Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
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VX 12.2Q
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Manufacturer details
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Tannoy emphasizes a "Dual Concentric" driver design, positioning the tweeter within the woofer for a single point source, leading to exceptional stereo imaging and a broad sweet spot.
- They offer models with adjustable front baffle controls for treble energy and roll-off, allowing users to tailor the sound to their specific room acoustics and personal preferences.
- Tannoy speakers are often described as providing a 3D soundstage, where instruments and vocals are distinctly positioned with air and space around them.
- The brand values a "meaty," "strong," and "bold" sound, particularly in the bass frequencies.
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Tannoy
What if you spend more?
Once you step into the golden circle, it's nearly impossible to escape. Why? Because you will hear your music and films like you have never heard them before. Our heritage speaker Monitor GOLD was launched all the way back in the 1980's, and since then countless high-profile recording studios have used our speakers when mixing and/or mastering some of the most iconic albums and soundtracks in history. Artists like Michael Jackson, Elton John, The Eagles, Billy Idol, Depeche Mode, Christina Aguilera, and soundtracks for films like Top Gun, Breakfast Club and Catch Me if You Can had Tannoy speakers as the final link in the signal chain in the studio. Now, you can also have that legendary sound at home!
Responsive Tightness
The SUPER GOLD 10 speakers have 10" woofers that deliver that amazing sweetspot in between rich lows and tight and fast-responding mids and highs. They are the perfect companion when listening to music with fast transients and plenty of attack. For instance, Funk, Electronica, World Music and Contemporary Jazz comes to mind. That said, they are perfectly capable of giving you the chills when listening to Classical Music, Rock, Pop or any other music genre.
Dual Concentric Precision
We invented the dual concentric speaker design in 1947, and it has been refined and improved continuously over the decades. With SUPER GOLD you get the very latest incarnation of this pristine design that has won critical acclaim over and over for nearly 70 years! With our Dual Concentric design, the woofer and tweeter are literally merged together, which positions them on the exact same axis, giving you best-in-class phase coherence. Since the sound is coming from the same point, it is a true point-source imaging scenario, and adding to that a spherical wave front that ensures an extremely even dispersion both vertically and horizontally, the SUPER GOLD's off-axis performance is breathtaking. But what is the benefit when listening? You simply get a very wide and true sweetspot, which means that you don't have to sit dead-center in front of the speakers to enjoy every single, subtle detail in the music. You can move around, or when you have company, everyone can enjoy listening even if they are not directly in front of the speakers. Finally, we constantly refine and improve our dual concentric design, and today we use modern ferrite with copper demodulation rings and high flux magnetic circuit, which perform even better than the original 1970's Alnico design.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Large soundstage, speed, and emotion enhance the listening experience
- Dual concentric driver design allows for a wider sweet spot and seamless sound
- Midrange is rich with a beautiful texture to the sound, particularly in the upper mid-bass frequencies
- Detailed and delicate treble mixes well with the midrange and bass
- Front-firing reflex ports allow for flexible placement, even close to a rear wall
- Exceptional build quality with a walnut veneer finish
Product Considerations
- Retro design may not appeal to everyone
- While controlled and engaging, the bass response might not satisfy bass enthusiasts without a subwoofer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- SGM10 provides a rock solid bass and slam, compared to the Stirling III
Takeaway: The Tannoy SGM 10 speakers bring a classic studio sound into the home. The SGM 10 are easy to listen to and enjoyable while giving a nostalgia to those who seek the heyday of home hifi.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Extremely sensitive, requiring only a small amplifier for a large sound
- Silent ports allow for placement in corners or against walls
- Built and finished to a very high standard, with furniture-grade quality
- EQ adjustment allows for modifying frequency response around 700Hz
- Delivers scale, image, and musical immersion, and can sound big at low volumes
Product Considerations
- Styling might be too old-fashioned for some
- Large size makes them a focal point in any room
- Not the most detailed loudspeaker compared to some others
- Grills, if used, may make them look even more vintage
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Fyne Audio Classic Eight: The Fyne Audio Classic Eight may offer a more preferable styling and similar design principles at a lower price
- Vs. Legacy Eaton: The Turnberry handles complex music like dance music better than the Legacy Eaton
Takeaway: The Turnberry speakers offer a unique listening experience that provides scale and musical immersion, so many will find this as their last speaker purchase. It is a versatile speaker that works well with different music genres at any volume level.
Video review
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Handsome cabinet constructed of MDF and birch ply is finished in oiled-walnut veneer with a cosmetic legacy from the mid-1970s
- The Dual Concentric design is a time-aligned, partially horn-loaded, coaxial driver that integrates the high-frequency driver within and on the same axis as the low-frequency driver, aligning phase and locking in imaging
- Front-firing ports are designed with calculated dimensions to provide the best bass response from the cabinet
- The speaker comes with a quality certificate including approval signatures for various stages of production
- The owner's manual includes a section on Tannoy's history and detailed setup instructions, and a tin of wood wax is also supplied
Product Considerations
- The gold-plated flat-tongue connectors used inside are very weak
- There are concerns regarding the speaker's country of origin, since the old Tannoy factory in Coatbridge manufactured everything, but the new factory address belongs to a Healthcare and a Logistics company
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sonus Faber floorstander: Kensingtons (similar to Stirlings) sounded amazing in comparison, despite costing about twice as much
- Vs Spendor, Harbeth, Magnepan, Klipsch, and Bowers & Wilkins: reviewer preferred Turnberry SEs (similar) over these other brands, with no urge to replace them after 10 years
Takeaway: The Tannoy Stirling Prestige Gold Reference loudspeaker is a handsome speaker that combines vintage aesthetics with innovative driver technology for a unique listening experience. With its carefully crafted design and attention to detail, it promises to be a worthwhile addition to any audiophile's collection.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Introducing the T Series The T66 is the first model in GoldenEar’s new T Series. While it boasts several significant refinements of our time-tested design concepts, the T66 is undeniably a GoldenEar loudspeaker, placing beautiful sound and music before all else. Honoring the Triton Series The T66 honors the critically acclaimed Triton Series, sharing a similarly tall, slender profile; built-in DSP-controlled subwoofer amplification; and a driver complement comprising GoldenEar’s High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter, cast-basket mid/bass units, quadratic planar radiators, and long-throw powered sub-bass section. Onward and Upward Several important cosmetic and sonic refinements distinguish the new T66 from previous GoldenEar speakers. These include a dramatically augmented crossover design, high-quality internal wiring, a new cast-aluminum base and metal grille, and, in addition to GoldenEar’s Gloss Black cabinet finish, a vibrant Santa Barbara Red.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent bass performance is a defining feature, providing tight, smooth, even, solid, and tangible bass extension into the 20 Hz range, eliminating placement issues associated with separate subwoofers
- Balanced overall sound, coherence, and ability to present music in a natural and effortless way is consistently praised
- High levels of detail come through with the High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter and cast-basket mid/bass units
- A holographic image over the seating area of a typical sofa is capable with excellent imaging and a wide and open soundstage, even when not seated in the exact sweet spot
- The Santa Barbara Red finish option receives high marks for its visual appeal
Product Considerations
- Still a significant investment, especially the Santa Barbara Red finish
- The metal grille covering the drivers is not designed to be easily removed
- Care should be taken with system matching, due to a slightly hot high-end
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The T66 offers more refinement and a more 'of-a-piece' sound than the Triton One.R
- Has internal structural improvements that make it even more stable and rigid than previous generations
Takeaway: The GoldenEar T66 delivers audiophile-grade sound and aesthetics, with powerful bass and exceptional detail. These speakers are easy to incorporate into nearly any environment, and have the power to let the listener appreciate all the nuances in favorite songs or movies.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Remarkably precise, unusually musical, and vivid sound, creating an open, inviting sound and bringing superb clarity and resolution to music
- Wide, airy, and holographic soundstage with excellent directivity, spreading reflections evenly for a consistent sound experience even when not in the 'sweet spot'
- Innovative Meta Material Absorption Technology (MAT) absorbs 99% of unwanted sound coming from the rear of the tweeter, leading to improved clarity, precision, and detail in the high frequencies—and better overall composure when the mix gets complicated
- A dedicated woofer handles the bass, allowing the coaxial system to focus on the important midrange without interference, which results in improved bass performance and power handling
- Neutrality and balanced frequency response, combined with excellent linearity, makes it very suitable for equalization, allowing users to adjust the sound to their preferences
Product Considerations
- The bass, while tight and tuneful, might not provide the 'gut punch' or chest-thumping experience some listeners prefer, and a subwoofer is recommended for those seeking more pronounced low-end dynamics
- The treble response, while detailed and airy, may sound a bit bright when the speaker is aimed directly at the listener (on-axis), and a slight toe-out (5-10 degrees) is recommended to relax the high frequencies
- Some reviewers note that they may sound a little flat or leaner at very low listening volumes, excelling more when given some 'juice' and volume
- The piano black finish, while beautiful, is prone to fingerprints and requires care to maintain its appearance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. LS50 Meta: Considered a better, more complete speaker with a more balanced presentation from top to bottom—and a more fleshed-out sound
- Vs. Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3: Puts the treble on a much tighter leash, while the 705 S3 can come on as just too much in that lower treble region
- Vs. Buchardt S400 Mark II: Is leaner, airier, and more spatial, while the Buchardt is warmer, thicker, and has more bass punch
- Vs. Revel M106: The Revel M106's directivity is nowhere near as good as the Kef R3 meta
Takeaway: The KEF R3 Meta is a well-rounded and high-performing loudspeaker, offering a detailed and balanced sound signature with excellent imaging capabilities. It is a great choice for those seeking a neutral and engaging listening experience.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Highly accurate sound with surprising dynamic and bass abilities
- Intuitive BluOS app provides access to many streaming services, multi-room control, and customisation options
- Wide range of connectivity options including HDMI eARC, phono inputs, USB, Wi-Fi, and aptX HD Bluetooth
Product Considerations
- BluOS app required for setup and primary use, no dedicated remote control is provided
- BluOS app can be quirky, and there are potential setup difficulties and HDMI connectivity issues
- Lacks room EQ features for near-wall or desktop placement, and doesn't have enough output for larger rooms without a subwoofer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SVS Prime Wireless Pro, the Alpha iQ provides a deeper soundstage and more filled-in sound
- Vs Q Acoustics's Q Active 200, the Alpha iQ delivers greater sense of scale
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3, the Alpha iQ provides more transparent sound and better dynamic range
- Vs ELAC Debut ConneX, the Alpha iQ offers wider-ranging connectivity and a dedicated control app
- Vs KEF LSX II, the Alpha iQ has a feature-rich app and multi-room audio skills
- Vs Alpha AM3, the Alpha iQ is physically larger, with more rated power and wireless connection between speakers
Takeaway: The PSB Alpha iQ is a compact, all-in-one streaming speaker system with excellent sound quality and versatility, making it a great addition to smaller spaces. Its multiple connectivity options and simple setup allow one to easily enjoy music from various sources.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Elegant and luxurious design embodies the classic Sonus Faber look with a curvaceous shape, walnut wood exterior, and appealing aesthetics
- Impressive soundstage and room-filling performance–the Crescendo technology creates a wide and immersive soundstage that exceeds the physical size of the speaker
- Good sound quality, with solid, full, and tight bass, along with clear midrange and vocals
- Setup is relatively easy and user-friendly, with intuitive controls and compatibility with various streaming services
- Extensive wireless connectivity (AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, aptX HD Bluetooth, and Roon) and wired options (HDMI ARC, Ethernet, switchable phono/line input via dongle)
Product Considerations
- Price is expensive compared to other wireless speakers on the market
- Awkward placement of back-panel connectors, as they are buried in the base, making them difficult to access
- Treble might be a little too soft and lacking some presence for some listeners
- There is no bespoke Omnia control app
- Some users reported compatibility problems with Android devices
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Naim Mu-so 2, the Omnia has a wider, more spacious soundstage and unrivalled clarity, while the Mu-so 2 has a warmer tone and superior sense of musical cohesion
- The Omnia's curves remind some of the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin
Takeaway: The Sonus Faber Omnia is a stylish and well-equipped wireless speaker that offers an immersive listening experience for smaller spaces. It is a good choice for audiophiles who appreciate both aesthetics and high-quality sound and are willing to pay a premium.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Fit and finish plus performance that is a bargain for around $3k/pair
- Gelcore cabinet construction minimizes unwanted sound energy from resonance and vibrations
- A tweeter that is hermetically sealed and mechanically isolated (floating) from the baffle provides lower distortion
- Size, weight, and richness of tone belies their size, with a wider baffle to each loudspeaker pointing at you
- A mild sound throws emphasis back to the midrange that in itself seems almost holographic, as well as deeply insightful in a gentle but revealing manner
Product Considerations
- A medium to large size room is required to shine, otherwise the bass will dominate
- Flaws in poor recordings can be revealed due to their detail and accuracy—warts and all performance
- The top-end is a little soft and gentle—classic BBC like—which may require amps with some zing to compensate
- Listeners seeking absolute detail or transparency might not be satisfied because of Q Acoustics' house sound that massages treble and plumps up bass and lower mid
- They don't go sub-40Hz deep, frequency response is rated at 42 Hz – 30 kHz (-6dB)
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics Concept 50 offers excellent value with its blend of innovative design and high-quality sound, making it a great choice for enjoying music with a sense of depth and engagement. The Concept 50s are easy to listen to and fun.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Precise and stable stereo imaging
- Good detail retrieval
- Neutral tonal balance
- Versatile directivity
Product Considerations
- Bass extension requires a subwoofer for full-range playback, especially below the mid-40Hz range
- Potential for brightness, especially when toed-in directly towards the listening position
- Requires careful setup and experimentation with placement to optimize sound, especially in relation to the rear wall and toe-in
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The SourcePoint 8 is more neutral, with a less elevated top end, while the SourcePoint 10 is brighter
Takeaway: The SourcePoint 8 is a well-engineered speaker that stands out for its clear imaging and ability to convey musical detail across different genres. It offers a balanced and neutral sound that makes it an engaging listening experience.
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