Welcome to our Musical Fidelity - LS5/9 - Bookshelf Speakers Review, where we explore the studio-calibrated precision and musical honesty behind these BBC-inspired monitors. Designed originally for professional recording environments and now captivating audiophiles at home, the LS5/9 brings low colouration, powerful bass, and a lifelike soundstage to any hi-fi system.
Design & Build Quality
The LS5/9 is housed in a robust 9mm birch ply cabinet finished in elegant cherry veneer. Its two-way bass reflex architecture and rear-ported design are faithful to the BBC R&D 1983/10 blueprint, ensuring minimal resonances and exceptional rigidity. At 12kg per speaker, the LS5/9 feels solid underfoot while maintaining a compact footprint (460 x 275 x 285mm), making it ideal for both mid- and farfield listening setups.
Sound Performance
Frequency Response & Tonal Balance
Covering 50Hz to 20kHz ±4dB, these monitors deliver a remarkably flat tonal response. The 210mm woofer, paired with a 34mm phase-corrected tweeter, renders deep yet controlled bass and pristine highs. With a sensitivity of 89dB/W/m and an 8Ω nominal impedance, the LS5/9 is a natural partner for Musical Fidelity’s M5si, M6si or M6si500 amplifiers, extracting every last drop of detail without ever sounding strained.
Soundstage & Imaging
One of the LS5/9’s standout traits is its expansive and coherent soundstage. Instruments occupy discrete positions across a wide front-to-back panorama, while the centre image remains rock-steady. Vocals come through with natural tonality, thanks to the low level of colouration. Whether you’re listening to acoustic ensembles, complex orchestral recordings or high-energy pop, the LS5/9 preserves the emotional core of the performance.
Technical Highlights
Bass Reflex Principle: Enhances sound pressure for punchy lows without unwanted boom.
Adjustable HF Level: Three resistor-jump options let you tailor treble to your room acoustics.
If you’re an audiophile seeking analytical neutrality and a speaker that flourishes across all genres—from chamber music to electronica—the LS5/9 is tailored for you. Studio engineers and purists will appreciate its uncoloured presentation, while home theatre enthusiasts can enjoy a front-end that’s equally adept at critical listening and high-volume enjoyment.
Speak With Our Team
Ready to elevate your hi-fi system? Visit our Musical Fidelity LS5/9 product page or give us a call on 1300 308 711. Our expert team at The Audio Tailor is here to help you tailor the perfect setup for your space and budget. Alternatively, drop us an email at sales@theaudiotailor.com.au for personalised advice.
Why the LS5/9 Belongs on Your Shelf
The Musical Fidelity LS5/9 seamlessly bridges the gap between studio fidelity and home interest. Its authoritative bass, lucid mids and airy treble coalesce into a speaker that doesn’t just play music—it communicates it. For enthusiasts chasing authenticity, resolution and depth, the LS5/9 remains an industry-defining benchmark.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Exceptional soundstage and imaging; uncoloured, honest reproduction; robust build quality; adjustable high-frequency response; excels with diverse music genres.
Cons: Requires quality amplification to reach full potential; rear-port placement can be room-dependent; sensitivity could challenge very low-powered amps.
