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Tannoy Stirlings on the way!

Hi, everybody.  Longtime member, first time caller.

I just ordered up a pair of Tannoy Stirling GR floorstanders, and, frankly, I'm looking for people to rejoice with!

I'm a speakers guy, through and through.  I've got Dynaudios, Focals, B&Ws, Totems, Wharfedales, Klipsches, and even my old Polk 5Bs, the first speakers I ever bought, way back in the '80s.  I wanted to try something very different, and the Prestige line Tannoys really spoke to me.  The coincident drivers, the old-school-ish paper cone, the old-school cabinets and ports.  I'm really looking forward to hearing how they soundstage!

I thought about getting the Turnberrys, but the Stirlings should be just about the perfect size for my [extremely irregular] room.  Especially since I already have a pair of subs.

I'm pretty chuffed.
trentmemphis
trentmemphis OP
282 posts
 
@comchenry 

I gave serious thought to those Revels.  The beryllium tweeters, in particular, were intriguing.  But they're a "standard design" modern loudspeaker.  Since I already own several of those, that didn't seem like the best use of my audiophile dollar. 

The Tannoys, otoh, were unlike anything I'd ever owned.  In terms of exploring the world of audiophilia, that made them a better buy for me, in my mind.  (One of the other final candidates was Maggies.)

And I ain't gonna lie: the romance factor of the Tannoys was definitely in play.  They look like something from the 1940s, which indeed they kind of are.  Each pair is built by a single person.  To me, they are more a product of craftsmanship, while the vast majority of speakers are more a product of mass (on an audiophile scale) production.

It'll be interesting to hear your comparison.  As you said, room interactions is a big wildcard.  Which PrimaLuna do you have?
mesch
3,530 posts
 
Well, I just purchased the Sterlings. Loved the sound and the craftsmanship. Haven't gotten them home yet. Will get back to all.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
6,183 posts
 
Congratulations @mesch. They are certainly well engineered and exquisitely designed. As time goes on, that gorgeous wood and finish are going to look richer (and darker) after each waxing.

As with any electronics, careful matching is very important. May I know what preamp or amp you will be pairing your Stirlings with?
trentmemphis OP
282 posts
 
@mesch 

Hey, congrats, man!  Skol!  That's awesome.  Like @lalitk , I'm curious about the rest of the system (and the room).

Be sure to report back with setup, experiences, etc.!

If @comchenry buys his, now, I'm sending Tannoy an invoice!
mesch
3,530 posts
 
Well I haven't un-boxed the speakers yet. Have one at home, picking up the other soon (small car). I will share my thoughts after a solid listening session. My Tannoy dealer is 200 miles away. I have in the past listened to much larger models, however thought the Sterlings were the best fit for my room. Have always liked and currently use stand mounts. The Sterlings do not take any more floor space and I was looking to go in a different direction. The Tannoys are more that a great sounding speaker, they are beautiful.

Currently I am using a BEL 1001 MK5 amplifier, itself driven by an Aric Audio Special all tube preamp. I am considering the purchase of a tube amplifier or possibly going back to an integrated. If I were to stay with a SS amp and needed to replace my BEL, I would look into the Pass XA25. I believe I would not need any more power than 20 class A watts. My room measures 14.5x12.5x8.5'. It is well treated. I intend to get more familiar with the Sterlings prior to changing anything. I auditioned them with a 20wpc Luxman class A integrated amplifier. That combo sounded wonderful. 
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