Excerpted from *Audiovisual Frontline*

Previously, we reviewed the Rogers LS3/5A Classic bookshelf speakers. After the article was published, many readers left comments asking, “Does Rogers still produce them?” The answer is yes! Rogers is a long-established British audio manufacturer with a history dating back to 1947, and it still insists on producing classic products. This time, our distributor, New Century Audio, sent the Rogers LS5/9 Classic speakers and the OCTAVE V70 Class A to our listening room for review. What are the chemical reactions between these two products? Let us explain.

LS5/9—A work from the BBC’s heyday

Rogers was founded in 1947 in Hampstead, London, England, by Mr. Jim Rogers, who had a deep understanding of audio manufacturing technology. At its inception, the brand primarily focused on the production of maritime communication equipment and Williams monotube amplifiers. After relocating to Woolwich in 1954, Rogers began producing wall-mounted wafers, mid-wave tuners, and Junior speakers. In the 1960s, Rogers successfully launched the Stereo Cadet integrated amplifier, the Ravensbourne stereo amplifier, and the Ravensbrook stereo tuner. From the 1960s onwards, Rogers collaborated with the BBC Research and Development Department to develop new carbon fiber loudspeakers.

In 1969, Rogers obtained a patent for manufacturing BBC monitor speakers and designed and launched the first BBC broadcast monitor speaker, the BBC Studio Monitor. Rogers remained one of the BBC’s long-term designated manufacturers of monitor speakers. In 1974, Rogers launched a revised design for this product, followed by the legendary LS3/5a speaker in 1975. Rogers also released classic models such as the LS55, featuring a dual 6.5-inch mid-bass driver two-way design with equally outstanding sound performance. Entering the 1980s, Rogers experienced a golden age of rapid development, launching numerous classic products including the LS5/9, Studio One, M110S II, LS5, LS1, and LS7. As a long-established audio manufacturer with over 70 years of history, Rogers has always adhered to its pursuit of quality and continuous innovation, bringing exceptional listening enjoyment to music lovers worldwide.

Currently, Rogers’ product line is very streamlined, including the LS5/9 Classic and LS3/5A Classic, as well as their upgraded versions, the LS5/9 Classic SE and LS3/5A Classic SE. In addition, there is the Rogers E20A/II tube amplifier, the AB3a active subwoofer specifically for the LS3/5A, and two speaker stands.

The LS5/9 is another classic product designed by the BBC’s speaker development department after the LS3/5a. Production of the LS5/9 began around 1983, manufactured under license from Rogers. The LS5/9 is a product of the BBC’s heyday, and also the ultimate achievement and swan song of the speaker development department. Back then, its price was four times that of the LS3/5a, and only discerning audiophiles knew about this speaker. The LS5/9 speaker can meet the requirements of both pop and classical music. It is a bookshelf speaker, yet it can produce a spacious soundstage usually found in large speakers. Its lifelike mid-high frequency performance puts many high-end speakers to shame, thus becoming a classic in the hearts of many audiophiles.

A Classic Reimagined

Let’s first look at the Rogers LS5/9 Classic speakers. The cabinet is crafted from 9mm birch plywood, with all seams secured in hardwood and beech. The cabinet walls utilize asphalt damping plates to absorb vibrations, and the exterior is finished with real wood veneer. Each speaker is handcrafted by experienced artisans, resulting in exquisite and aesthetically pleasing workmanship. It is available with walnut, mahogany veneer, and a blue fabric grille.

Now let’s examine the driver configuration. Rogers has equipped the LS5/9 Classic with the latest version of the 34mm Audax HD34 soft dome tweeter, which has been modified with a diffusion protection plate to ensure accurate sound. The woofer uses a 210mm polypropylene diaphragm with a high-temperature resistant voice coil design, capable of handling high-power, high-volume music. The driver components adhere to the same materials used in the original BBC design, ensuring an authentic BBC sound.

The crossover is also manufactured according to the original BBC design specifications, using a single-layer one-ounce copper-rail fiberglass printed circuit board, and carefully selected high-power capacitors, resistors, and inductors. It is a third-order crossover with a 18dB slope every octave at 3kHz. The front panel still retains the high-frequency level adjustment circuit, which can be set via the front panel resistor jumper. This allows for adjustment according to the user’s operating environment to ensure optimal performance.

The German OCTAVE V70 Class A amplifier is paired with this setup.

This is a pure Class A tube integrated amplifier from the German company OCTAVE. OCTAVE is a long-established audio equipment manufacturer, dating back to 1968 when Herr Hofmann founded Herr Hofmann Seniors in Karlsbad-Lettersbach, a small town near the Black Forest in Germany. The company specialized in developing and manufacturing high-quality coils and transformers for other tube manufacturers. Later, Herr Hofmann’s son, Mr. Andreas Hofmann, inherited the business, maintaining the electronic components segment and, driven by his passion for tube equipment, began researching vacuum tube manufacturing technology. He observed that existing tube equipment needed improvement in circuit design, bandwidth, stability, and tone, and thus resolved to develop a tube audio system that would satisfy his needs.

After years of research and development, Andreas Hofmann launched OCTAVE’s first official product—the HP500 preamplifier—in 1986. This product received high praise from the industry and the market, laying a solid foundation for the subsequent development of the OCTAVE brand. Following the successful launch of the HP500 preamplifier, OCTAVE successively released more models of preamplifiers, power amplifiers, integrated amplifiers, and phono amplifiers. These products all uphold OCTAVE’s pursuit of sound quality and exquisite craftsmanship. Through years of development and technological innovation, it has become one of the industry’s well-known tube amplifier brands.

The V70 Class A driver tubes consist of one ECC83 and two ECC81 tubes, with a pair of KT120 tubes for the output. Employing a pure Class A amplification circuit, it eliminates crossover distortion, providing near-perfect sound characteristics. The new Dynamic Bias Control circuit design allows the V70 Class A to dynamically adjust the bias voltage, maintaining continuous Class A operation of the tubes, achieving up to twice the output power of traditional circuits. In addition, it features an auto-bias adjustment circuit, eliminating the need for manual bias adjustment. Colored LEDs on the front panel allow users to easily check the amplifier’s bias and tube operating status.

Furthermore, the V70 Class A offers two power output modes: Power High and Low, selectable based on the power tube requirements (e.g., KT88, KT150) to suit different usage scenarios. Upgrade options are also provided, allowing the purchase of dedicated MM or MC phono preamp modules for connecting to turntables. Two power supply upgrade modules, Black Box and Super Black Box, are also available to meet the needs of different users. With the standard KT120 tubes, the V70 Class A provides 50W/4Ω output power, while connecting the Super Black Box delivers up to 70W/4Ω, satisfying users with high power demands.

A Moving Sound

This listening test in our studio used a YBA CD430 MKII as the source, driven by German OCTAVE V70 Class A speakers, powering the Rogers LS5/9 Classic speakers. First, we played “Tricycle” by dmp. This system reproduced a powerful, energetic bass, with the LS5/9 Classic delivering a rich and full bass response. Although I’ve previously tested the OCTAVE V70 Class A, which I consider powerful and fast, it didn’t deliver that impression when paired with the Rogers LS5/9 Classic speakers; instead, it produced a very relaxed and mellow sound. If you need a relaxed bass, great, this is precisely the LS5/9 Classic’s strength.

Next, we listened to Accardo’s “Diabolus in Musica”. This is a compilation album, with each track recorded at different times and locations. Some are concertos, others are solo pieces, and the recording methods also differ. Through the Rogers LS5/9 Classic and OCTAVE V70 Class A system, these differences seem amplified. While the differences are noticeable, they aren’t as pronounced as with monitor speakers. The second track is the third movement of Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 2. Although it’s a concerto, the violin is still the main instrument. Here, you can hear the delicate yet resilient tone of the violin playing at a high register—truly captivating. The crisp, taut feel of the plucking is incredibly realistic. The third track is the fifth of 24 Caprices, full of virtuosic wildness. This system reproduces it with a dashing quality, a bright and beautiful sound, yet retaining a sweetness. Even with lightning-fast playing, the harmonic quality of some double-string notes is clearly revealed. No wonder the BBC used it for monitoring back then; the Rogers LS5/9 Classic can clearly reveal subtle changes in recordings, yet it’s also the kind of sound that’s easy to listen to for extended periods, making it suitable for enthusiasts who want the best possible playback quality at home.

Next, we played Ayato Tomoe’s album “To You.” The Rogers LS5/9 Classic’s vocals were full and rich, easily bringing out Chie Ayado’s deep, resonant voice. The piano notes were also full, with a beautiful finish, carrying a subtle, warm, and soft sheen. Chie Ayado’s self-accompanied singing and playing showed greater freedom in controlling the rhythm and tempo, giving the song a fresh feel. This system reproduced a wealth of sound detail, with a clean and transparent sound, and sincere emotions were properly conveyed. When you hear music, are moved by it, and are touched by it, then the sound system has meaning.

Finally, we tested the Rogers LS5/9 Classic’s low frequencies! We played RR’s “TUTTI!” In Rogers’ LS5/9 Classic rendition of “Firebird,” thanks to the powerful control of the OCTAVE V70 Class A, the low frequencies are bright and crisp. The scene of the firebird taking flight begins with the orchestra’s thunderous roar, followed by the dense timpani beats, as if the firebird is gathering strength. The LS5/LS5 and LS5/9 Classic retain their characteristic blending, with the addition of the Classic creating waves of energy, making the music intense and exciting. The LS5/9 Classic’s high frequencies are bright, crisp, and slightly sweet, while the high-density midrange gives the brass instruments a rich, powerful feel. From the mid-low to the low frequencies, the sound is clean, fast, and precise without any muddiness.

In summary, the Rogers LS5/9 is a classic monitor speaker originating from the BBC’s golden age. Its exquisite design and precise sound have made it a prized possession among many audiophiles. Even with the advancements in technology and materials, the Rogers LS5/9 Classic remains a highly recommended speaker. Not only does it boast a classic and elegant appearance, but its sound quality is also exceptional. Whether for professional recording or home enjoyment, this speaker delivers an ultimate musical experience. If you are an audiophile who pursues high-quality music, the LS5/9 Classic is definitely worth owning. Of course, if you are still undecided about the amplifier to pair with it, the OCTAVE V70 Class A would be its best match.