Lockwood Universal (XP5) – Scottish Speakers Featuring a Coaxial Driver

Experience authentic, timeless sound with Lockwood Universal (XP5), blending classic design and cutting-edge coaxial technology.

An Intriguing New Chapter from Lockwood Loudspeakers

When it comes to British audio craftsmanship, Lockwood Loudspeakers has long been a name synonymous with quality and elegance. Their latest creation, tentatively titled the Lockwood Universal (XP5), is shaping up to be a fascinating addition to their storied lineup. The company describes these floorstanding speakers as a “modern classic: compact in concept, uncompromising in essence, made for those who cherish authenticity, musical truth, and timeless design.” And right from the first glimpse, it’s clear they’re aiming to honor that promise.

Design That Commands Attention

Rare published images reveal a speaker that’s as visually striking as it is meticulously crafted. The XP5 features eye-catching aluminum side panels paired with an integrated stand that lends a sculptural edge to the design. But it’s not just about looks. The cabinet itself is a sealed enclosure constructed from 19mm thick birch plywood, all handcrafted at Lockwood’s workshop in Hamilton, Scotland. This choice of material isn’t just for aesthetics—it provides a sturdy, acoustically sound foundation that enhances the speaker’s sonic integrity.

The Heart of the XP5: A Custom 5-inch Coaxial Driver

The sonic soul of the XP5 is its 5-inch coaxial driver, which employs a treated paper cone for the diaphragm. This design brings the speaker’s sound emission remarkably close to that of a point source, meaning the audio waves emanate in a highly coherent and unified way. What truly elevates the XP5’s sound is the use of an Alnico magnet system, custom-built by none other than Volt Loudspeakers — a company with a stellar reputation for crafting high-quality drivers.

According to Lockwood, the crossover for these speakers has been finalized, and early listening sessions reveal the XP5 sounds “wonderfully musical.” The sensitivity rating stands at a healthy 88 dB, which suggests these speakers can deliver robust volume levels without demanding excessive amplifier power.

Craftsmanship Extending to Every Detail

True to their commitment to quality, Lockwood equips the XP5 with a custom-made binding post plate fashioned from brushed aluminum. The speaker terminals themselves are Lockwood’s own design, forged from pure copper to ensure optimal conductivity and minimal signal loss. Beyond the standard finishes, the company offers bespoke customization options, including colors from the Pantone palette and tailored finishes upon special request. This personalization reflects Lockwood’s dedication to not just sound but also visual harmony in your listening space.

An intriguing development is that the floorstanding XP5 will soon be joined by a bookshelf sibling, sharing the same coaxial driver technology. This expansion hints at a family of speakers designed to cater to a variety of room sizes and preferences without compromising the distinctive sonic character.

Premiere Showcase at The Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2026

The prototype of the Lockwood Universal (XP5) made its public debut at the recent Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2026, captivating audiophiles and industry insiders alike. Exhibiting at such a respected event underscores Lockwood’s confidence in their new creation and their intent to reassert their presence in the high-end speaker market.

“The speakers sound wonderfully musical,” shared Lockwood regarding the finalized crossover and tuning of the XP5.

This succinct endorsement encapsulates the promise of the XP5: speakers that honor musicality above all else, wrapped in a package that’s as elegant as it is technically impressive.

Final Thoughts

The Lockwood Universal (XP5) stands as a bold statement from a brand steeped in tradition yet eager to innovate. From the handcrafted birch plywood cabinet to the bespoke coaxial driver with an Alnico magnet, every element converges to deliver authentic, uncolored sound. Whether you’re a purist looking for genuine musical truth or a design enthusiast drawn to timeless aesthetics, the XP5 promises to be a compelling option worth following closely. What do you think the future holds for coaxial drivers in high-end audio? Could this Scottish newcomer be the start of a new classic?

FAQ

• What makes the coaxial driver in the XP5 special?
  The XP5’s 5-inch coaxial driver combines a paper cone diaphragm with an Alnico magnet system, crafted by Volt Loudspeakers, providing point-source-like sound coherence and excellent musicality.
• Where are the Lockwood Universal (XP5) speakers made?
  Each speaker’s cabinet is handcrafted in Hamilton, Scotland, using 19mm thick birch plywood for superior acoustic performance.
• Can I customize the speakers?
  Absolutely! Lockwood offers finishes in Pantone colors and even bespoke options tailored specifically to customer requests.
• What is the sensitivity of the XP5?
  The speakers have a sensitivity rating of 88 dB, making them efficient enough to work well with a variety of amplifiers.
• Is there a bookshelf version of the XP5?
  Yes, Lockwood plans to release a bookshelf model that will use the same coaxial driver as the XP5 floorstanding speakers.

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Valeriy Bagrintsev Founder & Chief Content Creator

Valeriy is the founder of Just Plugged and a tech reviewer focused on consumer electronics, software, and buying guides. He brings years of hands-on experience researching and evaluating tech products to help readers choose better technology with confidence.

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