There's something immediately appealing about a compact loudspeaker with a traditional monitor appearance. The Haycross audio HA3/5 certainly has that appeal. Simple proportions, a recessed black baffle and wood grain that gives these particular cabinets real charactor.

With the grills fitted, the presentation is understated. Remove them and the 2-way driver arrangement takes centre stage, with a mesh protected tweeter above the bass / midrange unit. The contrast between the black front and the lighter cabinet finish works particularly well.

Visually they sit comfortably within the familiar british compact-monitor tradition. That appearance alone, however doesn't tell us how they perform. The real test is whether can bring voices and instruments into the room with convincing tone, believable scale and a sound that keeps you listening.

The Haycross Audio HA3/5 are compact loudspeakers with plenty to offer. Their traditional styling and striking wood finish makes an attractive first impression, but it's their performance that really deserves attention.

 There's a suprising amount of bass for speakers of this size, giving music a sense of weight that you might not expect from such compact cabinets. The midrange is clear and uncoloured, allowing voices and intruments to come through naturally.

They're slightly on the inefficent side, but don't let that put you off. We found they worked incredibly well with amplification ranging from an £800 Rega Brio right through to the £10,000 Accuphase E-700. You certainly don't need to spend 5 figures on an amplifier to enjoy what these speakers can do.

For us, the combination of unexpected bass weight, midrange clarity and attractive presentation makes the HA3/5 well worth an audition.