NEW: Olympus LS-5 PCM Rekorder (Successor model of LS-10)

09.08.2010

The LS-5 is available for sale since June 2010. On July 1st, 2010 Olympus declared that the LS-10 is sold out and simultaneously announced its successor: the LS-5. According to Olympus, we speak of the approved technology of our top-rated Olympus LS-11. Olympus personally assured that the microphones and technology used in the LS-5 are identical with those of the LS-11. The new recorder merely comes with less accessory, less memory and in a different exterior color.
With a RRP of 249 euros (street price 199 euros) the LS-5 is very attractive in price. Customers get a recording technology which in May 2010 was still at about 350 euros. As proof of the close relationship to the LS-11, Olympus includes the same graphics of frequency response as for the 3 LS-recorders. This means that the LS-5 has, just like the LS-11, experienced a slight raise in the basses and, as a result, recordings are tonally more balanced. (This can also be looked up (and heard up) in our test reports on the LS-11 and in our comparative reports.)

Differences between LS-11 and LS-5

The predecessor LS-11 was tested extensively by us and repeatedly rated as number one in respect to audio-quality. All statements on recording quality, processing and operating hold also true for the LS-5. Now the differences to the LS-11:
• 2GB memory (instead of 8GB)
• no remote control included in delivery
• no cubcase software included in delivery
• no bag included in delivery
• no audio cable included in delivery (USB cable is available)
• blue exterior color (instead of silver)

Mature Technology with New Design

With the LS-5 it will still be possible to make high-quality recordings in mp3 or wav files with up to 96kHz/24bit. The control concept and case have been adopted completely from the LS-11, as well as the menu structure and the features. But you can't have everything: there is no cubcase, no remote control, no bag and no audio cable included in delivery. Nevertheless, the price advantage over the LS-11 compensates for these limitations, especially because the initial training for cubcase is indeed not trivial and its range of features is far to extensive for most users. That's why we like to recommend www.audacity.de (freeware) as introductory software for getting started on basic editing and cuts.
During audio-testing we were able to identify only minor differences between our top-rated LS-11 and the new LS-5, whereby it was not clearly identifiable whether these differences are due to different positioning or are in fact the result of different technology.

Test recordings LS-5

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For comparison: test recordings LS-11

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Conclusion

Bearing in mind that the internal memory can be expanded using SDHC-cards (up to 32GB), there are only minimal reductions to our top-ranked LS-11. The processing and the features of the menu are identical to those of the LS-11. Therefore, recordings can be taken as mp3 files as well as in PCM format with up to 96kHz/24bit. The large display and the easily controllable keys make the recorder very solid and the device is highly-recommendable. The LS-10 and LS-11, which were available until now, have caught our attention because of their solid processing and high-value recording quality. Astonishingly, there have been almost no cases of warranty claims (although we clearly sold a four-digit number of recorders).
There are few other purchase recommendations for devices up to 200 euros. Even the popular Olympus DM-550 (179 euros) now got some competition, though it's from the same company. We agree: the Olympus LS-5 is a high-quality recording device with a very appealing price.
The LS-5 is available in our online shop and can be ordered free of shipping costs in Germany.