Rogers LS7 BBC Monitors

Rogers LS7 BBC Monitor

Rogers LS7 - Hi-Fi Choice review

Rogers' LS7 is a fairly compact stand-mounted system, with an internal volume of 30 litres.
The excellently finished enclosure is constructed of 12mm bituminous damped MDF with a reinforced 19mm-thick MDF front baffle. None of the panels are removable, internal access being gained via the bass unit aperture.
The bass/midrange unit has a nominal diameter of 200mm, and uses a generous magnet, a high-power voice coil, and a patented polypropylene cone possessing the classic BBC profile. A selected version of the Celestion HF1000 soft-dome 25mm tweeter covers the remaining frequency range, integrated via the excellent-quality 13-element 3kHz crossover. External connection is by 4mm socket/binding posts and the internal wiring is to a high standard.
Sound QualityThe panel were highly impressed by the LS7. It was felt to be tonally accurate and well balanced, with an extended and uniform frequency response. Good instrumental detail was preserved throughout the frequency range, while colouration was held to a consistently low level.
Stereo images were spacious, focused and full of the intended recorded-acoustic detail. Depth was impressive, with an almost 'crystalline' transparency.
The LS7 provided good bass extension and despite seeming slightly 'leaden-footed' here, powerful and clean articulation were in evidence. The sound was consistently clean and free of 'boxy' effects.
Very mild criticisms concerned a slightly 'edgy' and 'sibilant' treble, with a mild vocal 'chestiness', but neither was of much consequence. The speaker gave fine results on analogue sections but clearly excelled on the digital programme.
Lab ReportThe LS7 showed fine pair matching when measured at 1 metre, the axial response disfigured by a notch at 7kHz partly caused by the grille. The well-damped bass response was uniform and well-balanced in character, extending to 48Hz, -6dB, which is fine for the size of enclosure.
Sensitivity was above average at 88dB/W, and an impressive 200W power handling was established. Maximum sound levels of 106dBA were possible from a stereo pair, while as little as 10W would give interesting results. The sensitivity was not compromised by the impedance, which showed only a minor dip at 8kHz, with a mean value of 10ohms, thus making the LS7 a very good amplifier load.
A fine set of off-axis responses were demonstrated at 2 metres. At 15 degrees above a mild 4kHz dip occurred (still affected by the grille), so the speaker should be directed or elevated to face the listener. Panelists' observations that the balance was slightly 'rich' were confirmed by the 2 metre trend.
When room-averaged, very good correlation with the subjective findings was established. The bass was only marginally 'rich' and showed a well-integrated response extension in the room. The mid was quite uniform and married correctly with the treble register which smoothly decayed above 8kHz.
Measured at 96dB, low frequency distortion held to below 3% second harmonic and 1% third, and was very fine above 300Hz, which is the more critical range in this respect. At 86dB distortion improved greatly.
ConclusionThe LS7 provides a remarkably well-balanced subjective and objective performance. All aspects of sound quality such as extension, balance, stereo clarity and colouration were very good, while technically speaking it was easy to drive, low in distortion, sensitive, and consistent as regards frequency balance.
It remains a strongly Recommended loudspeaker.
Reassessed. First reviewed 1983. Current typical price £335
TEST RESULTS Size (h x w x d).................................56 x 27 x 28cm Recommended amplifier power per channel (for 96dBA per pair at 2 metres minimum)...........(10) 200W Recommended placement...............................open stands Frequency response within ± 3dB (2m)..............55Hz to 18KHz Low frequency rolloff (-6dB) at 1m.........................48Hz Voltage sensitivity (ref 2.83V, ie: 1 watt in 8 ohms) at 1m...............88dB/W Approximate maximum sound level (pair at 2m).............106dBA Impedance characteristic (ease of drive)..............very good Forward response uniformity...........................very good


They technicaly are 100% fine working.