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Looking for opinions on Tannoy Prestige line.

I have been looking around at the Tannoy Prestige line. I was curious about how these compare to more modern designs. I am a little burnt out on "hi-fi" and I am having an "enjoy the music" moment. I demoed a few pairs of Tannoys when I first got into audio and I remember liking them pretty well but it has been awhile scene I have heard them. I would be looking at the Kensington SE (and down) or either of the Glenair models. I do not have room or budget for anything bigger. I would be looking on the used market and have no dealer in my area. I am currently using Thiel CS2.4s.

Do they have much horn coloration? Does the bass have punch (I like hard rock and typical audiophile stuff too). How detailed are they compared to more modern designs?
james63

Showing 4 responses by dsholl1

dsholl1
99 posts
 
I am using a Leben CS600 with my Kensington SE match made in heaven!
dsholl1
99 posts
 
I have the Tannoy Kensington SE. It' the last speaker i will ever buy. There is always the Westiminster's though,
hmmmmmm......................
dsholl1
99 posts
 
Joc3021 sums it up best.

I have been into hifi since 1996. Ever since then I have been trying to capture that magical experience I had when i first heard vinyl in the 70's at my neighbours, when I was a little boy.

There are only 2 hifi products that have been able to communicate music like that to me.

1)leben CS300XS integrated amp -GESTALT !!!!!
2)current Tannoy Prestige line-up - PURE MUSIC

I was originally going to buy the Sandringham SE as i auditioned these and fell in love.After discussions with some members in this forum I went with the Kensingtons (unheard) and have never regretted it since.

I tried WIlson and all the usual (marketed) suspects and found them to be all about PRAT with no real ability to communicate music like the Tannoys do.

They are the only product I have bought were people come over and just go "WOW".

If you want to hear how big a bass line can sound or marvel at the high hat appearing 2m above your speaker line; then go for Wilson and the like.

If you are after a speaker that lets you lie on the couch and "trip out" with an immense emotional experience; than the Tannoy's are for you.

I have been told by others who have the Tannoy Prestige line up that, the alnico/pepperpot models are far superior to the tulip design models. However, i loved the Sandringham far more than the Turnberry and Strirling models.

hope this helps you feel free to ask me anything else and good luck
dsholl1
99 posts
 
I know it's a gamble but you can buy these speakers unheard and you won't be sorry.
I did!
Just be warned that they take months to run-in. They will sond bright and shrill for the first hundred or so hours. So if demoing keep that in mind.

I am now running mine with the Leben CS300XS. It is only 15watts but has the most incredible synergy. It's as if Leben used the Kensington/Tannoy Prestige range to voice his amps.

I have had a friend bring his PP EL34 amp over 40watt it sounded great but didn't have the magic that the Leben combo did. I have experimented with a few other amps and the Kensington is so easy to drive and accommodating that we are always scratching our heads as to why all speakers aren't designed to be efficient with easy load handling.
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