BBC inspired loudspeakers - discussion

Make something only as complicated as it needs be... not any less

 

Thanks, clear now.

It is also worth remembering that the BBC wanted these monitors for a specific purpose: monitoring in broadcast studios (ie. not recording studios). That brings with it specific requirements which may, or may not, square with what suits a given user at home.

For some insight into what happened when some at the BBC wanted 'loud' this article about Pete Thomas of PMC is interesting (though incomplete):http://www.pmc-speakers.com/docs/pete_thomas.pdf?phpMyAdmin=8LyaWL,hfPE6kx2yLP2Xe5AoLQc

Also, had forgotten but I also enjoyed some Rogers LS7ts for a while, so I guess it must be a style of speaker I like.

 

yeah that's right Coda.

Uniformity is what the BBC wanted, consistancy, uniformity, and of course performance aswell.

I've been in a few bbc vans, bbc radio stations, and it's mostly low tech, mostly unimpressive gear. . but engineers of 30 years experience like a familiar sound to quickly aclimatise to.



'' the bbc use them '' isn't necessarily a brilliant advert for the educated hifi buyer, but it does the trick for most people.

besides all that... I really like the ls3/5a and jr149, which are the only 2 of that lot I've really lived with.

 

I asked on the Harbeth site if the advantages of thin wall construction diminished as the size of the cabinet reduced. They would not engage with the question.

I guess I guessed right, Rob.

It means they could probably make a cheaper P3.

 

But that would be 'commercially sensitive' information wouldn't it?

 

About as commercially sensitive as saying, which they do, that they fit four binding posts to permit bi-wiring, but they don't believe it makes any difference."

 

How do ProAc relate to the BBC tradition?

 

I'm not sure they do really other than in basic balance.

Their speakers tend to have what is known as 'the BBC dip' or saddle response which is a slight depression around the presence band. The term is misused though, as the only BBC speaker I've seen to have this dip are the little LS3/5 models. The larger monitors are all pretty flat, with a little lift at the very top.

So I suppose the ProAc speakers compare in terms of balance and tonality but are quite different in terms of design.

 

Very interesting. Which Rogers monitors were they? Were the Quad amps 405s?

The exp you had in the studio must have been very exciting. And I take it the vocals sounded nice on the Rogers.

 

Vocals on a BBC type classic Rogers or Quad ESL can be startlingly real.
The best I've heard at any price.

 

I've read that some people say the Quad 405 produces very nice vocals.

 

People on forums and in the press say all sorts about 405s - mostly bad or lukewarm.
The users invariably have a very different view.

Vocals with my 405/2 into ESLs is well ..... orgasmically good at times

IIRC you have a pair running as mono amps?

 

I use to have bridged Quad 405s into 200w. I now have a Quad 405-2 that has had Net Audio upgrades done to it.

I just basically like the Quad 405 for it's midrange and vocals. Sometimes the 405 reminds me of a Valve because it's warmth and midrange (Sometimes tooooo warm) Another amp in my list is NVA, i would like to hear an NVA amp/pre combo one day.

One day I would love to try a pair of Harbeth speakers with my Quad.

 

Yesterday I was in "Digital Village" listening to some active nearfied monitors. For the price they are excellent, but they are not the sort of box that would be acceptable in the lounge of a 60 year old couple. I would certainly consider them for a second system. Yes, they are very clear and detailed, but I have hear such clarity from passive speakers.

In the chatter with a very knowledgeable young man I mentioned Harbeth. He did not know of the firm. He Googled. Ah, British, he said. Interesting. I pointed out the domestic and studio models and the BBC tradition. I said it was an option for me as I had a spare Quad amp lying about.

He then told me that one of their store managers was an ex BBC engineer and, at home, used Rogers and Quad: he would have nothing else.

Very telling.

And Rob, I wish, O how I wish I could accommodate some Quad Electrostatics.

 

Nice little story

I've always read good things about people using Quad amps with Harbeth/Rogers speakers.

Do these type of speakers have good synergy with Quad amps?

 

If you can get to Epping you are welcome to visit.

 

Sadly I don't drive Richard So will give it a miss m8.

 

I am 5mins walk from Epping tube station.

 

I'll give it some thought Richard.

 

I'm over 60 and have no problem with the looks of anything I see on their website.