Tannoy Kensington GR Speakers

Description

The Tannoy Kensington GR continues the marque’s heritage of blending time-honoured values with cutting edge performance. Its bold cabinet of finest mahogany plywood is extensively braced to house Tannoy’s flagship 250mm (10.00”) Gold Reference Dual Concentric™ driver. It’s high-efficiency compression driver with 50mm (2.00”) heat-treated dome, Alnico motor system and new, stiffer cone materials create outstanding dynamics, spacious sound staging and exceptional musical articulation.

The flagship 250 mm (10.00”) Dual with its Alnico magnets, identified by its PepperPot Waveguide, is fitted with the latest Tannoy GR cone material, comprising a bespoke paper pulp infused with fibres to increase its rigidity. Combined with the new 50mm (2.00”) aluminium-magnesium alloy cone, the Kensington GR Dual offers an expansive sound stage, extremely high power handling and class-leading musical communication. The Kensington GR is set to follow its predecessor models as being the bestselling Prestige loudspeaker for its outstanding performance, small footprint and elegant design.

To match the new Alnico GR Dual, the Kensington crossover has been extensively upgraded with custom-specification ICW ClarityCap MR capacitors, low loss laminated core inductors and thick-film resistors, before the entire unit is Deep Cryogenically Treated. This technology brings a wealth of benefits to the Kensington GR sound, including more spacious soundstage, crisper micro dynamic detailing and an exceptional natural HF response.

The Kensington GR is hand built in the time-honoured Tannoy fashion to ensure that attention to detail and unique styling go hand in hand in maintaining the exclusive appeal of this highly respected loudspeaker. It’s 18mm thick birch ply baffle and rear panel are extensively detailed with walnut inlays and machined metal trim. Easy room placement, adjustable HF power and luxury oiled veneer finish with machined metal trim ensure Kensington Gold Reference is as easy to live with as it is exhilarating to listen to. Gold Reference takes Tannoy’s Kensington to new levels of refinement in every respect.

“Effortless – is our first impression of the Kensington GR’s sound. Large dynamic shifts are rendered with impressive force and the scale of sound is just huge. Yet, there’s it’s all done with an astonishing sense of ease. At no point do these speakers sound strained or close to their limits, even at high volumes. There’s none of the hardness of lesser speakers when pushed, nor the restrained dynamics that go with small drive units and compact cabinets. Then, there’s the bass. While it comes as no surprise a speaker this size produces lots of it, we’re impressed by the Tannoy’s quality. They’re subtle, textured and articulate.

We’re impressed with the Tannoy’s stereo imaging too. Positioned with care these speakers set up a wide and deep sound stage populated by securely focused instruments. The stability is impressive, with the precision unspoiled even when louder elements come into play. With Nina Simone’s Feeling Good, the Kensingtons continue to shine. That Dual Concentric driver gives a seamless and direct delivery, rendering Simone’s vocals with real passion and drive. Along with the power, we’re reminded just how subtle and insightful these speakers are. We are struck by the Tannoy’s rhythmic skill. The combination of fine timing, strong dynamics and clarity are more than enough to win us over.

The Kensington GRs are speakers to love. They’re gentle giants, balancing finesse with force in a mighty appealing way. Consider us tempted.” – What Hi-Fi?

” The Tannoy shows more things in a recording, and more differences between various recordings. Its sound is not exaggerated in this respect, nor is it detailed to the point of being annoying. It is simply a presentation that contains more data, built on precise attack, accuracy, coherence and dynamics. What needs to be emphasized, the speaker tonality is very even. It is also a much easier load than the Harbeth. They are fantastically made speakers, with an incredible charm. They look absolutely unique and yet will fit in any room, even by way of contrast. The reason lies in an extraordinary attention to detail in their cabinet manufacturing. If I did not have the Harbeths, I would be proud of the fact that the Tannoy Kensington GR may stay with me as my reference speakers.” – High Fidelity, Poland

Specifications:

• Recommended amplified power: 20-250 watts
• Continuous power handling: 125 watts RMS
• Peak power handling: 500 watt
• Sensitivity: 93 dB (2.83 volt @ 1m)
• Nominal impedance: 8 ohm
• Minimum impedance: 5 ohm
• Frequency Response: 29 Hz – 27 kHz (-6 dB)

Drive Units:

• Dual Concentric high frequency: 52 mm aluminum/magnesium alloy dome with round voice coil
• Dual Concentric low frequency: 250 mm with paper pulp cone and twin roll impregnated fabric surround, 52 mm round wire voice coil

Crossover:

• Frequency: 1.1kHz
• Type: Bi-wired, hard-wired passive, low loss. Time compensated. 2nd order low pass. 2nd order high pass. Deep cryogenically treated.
• Adjustment: /-3dB ovver 1kHz to 27kHz shelving, 2 dB to -6dB per octave over 5KhZ to 27kHz slope

Construction:

• Enclosure type: Distributed port
• Volume: 105L
• Dimensions: 1100 x 406 x 338 mm
• Finish: Particle board with high density birch ply baffle and rear panel, 18 mm thickness, internally cross braced and heavily damped