British loudspeaker manufacturer Rogers has breathed new life into its classic PM510 with the launch of the new PM510 S3, a modern reinterpretation of a two-way model first introduced in the 1980s. The original PM510 was developed as a passive loudspeaker, derived from the highly regarded BBC LS5/8 Grade One active studio monitor. The passive PM510 model offered the option to choose one's own amplifier while retaining many of the benefits of the BBC LS5/8. This tradition is continued by the new PM510 S3.
According to the manufacturer, the LS58 active monitor loudspeaker was designed for professional broadcasting, where tonal accuracy, low distortion, and consistent performance were essential. By offering a passive version of the LS5/8 platform, Rogers enabled studios and audiophiles to combine the loudspeaker with external amplification, while retaining much of the sonic character of the BBC's active reference monitor.
According to the designers, the new PM510 S3 continues this tradition. According to Rogers, the design follows the same technical principles that underpinned the BBC's monitoring systems, prioritizing a neutral tonal balance and controlled performance across the entire frequency range.
According to the company, the goal of the PM510 S3 is to replicate the sense of space and energy associated with live music. The speakers produce a wide soundstage while simultaneously maintaining the balanced tonal reproduction that has long been characteristic of Rogers speakers.
The heart of the loudspeaker is a 12-inch long-stroke woofer (305 millimeters), designed to deliver substantial bass response while maintaining clarity in the midrange. The woofer is built by the British company VOLT Loudspeakers to Rogers' specifications and features, among other things, a copper-plated aluminium coil.
The high frequencies are handled by a 34-millimeter soft-dome tweeter, also equipped with a copper-plated aluminum coil, with phase correction, designed for a smooth response and consistent dispersion.
The integration between the two loudspeaker units is handled by an 18-component crossover filter that utilizes a third-order filter for both the woofer and the tweeter. The crossover frequency is set at 2.6 kHz, which, according to Rogers, helps maintain phase alignment and coherence between the drivers, while preserving the tonal balance characteristic of classic BBC monitor designs.
Rogers specifies a frequency range of 45 Hz to 20 kHz (+/- 3 dB) and an impedance of 15 Ohms. The sensitivity is 93 dB, which is therefore relatively high.
The PM510 S3 enclosure measures 760 x 460 x 400 millimeters (H x W x D) and weighs 32 kilograms. The design follows the traditional construction with thin walls and damping, which has long been characteristic of BBC loudspeaker technology.
Instead of relying on thick, very rigid panels, the BBC used relatively thin cabinet walls in combination with controlled damping to dissipate vibrational energy. The goal was to minimize coloration caused by the cabinet and enable the loudspeakers to reproduce the sound more neutrally, a philosophy characteristic of many classic British monitor designs.
The housing of the PM510 S3 is made of Baltic birch plywood, chosen for its uniform density and stable resonance properties. According to Rogers, the material offers a balance between stiffness and controlled flexibility, ensuring the housing remains acoustically stable even at higher listening levels.
The exterior is finished with real wood veneer, reflecting the company's traditional approach to furniture making. The front panel is also crafted from Baltic birch to ensure consistent material properties throughout the entire housing.
Although the PM510 S3 (15 Ohm) closely aligns with the original design philosophy, it has been updated to meet modern manufacturing standards. According to Rogers, improvements have been made in materials, precision assembly, and quality control, while the sonic character of the original monitor has been preserved.
Although the PM510 has its origins in professional radio monitoring, Rogers says that the S3 version is designed to perform equally well in larger home environments. After all, the loudspeaker is derived from concepts for BBC studio monitors and is designed to deliver a wide frequency range and a strong dynamic range, allowing both subtle details and large-scale musical dynamics to be reproduced in a controlled manner.
According to Rogers, the combination of deep bass, clear midtones, and smooth, extended highs ensures that the loudspeaker can reproduce music with convincing scale and realism, from orchestral recordings to amplified performances.
An optional, suitable stand is available to bring the tweeter to ear level. Rogers recommends placing the loudspeaker at least 25 centimeters away from walls.
Price approximately 18,000 euros per pair.
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