What it is
BBC-licensed LS3/5A built in Wales (Carmarthen). Designer Derek Hughes — same designer behind the Graham LS3/5A and Graham LS3/5 in this catalogue. Stirling has been making LS3/5As since the early 2000s; V2 launched mid-2000s after KEF stopped producing original B110/T27 drivers, using custom SEAS+ScanSpeak drivers chosen to mimic the original response. V3 (2019) introduced the air-cored inductor crossover dubbed "Ultra Low Distortion Monitor". V3.2 (2024+) further refines the V3 crossover with higher-spec components.
CAVITY FIT: 302mm H × 168mm D fits cleanly within the 305×324mm cavity envelope with healthy margins on all axes. Sealed infinite-baffle enclosure — no rear-port airflow demands.
Voicing — Hi-Fi+ Jason Kennedy on V3: "I have to admit to being won over by this LS3/5a... If you value communication above bandwidth and SPLs this is a very tempting proposition, especially where space is limited. I have to hand it to Stirling; the V3 is a beauty." V3.2 user reports (PinkFishMedia): "Phenomenal", "They are fabulous, the insight into music without sounding harsh is magical", "excellent foot tapping groove... Very engaging holographic sound". Voicing camp: balanced/reference within the BBC LS3/5a tradition, with V3.2 crossover refinements adding transparency vs V2.
Who it comes up against
33 lost · Anchored, Artisan, Cavity-Native, Characterful, Intimate, PRaT, Reference, Romantic, Silent Path, Twin Arms, Vocals-First
Against the Anchored brief, the Emmae Reginae (custom) keeps the slot decisively.
With the Longdog Audio P6100M Biamp 2x2 (4 units), the pairing gives up most on timing and drive.
On its own merits the Stirling Broadcast LS3/5a V3.2 is the weaker loudspeaker for that brief.
It sits well below the share of the budget this brief aims at the loudspeaker position.
the timing is beautifulHi-Fi+ (Kennedy) 2019 (V3)
7 lost · Artisan, Characterful, Intimate, PRaT, Reference, Silent Path, Vocals-First
Against the Characterful brief, the Neat Iota 2 keeps the slot decisively.
With the NVA S80 Stereo, the pairing gives up most on timing and drive.
On its own merits the Stirling Broadcast LS3/5a V3.2 is the weaker loudspeaker for that brief.
the timing is beautifulHi-Fi+ (Kennedy) 2019 (V3)
6 lost · Artisan, Cavity-Native, Intimate, PRaT, Reference, Twin Arms
Against the Intimate brief, the ProAc Tablette 10 Signature keeps the slot decisively.
With the NVA S300 Stereo (Artisan), the pairing gives up most on low-level clarity.
On its own merits the Stirling Broadcast LS3/5a V3.2 is the weaker loudspeaker for that brief.
the timing is beautifulHi-Fi+ (Kennedy) 2019 (V3)
4 lost · Anchored, Cavity-Native, Romantic, Twin Arms
Against the Anchored brief, the NVA Cube 3 keeps the slot clearly.
With the Audiolab 9000P, the pairing gives up most on bass weight.
On its own merits the Stirling Broadcast LS3/5a V3.2 is the stronger loudspeaker — but it loses here on fit: the pairing with the Audiolab 9000P gives up bass weight under the Anchored weighting.
a 9" cube cannot really do it justiceHifi Pig (Elliot) 2025 (system)
3 lost · BBC Sound, Vocals-First
Against the BBC Sound brief, the Falcon LS3/5a Gold Badge keeps the slot by a whisker.
On its own merits the Stirling Broadcast LS3/5a V3.2 is the weaker loudspeaker for that brief.
It sits well below the share of the budget this brief aims at the loudspeaker position.
2 lost · Anchored, Characterful
Against the Anchored brief, the Neat Petite Classic keeps the slot decisively.
With the Longdog Audio P6100M (pair), the pairing gives up most on bass weight.
On its own merits the Stirling Broadcast LS3/5a V3.2 is the weaker loudspeaker for that brief.
the timing is beautifulHi-Fi+ (Kennedy) 2019 (V3)
2 lost · Silent Path
Against the Silent Path brief, the Epos ES-7N keeps the slot clearly.
With the Audiolab 9000P, the pairing gives up most on low-level clarity.
On its own merits the Stirling Broadcast LS3/5a V3.2 is the weaker loudspeaker for that brief.
1 lost · BBC Sound
Against the BBC Sound brief, the Rogers LS3/5a Classic SE keeps the slot by a whisker.
On its own merits the Stirling Broadcast LS3/5a V3.2 is the weaker loudspeaker for that brief.
It sits well below the share of the budget this brief aims at the loudspeaker position.
1 lost · BBC Sound
Against the BBC Sound brief, the Harbeth P3ESR XD2 keeps the slot by a whisker.
On its own merits the Stirling Broadcast LS3/5a V3.2 is the weaker loudspeaker for that brief.
1 lost · BBC Sound
Against the BBC Sound brief, the Falcon Q7 Complete@Home keeps the slot by a whisker.
On its own merits the Stirling Broadcast LS3/5a V3.2 is the weaker loudspeaker for that brief.