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Falcon Loudspeakers GOLD BADGE LS3/5A
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.
Falcon Acoustics is proud to continue the long tradition of the no compromise genuine British LS3/5A stretching back to the 1960’s.
The drive units are the renowned Falcon B110, and the Falcon T27 tweeter, both designed by Malcolm Jones, the original designer of the KEF B110 and KEF T27 that were specified in the original 15 ohm LS3/5A version designed by the BBC. Both drive units are handmade in the UK to ensure the highest quality, grading and consistency, and are identical to the original LS3/5a drive units. They are unique to Falcon.
The matched 15 ohm Gold Badge FL6/23 filter networks are made exclusively by Falcon in the original transformer-style to BBC Specification and contain inductors specially made in Britain for Falcon to the original larger R&D specification for better sonics, lower distortion and lower saturation. Capacitors are hand made in the UK using specially selected PP film to match the sonic characteristics of the original BBC R&D prototype version.
The cabinets are hand made from specially selected graded Baltic Ply, and use selected grade Beech fillets. They are made in Italy by specialist cabinet makers to BBC Specification, and are available in a variety of natural wood veneers (see below for pictures of current veneers) with a Tygan Cloth front grille.
Falcon Acoustics LS3/5A's are sold in matched pairs only, and are supplied with an Instruction Manual, Individually Numbered Certificate of Authenticity and come with a 5 year Guarantee.
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Falcon's GOLD BADGE LS3/5A charms with a peerless midband, intimate, holographic imaging and surprising tight upper‑bass for its size, delivering vocals that vanish into space. Reviewers from Ken Kessler and HiFi Choice praise its authentic BBC‑spec build and refined dynamics, effortless timing, making it a compelling small‑room monitor for serious listeners.
Pros
- Exceptionally natural midrange and precise imaging that renders vocals and small ensembles with lifelike presence.
- Authentic BBC‑spec construction and FL6/23 Gold Badge crossover, hand‑built components and matched drivers for consistent, high‑quality build.
- Surprisingly agile dynamics and tighter-than-expected upper‑bass for a tiny sealed monitor, giving punch and rhythmic drive beyond its size.
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Cons
- Limited deep bass extension below ~70Hz — not a substitute for a subwoofer with bass‑heavy or large‑room material.
- Modest sensitivity (83dB) and 15Ω nominal impedance mean it benefits from a powerful or well‑matched amplifier.
- Can sound bright or hard‑edged with certain electronics or pairings, so system matching is important.
Sound Quality
92/100
Bass
90/100
For a small 138mm (≈5.4") sealed BBC-style monitor the LS3/5A delivers exceptional bass for its size, repeatedly described as deeper and louder than expected. Reviewers note tight, propulsive upper-bass and several say they 'don't miss a sub' and that it goes 'a lot deeper than it should,' supporting this size-relative high mark.
Mid
95/100
The midband is repeatedly praised as the speaker's defining strength: transparent, embodied vocals and natural timbre. Multiple reviews call it 'peerless', 'magic midband' and 'phenomenally open and resolute', justifying a top-tier score.
Treble
90/100
Treble is refined and detailed with good extension and no harsh sibilance on sensitive recordings, though a few reviewers note it can be a little bright with certain electronics. Overall clarity and refinement earn it a strong score while acknowledging occasional edge with specific pairings.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
Exceptional imaging and depth are a consistent theme: speakers 'disappear', instruments are well placed and the soundstage often exceeds the cabinet size. Multiple reviewers describe immersive width and depth, including retention of much of the dimensional scale of larger speakers.
Dynamics
90/100
Dynamics belie the tiny cabinet: crisp start/stop, punchy delivery and good macro/micro-dynamic behaviour at normal listening levels. Reviewers comment on surprising headroom and alacrity, though extreme loudness exposes the physical limits of the small driver.
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Build Quality
92/100
Handmade Baltic birch cabinets, graded drivers, matched components and careful crossover work earn high marks for craftsmanship. Reviews repeatedly praise the immaculate finishes, authentic BBC-spec parts and attention to detail.
Features Connectivity
80/100
Passive, single-wire 15 ohm terminals reflect authentic BBC LS3/5a specification; Falcon supplies matched pairs, documentation and a five-year guarantee. Passive baseline applied; no modern DSP/streaming expected or penalised.
Value for Money
90/100
At the listed ~3990 (new pair) reviewers call the Gold Badge an 'arguably bargain' relative to sought-after vintage examples and higher-priced limited editions. Positive comparisons to pricier systems and strong performance for the price underpin this high value score.
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