At this year’s Hong Kong High-End Audio Visual Show, Rogers occupied half of the S429 conference room with two audio systems used for music demonstrations. One system featured the Rogers LS3/5A SE 75th Anniversary Edition speakers with an AB3a subwoofer, and the other featured the LS5/9 SE 75th Anniversary Edition bookshelf speakers. The first system used a Lector CD player and preamplifier/power amplifier from Italy to drive the Rogers LS3/5A SE 75th Anniversary Edition speakers and AB3a subwoofer. The other system used a Thorens TD 124 DD turntable as the source, with a German OCTAVE phono stage and tube preamplifier/power amplifier driving the larger Rogers LS5/9 SE 75th Anniversary Edition bookshelf speakers.

The Rogers LS3/5A SE and LS5/9 SE 75th Anniversary Edition are upgrades to classic models using modern technology. The speaker enclosure features a vintage-inspired teak veneer, complemented by a black Tyganese grille and a gold Rogers nameplate on the back, perfectly recreating the classic aesthetics of the 1970s. Each pair of speakers has its own unique serial number and the signature of designer Andy Whittle. Both models feature front baffles made of Panzohilz (a high-density composite wood), and the internal crossover has been upgraded, replacing the single-wire connection with a dual-wire connection. Both models utilize WBT 0765 CU pure copper binding posts and jumpers. These enhancements improve clarity and detail while retaining the original sonic characteristics of the BBC design.

These two systems offer distinct sonic characteristics. The Lector system, driving the Rogers LS3/5A SE 75th Anniversary speakers with its dedicated AB3a subwoofer, maintains the classic, captivating midrange of the LS3/5A. Improved clarity and detail, coupled with the AB3a subwoofer, enhance the sense of scale and depth in the music, resulting in more dynamic range. It’s as if the system has more capabilities to meet the demands of modern high-definition music recording.

The other system, using an OCTAVE tube amplifier (Phono Module phono stage, HP 700 SE preamp, RE 320 power amp) to drive the Rogers LS5/9 SE 75th Anniversary bookshelf speakers, leverages the advantages of the large-diameter woofer, delivering full, penetrating bass throughout the S429’s soundstage. The sound is warm, delicate, and realistic. The midrange is exceptionally good, sounding smooth and full. The detail and texture of vocals and instruments are incredibly realistic. The treble is delicate and sweet, like a ripe peach. It reproduces both classic oldies and modern music perfectly. Its resolution is extremely high, able to sensitively express the sonic variations of the system’s source and the differences in music recordings, showcasing the true nature of the LS5/9 monitor speaker. Even more surprising is that these compact LS5/9 speakers, on the S429, displayed incredibly realistic imaging of vocals and instruments, along with a widest and deepest, clearly defined soundstage. Some sounds seemed to emanate from outside the room, and the distant reverberation created the feeling of being at the recording studio. The position and proportion of different instruments, as well as the arrangement of the performers, were clearly discernible. The Rogers LS5/9 SE 75th Anniversary Edition proves that BBC standards are fully mature. Of course, the work of Rogers designer Andy Whittle is also indispensable. With a design fully compliant with BBC certification, the selection and tuning of components to achieve such outstanding sound makes us reconsider the benefits that the design and manufacturing advancements of the LS5/9 SE 75th Anniversary Edition have brought us.

In addition to the SE 75th Anniversary Edition, another pair of Rogers LS3/5A was on display. This was another limited-edition set from the 75th Anniversary Double Celebration series, including the AB3a active subwoofer. This set commemorates both Rogers and the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The set boldly features a vibrant, high-gloss piano red finish, deeply resonating with the 75th anniversary celebrations of the People’s Republic of China. Red symbolizes cultural pride, the harmonious fusion of technological excellence and shared innovative heritage, resonating with the spirit of progress and unity that defines this important moment.