All Roads to Tannoy Bliss
Music for me is founded upon the human connection. Hair raising moments listening to favorite music and conversation about arts and technology. The people you meet in this hobby are some of the finest.
Better gear and setup leads to higher fidelity music experiences. After many years, I’m back to Tannoy. Let’s reflect on this journey.
For 17 years the Klipsch KLF-30s were my reference speakers. SPL is important to me. I want to listen to Moby Dick above 99 dB, some times.
What does it sound like? The driving question. I found a used set of B&W 600 series bookshelf speakers, this is when I started to demo a lot of gear including the Dynaudio Special Forty which are fantastik!
Buy 601s if you are just starting.
Special Forty
Ultra slim stands along with precision placement creates sonic perfection. Google the Cardas Audio speaker placement guide.
Kurt at The Audio Room lent me Tannoy Arden’s to demo!
I landed on Tannoy Arden and spent a lot of time experimenting with speaker & sub position.
SPL Guaranteed
Side by side comparison of Klipsch KG1 Bookshelves to the Ardens. Your audio store might keep many speakers in one listening room, but I suggest simply one.
Tannoy Autograph Mini speakers have excellent detail, imaging and integrate perfectly with JL Audio subs. Tannoy Legacy Eaton’s pushed to the side.
Make sure to try placing your speakers along the the long wall, as well as the short wall. I prefer the long wall.
Tannoy Autograph Mini on the Long Wall
Tannoy Autograph Mini on the Short Wall
I sold my Legacy Tannoy Arden’s for Vintage Tannoy HPD 385’s. This room is way too small for these 360L Onken cabinets. Testing Audiopax tube amplifiers with the Tannoy HPD.
I met the Arden buyer at Pacific Audio Fest in Seattle. Amazingly I got the opportunity to purchase the Arden’s back and I did. He upgraded to Focal Utopia.
The Tannoy Legacy Arden’s are lifelong speakers for me. You must remove the skirts and purchase stands like these. I prefer the point source sonics without the extra JL Audio bass.
Mother ship the Black Ocean Audio [M] stack has arrived! Significantly different than Tannoy in every way. Everyone needs two sets of reference gear.
Don’t be afraid to buy to try and sell what doesn’t work for you. To discover more spend time at your local audio stores and attend HiFi shows, like T.H.E. Show Costa Mesa June 2025, I’ll be there to show you some favorite systems.
