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The Reference 5LS is a high-end line source loudspeaker standing 78 inches tall with a very slim footprint of 7 inches wide by 11 inches deep. It features a vertical array of seven patented CDT II semi-cylindrical piezo tweeters and eight 4-inch carbon fiber midrange drivers, each housed in individual spherical enclosures to minimize resonance and diffraction. The drivers are alternated vertically in a single line to eliminate phase and dispersion issues common in horizontally offset designs. The rear of the speaker houses twelve custom 4-inch aluminum woofers firing backward, collectively matching the cone surface area of a 15-inch subwoofer but offering superior speed and transparency. The bass enclosure is tubular stainless steel filled with patented S2 acoustic material to enhance low-frequency output. The speaker supports bi- or tri-wiring and bi- or tri-amping configurations and is designed to work efficiently with both high-powered and low-powered amplifiers due to its crossover-less frontal array and a single 60Hz first-order low-pass filter for the rear woofers, which can be bypassed for LFE input integration. The cabinet uses brushed stainless steel and cast aluminum components, with a protective grill tensioned between top and bottom plates. The Reference 5LS is noted for its wide dispersion, phase integrity, speed, dynamics, and elegant integration into domestic decors. An optional Reference SA amplifier is available for volume, phase, equalization, and crossover adjustments to optimize imaging and bass linearity, and to facilitate home theater integration.
Driver and acoustic performance characteristics
Driver configuration and enclosure design
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The CM9 S2's low-frequency extension is 46 Hz against the Reference 5LS's 60 Hz, its woofer 6.5" against 4", its crossover 350 Hz against 60 Hz, and its drivers 4 against 27.
The MB 2.5B's woofer is 4.5" against the Reference 5LS's 4", its low-frequency extension 36 Hz against 60 Hz, its crossover 500 Hz against 60 Hz, and its drivers 3 against 27.
The QR 3's woofer is 6" against the Reference 5LS's 4", its low-frequency extension 30 Hz against 60 Hz, its crossover 400 Hz against 60 Hz, and its drivers 3 against 27.
The MB-3.5's woofer is 6.5" against the Reference 5LS's 4", its low-frequency extension 27 Hz against 60 Hz, its crossover 150 Hz against 60 Hz, and its drivers 5 against 27.
Penaudio Chara
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