Tannoy Kingdom Royale auditioned

[JSCC]

Originally Posted by Amfibius

At that point, I realized what was wrong with all the Tannoy systems I had heard thus far - all of them used low powered valve amps. For some reason, these things need a lot of current and even that cheap SS amp was good enough to get rid of most of the colouration.

Well, 2 amps that will be the "cure" for Tannoys are:

1. Wavac HE833v.13 Mono
2. McIntosh MC2301 Mono

If ever I want to venture to Tannoy Westminsters or the Kingdom, these two tube amps will be high on my list.

I have not heard the Kingdoms as yet, but the Westminsters are really something and high on my list should I ever had that itch again!

[KahunaCanuck]

Thanks for the report Serge, I heard these in a small room at the Newport show and was shocked how good they sounded...I think a big room would be necessary to really let them breath.

Originally Posted by Amfibius

Congratulations on your choice. You know, I have never really been a fan of Tannoys. I have always found them to be too coloured for my liking. This was until I heard a pair of Westministers in Sydney, owned by AA member JCR33. Of all things, he was using a cheap pair of Quad SS amps to drive them. They were really, really good and so lifelike! Prior to listening to them I had heard a few horn systems and it made me realize the difference - other horn systems are certainly exciting, but the dynamics are overblown and the image is larger than life. The Westministers just sounded believable - there was an ease and a naturalness, and an amazing coherence that other speakers can only dream of.

At that point, I realized what was wrong with all the Tannoy systems I had heard thus far - all of them used low powered valve amps. For some reason, these things need a lot of current and even that cheap SS amp was good enough to get rid of most of the colouration.

I would really like to revisit some of the other Tannoy systems I have heard, but this time bring along a SS amp to try.

Thanks for the feedback on the Tannoys Keith. I have been fascinated with those speakers for a while. They look grand in those big timber cabinets. In the right size room, and with the right amps as you mentioned, the Westminsters must sound wonderful, whilst the latest Kingdom Royals must sound phenomenal. Unfortunately I don't have the room or coin for these big boys