Tannoy Prestige Speakers

It's too bad there are so few Tannoy Prestige dealers in the US. I picked up my Kensington SE speakers from Audio Atlanta in Marietta, GA (got their floor model). Find a way to get your ears on them - it's been most musically rewarding purchase I've yet made in this hobby. Hardly anybody in the US has heard them, it seems.

I've also heard from people I trust that the Glenair (the big 15" one, not the 10" version) and Churchill Wideband are stunning. Must admit though, I'm fond of the Kensington's styling.

I just auditioned the Tannoy Kensington at In Living Stereo in Manhattan and I must say that were terrific. Very dynamic, emotionally involving and simply fun. They do not draw attention to themselves. Bass is strong, a wonderful midrange and good (if not extremely extended) treble. Very organic and easy to drive. You are listening to music, not speakers. Highly recommended (and I like Steven Mishoe's choice of music)!

So are you buying them?

Aronesss: In just a few hours you nailed it. I have lived a year with Kensington SE and your short description is so right: they do not draw attention to themselves, they have an organic and wonderful midrange; emtionally involving. And the bass is very dynamic and makes listening fun. And their only shortcoming, and I will say it is just slightly so, is their not "extremely extended treble."

For my part I have found the speakers for life. Kensington is bettered by the bigger Tannoys, but they demand a bigger room than I have. I think there is some magic with this model, with allnico and pepperpot horn, that Prestige models under it do not have (Glenair, Sandringham etc), especially in microdynamics, voices and an organic presentation of music. This last point is connected with music being presented as a "Gestalt".

This is just my subjective impressions, so take it as it is. However, I am impressed that you Aronss nailed the signature of Kensington on just one audition.

Chashas -

I need to hear one or two more speakers, but at present it looks like Tannoy. I will need to hear them one more time as I only heard them for about 90 minutes.