2. speakers
  3. 127827-92379

Proac Response D 48/Tannoy Kensington


I was curious if anyone has had the opportunity to compare the Proac Response D48 and Tannoy Kensington. I realize they are probably quite different but I was interested in what you all thought. I have heard the Proac's on a few different occasions and was really impressed with what I heard. Recently, someone told me I should seek out the Tannoy Kensington's before I bought anything, but that isn't easy here in the states. There are a few dealers but it would require quite an effort to hear the Tannoy's. Thought I would seek your opinions before I did anything else.
Reply With Quote

johnluke02
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,156 posts
 
Nice choice problem to have.....

here's how I would characterize the sonic signature of the two:

TANNOY .... bespoke refined, ethereal, XO Cognac snifter 
PROAC .......forward striding, bold, Quatro-Cinco tequila shooters...

Ive heard the entire TANNOY PRESTIGE line. They just get better and better as you go higher up the model line. The KINGDOM ROYALS can compete, nay slay, with anything out there 

tuff choice..... BUT if you reconsider to go higher up the PRESTIGE line, then the choice becomes easier IMO.
kclone's avatar
kclone
652 posts
 
If looks enter the equation at all, I think the Proac D48 have a better WAF.  As for everything else, akg_ca covered it.   I have the D48 on order, and yes I bought it blind.   
itzhak1969
515 posts
 
Didn't hear the Tannoy I am sure they're great speakers but I personally wouldn't buy them metal twitter and paper driver are not my cup of tea,  Moreover I don't think they can compete with the Proac at the bass area . The D48R follow the recent tendency of fast,dynamic and exciting sound once the Tannoy seems a little bit old fashioned sound: comfortable ,relax and glamour. It's not bad if that's what you are looking for.
rsv4
18 posts
 
"There are a few dealers but it would require quite an effort to hear the Tannoy's. Thought I would seek your opinions before I did anything else."

You need to listen to them first. A speaker like that is very polarizing. One person may love them, and the next may hate them.

A nice alternative to ProAc is Living Voice.
larryi
3,719 posts
 

I've heard both, in similar systems, though not in any sort of side-by-side comparison.  The ProAc is somewhat of a rare beast--it actually uses a ribbon tweeter that is well integrated with the other drivers.  In some respects it is a "safer" choice in that it will always sound good.   I like the Kensington for its fast, reasonably dynamic sound.  But, to me there is a peak in the upper midrange-treble region that adds a touch of sibilance or hardness that I find slightly annoying (others seem to think it makes the sound crisper and more exciting, so it is a matter of taste).  While the speaker has driver level controls, these do not remove the peak entirely without otherwise hurting the sound.

Both speakers play reasonably well with medium powered tube gear, which is a minimum requirement for my own preferences. Because I did not actually compare the two, I will not hazard a guess as to what would be my preference, so I will stick with saying that I liked both speakers.

More to discover