Tannoy Kensington vs Bryston Model T

[Haurock]

In case there might be others interested, I'm off to audition the new Tannoy GR Kensingtons tomorrow (considering upgrading from my Turnberry's) and I will have the opportunity of actually comparing them to the Bryston Model T...

I was very impressed when I heard the Model T's at TAVES a couple of years ago, so I am quite intrigued at the possibility of hearing them side by side. The dealer has mentioned that they have a very different presentation. Be interesting to see if I'll change my mind and go Canadian!

I'll let you know what I think on the weekend and I hope to take pics!!...

[Still-One]

Rock
To me those would be two very different sounding speakers. It may take you a little getting used to the differences but I am sure you will be happy with either one.

[Haurock]

.. Agreed Jim.. It's just rare that I get to be able to audition them side by side... you have to remember I live up here.. upscale audio stores are hard to come by....

[Haurock]

Originally Posted by Still-One

Rock
To me those would be two very different sounding speakers. It may take you a little getting used to the differences but I am sure you will be happy with either one.

Okay, so my wife and have just returned from auditioning the Kensington Tannoy and Bryston Model T's..... and Jim you nailed it.

These are two excellent speakers but with rather different presentations, that had left me in a bit of a quandry.

First things first. We began by listening to the Kensington's which were hooked up to a Sugden A21aL series 2 Integrated amplifier. The dealer rep suggsted this was probably the closest amp he had that might resemble the McIntosh sound, ok, fair enough.

After listening to a few cuts of some of my better known CDs, the Kensingtons certainly revealed the classic Tannoy sound, but a step or two above the Turnberrys. More detail, more clarity, more bass..and expanded sounstage. All of which I had imagined would occur. I was struck by how highs came out. In fact at first puzzled because Mark Knopfler's voice was not what I was used to.

After playing around for half an hour or so, my wife, if you can imagine, kept asking to hear the Model T's. So, we switched the speakers around. Now you may recall how I had reported how outstanding I had found the Model T's during their inaugural demo at TAVES Toronto in Sept 2013 (see TAVES Day 1 report).

Well, they awed me again... the imaging of these speakers is simply phenomenal. Due to space contraints we didn't focus on precise placements of the Model T's.... just sort of placed them about where they should be. You close your eyes and they just vanish. You are left with the impression of listening to someone performing on stage.

My wife said it best. The Model T's are like if you are in a theater at a 'live' performance. The Tannoys, are as if you are in a studio listening to a musician perform....

Both are excellent! At half the price of the Tannoys, the Bryston's are phenomenal...

Now if only I had the cash, to buy both!!!!!....

[jdandy]

Rock.......Pay attention to speaker efficiency, particularly since you have recently shown an interest in tube amplification. Also, be sure to take music that you are very familiar with, otherwise your reference will be altered dramatically.

[Haurock]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Rock.......Pay attention to speaker efficiency, particularly since you have recently shown an interest in tube amplification. Also, be sure to take music with your that you are very familiar with, otherwise your reference will be altered dramatically.

... yep sure will do. If I do make a switch, I know the dealer will let me audition them at home.. as a final test.. He did that for me.. when I opted for the Turnberrys...

[BrianT]

Originally Posted by Haurock

... yep sure will do. If I do make a switch, I know the dealer will let me audition them at home.. as a final test.. He did that for me.. when I opted for the Turnberrys...

Rock

I'm looking at a set of Tannoy's can you tele who you dealer is
I'm in Ottawa and having a hard time finding a dealer with stock to demo.

Brian

[Haurock]

Brian,

I deal with Audio Eden Home - AUDIO EDEN

You can also try : http://beautifulsoundaudio.com/

Stereo Passion
1010 Polytek St.
UNIT 35, 2nd Floor
Ottawa, ON.
K1J 9J2

613-761-9710

[PHC1]

How are your Model T's coming along Rock? Enjoying them?

[mulveling]

Based on my experience with the SE models -- the Kensingtons will be quite an upgrade from the Turnberry. The pepperpot/alnico drivers are excellent, and worth the extra money. I think if you love the dual-concentric sound (as I do), it'll be real hard to turn down the Kensington for any "conventional" speaker design under $20K.

My entry into hi-fi was through high-end headphones, so coherence was always a primary criteria that many/most speakers have a tough time delivering at the level of headphones (i.e. single driver). When I first heard the dual-concentric driver deliver that without truncated response or dynamics, it was a revelation!