis, because when placed directly on axis, it is no longer a neutral speaker.
There's no stand included in the package.
It is made in China, and construction can be suspect.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

Vs PureAudioProject Duet 15, the SourcePoint 10 is more precise and focused, while the PureAudioProject has a bigger soundstage.
Vs Fleetwood Deville SQ, they sounded more alike than different when in action, but SourcePoint was more extended from top to bottom and brought more lively dynamics and impact.
Vs Klipsch Heresy IV, the SourcePoint 10 is the superior speaker in every way from build to sound, with more refinement and smoothness, and it seems just as dynamic as the Klipsch.
Vs Dynaudio Special 40s, the SourcePoint 10 sounds much bigger, more dynamic, has much better bass, and fills a room with ease.
Vs KEF LS50 META, the LS50 sounds smaller, leaner, and not as special in the vocal region.

Takeaway:

The SourcePoint is a speaker with a neutral sound that originates from a single point, and it has remarkable early directivity indexes. It is a speaker that offers very good performance for the money, but careful attention needs to be paid to its placement in the room.

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Julian Shapiro

ExtremeHiFi Writer

Perlisten

S4b

3995

Released

2021

I am the overperforming little guy who will demand your respect after your first audition. I can be a serious 2 channel system with a subwoofer, an LCR, or a surround channel. Effortless dynamics and lightspeed transients remain the common thread of all Signature series speakers including the S4b.

Lowest Frequency: 31Hz-40Hz

Perlisten is an American speaker and subwoofer maker, founded in 2016. Its speakers are built around the DPC (Directivity Pattern Control) array, a computer-modeled waveguide and driver arrangement that controls how sound spreads into the room, which reviewers credit for precise imaging. S-Series models pair a beryllium dome tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm drivers. In 2020 Perlisten had the first products certified to THX Dominus, a standard for high output at low distortion in large rooms. The S5t is the tower for slightly smaller rooms, and the S7t is on our Best Floorstanding Speakers list.

Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

Solidly built with an inert cabinet, contributing to overall performance
Crazy linear/neutral sound from about 100Hz upwards
The beryllium tweeter provides nuanced, airy, and extended highs with a hint of shimmer for realistic metallic instruments
It creates a three-dimensional soundstage, making the speakers disappear sonically

Product Considerations

It does not have a great deal of bass on its own and may require a subwoofer for full-range playback, starting its roll-off at around 100Hz
While placement is flexible, a solid amplifier is required
The styling might be an acquired taste and could be considered overcomplicated by some
The high gloss finishes may not appear different from less expensive speakers, making it harder to justify the luxury price tag

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

Vs Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4: The S4B is more neutral/accurate, while the 805 D4 adds bass and treble energy
Vs Focal Canta No. 1: The S4B outperforms the Canta No. 1, which has chestiness in its bass and midrange due to its cabinet
Vs Revel Studio 2: The S4B reminded the reviewer of the Revel Studio 2, though the Revels had more bass
Vs Focal Diablo Utopia: The Perlisten are a great alternative if the Utopias are outside of your reach and are a more neutral and less bright speaker
Vs EgglestonWorks Nico Evo: The EgglestonWorks presentation is a little more mid-forward and less 3D than the Perlisten

Takeaway: The Perlisten S4b is a high-performing speaker that offers excellent clarity and a neutral sound, making it a great choice for audiophiles and home cinema enthusiasts alike. The speaker's ability to create a detailed and immersive soundstage can bring music and movies to life.

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Julian Shapiro

ExtremeHiFi Writer