I doubt that "British sound" means much of anything specific any more, at least as to larger floor-standing models. B & W's top models long since departed from the classic British sound; KEF seems to be moving in the same direction; and from what I've heard the new "super-tweeter" Tannoys certainly don't sound anything like their famous older models. About three years ago I sold my B & W 808's (mid-80's design) to a friend, and every time I visit him I am reminded how warm and rich they sounded, nothing like the present B & W sound.
The British speaker sound: Tannoy, Harbeth, etc...
Hi, I have a pair of Tannoy D500s that I purchased as demos some time ago. I'm going to have them looked at because i think one of the tweeters may be blown or loose. But more to the point, I love the sound of them and I've been doing some reading about the British monitor sound. I also have a pair of Spendor S3/5s in my home office. They sound different, but I really enjoy them too. I've been reading about Harbeth's too. I've also studied the Tannoy prestige line. I don't have access to listening to the Harbeths or Tannoy Prestige line for listening. While my D500s are in the shop I may demo some other British monitor sounding speakers at home. I've heard other speaker lines at audio shops, but I still keep coming back to the British sound. It's not so hi-fi, just very natural sounding. I guess I would surmise that I love good midrange. I don't like bright speakers.
What are your impressions of the various British speaker lines similar to the Tannoy sound? How would you characterize them and what recommendations would you have? I like the Tannoys partly because they are good at low volume and because they sound decent off-axis, both important to me. They have to live in my living room where can I appreciate them too (aesthetics).
If it helps, my associated equipment is Mcintosh tube amp and preamp. EMC-1 and Sony SACD CD players. Audience Au24 interconects and speaker cables. I like bluegrass, classical, jazz, ambient/meditative electronica, some rock. My favorite instruments are acoustic guitar, cello and piano.
I appreciate any and all opinions, recommednations and discussion!
What are your impressions of the various British speaker lines similar to the Tannoy sound? How would you characterize them and what recommendations would you have? I like the Tannoys partly because they are good at low volume and because they sound decent off-axis, both important to me. They have to live in my living room where can I appreciate them too (aesthetics).
If it helps, my associated equipment is Mcintosh tube amp and preamp. EMC-1 and Sony SACD CD players. Audience Au24 interconects and speaker cables. I like bluegrass, classical, jazz, ambient/meditative electronica, some rock. My favorite instruments are acoustic guitar, cello and piano.
I appreciate any and all opinions, recommednations and discussion!