graham audio / chartwell

Graham Audio / Chartwell is the only company that produces the original BBC spec LS3/5. This is one of the best speakers in the world to faithfully reproduce the human voice. They are also the only company to make the Sub 3 passive subwoofers that pair seamlessly with the LS3/5 and the LS3/5a. With a good amplifier like a Chord Electronics Ultima, AudioNote Oto, Line Magnetic LM805, Sugden A21se, or a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III, this is a pretty perfect set-up.

Shown above are Chartwell LS3/5s ($3499/pair) in oak finish on GHA 24” stands ($1499/pair), Chartwell Sub 3s ($3499/pair) in cherry finish, a Line Magnetic LM 805 integrated amplifier ($4999), and Chord Electronics MScaler/HugoTT2 DAC ($4650/$5100) with the digital stream coming from a WiiM Ultra streamer ($329) using a DHLabs co-ax digital cable ($199). The speaker cables from the amp to the subs is GHA / Dueland 24 strand 12 g copper cable with banana terminations on each end ($499 for an 8 FT pair). The cables going from the subs to the speakers are the same.

People often ask what is the difference tonally between the LS3/5 (9 ohm) and the LS3/5a (11 ohm). We would say that you can drive the LS3/5a a tiny bit harder and it can handle it, otherwise the difference in sound is pretty subjective. We like both. Some people have characterized the LS3/5 as being intimate and warm. Some people have characterized the LS3/5a as being accurate, detailed, and lush. All these adjectives are helpful to a point, but nothing compares to sitting down and listening to them. Among the people who work at Gig Harbor Audio we all have or have had Chartwells in our home systems; half of us chose the LS3/5 and the other half chose the LS3/5a. It’s a tough call when there are 2 correct answers.

2025 Prices for all Graham Audio speakers

LS3/5                $3499

LS3/5a              $3499

LS6                    $4499

LS6F                  $5299

LS5/9                $5999

LS5/9F              $6899

LS8/1                $7299

LS8/1F              $8499

LS5/8                $10,999

LS5/5                $14,999

Sub3                  $3499

Sub6                  $3999

Stands               $999

 

Prices are per pair for oak & cherry finish

Upgraded finishes available:

walnut, rosewood, ebony.

Below are the limited edition 10th anniversary LS3/5a, LS6, and LS5/9.

The shops that are direct dealers for Graham Audio in the USA are:

Gig Harbor Audio

www.gigharboraudio.com

tel: 253 228 6021

Hawthorne Stereo

www.hawthornestereo.com

Tel: 206-522-9609

Stereo Haven

http://www.stereohaven.com

Tel: 618-974-8895