Which LS3/5a?

Great discussion. In the mid '80s I bought a pair of Rogers branded speakers that I thought after all this time were LS3/5as and loved them. I drove them with a Hafler DH-200 and a CJ PV-2. They played loud with great detail and warmth, plenty of bass and slam if I remember. But imaging, soundstage we're just OK (traded them for DCM Time Window 1As to solve that issue). Anyway, from this thread now I don't think they were LS3/5as as they weren't bookshelf size. They were like 2ft tall (still had them on stands and well away from the wall in my apartment) and they were maybe a foot-ish deep. Was there a bigger version? 

I own and still occasionally use a 15 ohm 1984 Rogers LS3/5a as well as the new Falcon Gold Badges.  

When I compare the two, my old Rogers, (which were tested to be in-spec annually by the CBS Broadcasting studio I bought them from) sound soft, and slightly blurred. Not nearly as concise and 'responsive' as the Falcons. No doubt  parts have slumped and dried and drifted.

Button,  when I switched from the regular Falcon LS3/5a to the Gold Badges I noticed a big improvement is focus (along with tone the reason for buying a 5a) and when I queried its creators they said the difference is the result of extreme  "pair matching" (like 0.2dB or something) ; which I would now say could be the most important measurable loudspeaker perimeter, I've encountered. 

I've also noticed the strong positive of pair-matching with planer-magnetic headphones. Technology that emerged in the last several years allows headphone diaphragms to be more evenly tensioned across their surfaces and this has led to a MUCH higher lever of focus and soundstage mapping precision. 

I mention all this, because I think we do get what we pay for. And with this BBC classic I suggest going with the highest quality of materials and the tightest manufacturing specification.  

peace and beauty

hr

My buddy lives in the UK so I had him order me both the Graham 3/5A and Rogers SE version for about 1/2 of what they sell for here in the USA.  Looking forward to comparing down the road. The Rogers SE is delayed due to problems/issues at the factory so if you order a pair expect to be waiting awhile.  I ditched my Falcons...now called the Silver Badge version cause everybody I know that compared them to the Graham's preferred the Graham 3/5A in every aspect.

A little off topic, but I tried LS3/5As back in the 70s.  While they sounded good, I ended up with the Rogers JR149s with the cylindrical metal enclosure.  I believe the drivers may have been the same or similar but found the JR149s to be much less boxy sounding and to have incredible imaging.  I regretted selling them to a friend in the 80s.  They are still sounding great in his second home.

I gather you're committed to a new pair and the used ones around can be very rough.  Just my somewhat related experience from way back.  My apologies for intruding on the OP.

Herb thank you for your detailed replied.  It is certainly nice to know there are some valid choices among the current  made LS35a 's.  Btw I plan on  buying new unless I find a great deal on a local speaker.  

Riaa,  if you could post your thoughts once you breakin the Graham and the Rogers SE I would appreciate it.  I know the Graham has a great following and I am anxious to hear more from users of the SE.