Graham Audio LS5/9 Owner's Manual

Thank you for purchasing this loudspeaker
system from Graham Audio.

These loudspeakers have been carefully
crafted using the finest materials according
to strict BBC specifications and will provide
many years of listening enjoyment.

For the best results, please spend a few
minutes reading these instructions before
setting up your new loudspeakers.

LS5/9 Overview

The LS5/9 is a high quality monitor loudspeaker originally developed by the BBC for studio use.
The Graham Audio LS5/9 has been developed using modern components and production techniques to
provide a result that is an extremely close match to the original BBC R&D prototype.

Drive units

The 200mm bass/midrange drive unit is the result of collaboration between Graham Audio and Volt
and matches the original BBC LS2/14 as closely as possible in behaviour while avoiding the
longevity problems of the original unit. The 34mm tweeter is the latest version of the unit originally
used by the BBC. Each example is measured and graded accordingly. Like the originals, it is fitted
with a protective metal grille.

Enclosure

The cabinet is built using high quality 9mm birch plywood panels, which are lap-jointed and
damped using oil-free pads. Air damping is facilitated by 30mm slabs of high density Rockwool,
retained with cloth. For maximum serviceability, the baffle is readily removable for access to the
drive units and crossover. All fixings are stainless steel for maximum corrosion resistance. The cloth
grille is retained with concealed rare-earth magnets. The whole cabinet, including the baffle, is
covered using hand-matched sheets of real wood veneer.

Crossover

The result of extensive development, the crossover is responsible for dividing the audio spectrum
between the two drive units, and for equalising the response to match the original BBC R&D
specification. High quality parts are used, including premium grade polypropylene capacitors. A
tapped auto-transformer provides the bulk of the level equalisation between the woofer and the
tweeter. Fine-tuning is provided and each assembled loudspeaker is measured and adjusted
individually before the final check and despatch.

MONITOR LOUDSPEAKERS

BBC LICENSED

AUDIO

ENGLISH HIGH FIDELITY

OWNERS MANUAL

Positioning your loudspeakers

The LS5/9 design is intended to be mounted on stands that bring the tweeter to ear level.

Typically, in most domestic settings, this will require a stand that is approximately 40 to 50

centimetres high; in a professional environment, taller stands are typically required. The stands

should be rigid and non-resonant. Test metal stands with hollow upright sections by rapping them

with a knuckle, and consider filling them with dry sand or similar to eliminate any ringing.

For safety reasons, please ensure that the top surface of the stand is of similar dimensions to the

loudspeaker. There are many options for the interface between the bottom of the loudspeaker

and the top of the stand; small spikes are often supplied with the stand, but these will damage

the veneer. Reusable adhesives such as "Blu-Tack" are often recommended, but these can also

damage the finish of the loudspeaker. Small pads made from foam, felt or cork will provide the

most protection to the bottom surface of the loudspeakers. Between the bottom of the stands and

the floor, spikes are recommended for carpeted floors. These must be carefully adjusted to ensure

that the stand is absolutely stable, and they should be periodically re-checked as they can work

loose. For other floor finishes, spikes might not be appropriate; your dealer will be able to advise.

As is normal, determining the optimum position for your loudspeakers in your listening room

should be the subject of some experimentation. As a starting point, try positioning them such that

you and the two loudspeakers should form an equilateral triangle. If possible, try to keep them

away from side walls, as reflections from these might affect the stereo image. Remember also

that the distance between the loudspeakers and the rear wall will have an effect on the bass level

and quality. In a rectangular room, you can typically expect best results from pointing the

loudspeakers across the narrow dimension of the room, but every room is different, and there are

no firm rules! The loudspeakers should be angled in to face you, but again, this can be varied

according to taste.

Nearly every listening room can be improved with acoustic treatment. A thick carpet (or large rug)

is recommended, as reflections from hard floors are always detrimental. Large expanses of bare

walls can be similarly problematic and reflections from these can be treated with absorbing

materials or diffused with irregular surfaces such as bookcases. In the professional environment,

acoustic treatment is the norm.

LS5/9 RIGHT

LS5/9 LEFT

EQUILATERAL

TRIANGLE

OPTIMUM

LISTENING

POSITION

50 cm