TANNOY Kensington GR: Heritage Meets Innovation
TANNOY’s audio systems can be found in prestigious venues worldwide, from Hong Kong City Hall to the Sydney Opera House, from London’s Palladium Theatre to Coca-Cola’s headquarters in Atlanta, and from the Bellagio in Las Vegas to Dolce & Gabbana’s Milan headquarters and the Finnish National Opera.
The British audio legend TANNOY has evolved its high-end Prestige series into the GR (Gold Reference) line, modernizing the entire range while enhancing their renowned dual concentric drivers. Through advanced materials, engineering, and cryogenic treatment of components, the Prestige GR series maintains TANNOY’s traditional musical soul while delivering modern precision in sound reproduction. Our focus today is on the Kensington GR, the third model in the series, which combines the form factor of the entry-level models with the premium components of its higher-end siblings.
For this audition, the distributor paired the speakers with matching high-end electronics: the Esoteric C-03Xs preamplifier and S-03 stereo power amplifier. These components inherit technology from Esoteric’s Grandioso series and showcase more refined aesthetics compared to their predecessors. We anticipated an emotionally engaging experience from this new combination.
The Prestige GR series comprises five models, from highest to entry-level: Westminster Royal GR, Canterbury GR, Kensington GR, Turnberry GR, and Stirling GR. Beyond price considerations, here’s how enthusiasts can find their ideal match:
The two flagship models employ 15-inch drivers, with the Westminster Royal being TANNOY’s historical signature product until the Kingdom Royal’s debut. The 15-inch dual concentric driver became TANNOY’s iconic size. However, accommodating these large drivers means substantial cabinet dimensions, particularly challenging for space-conscious buyers, especially in markets like Japan. The remaining three models feature 10-inch drivers in slimmer, taller cabinets, making them more suitable for smaller rooms while maintaining adequate internal volume.
The Kensington GR incorporates all GR series improvements, including a composite fiber bass cone and heat-treated aluminum-magnesium alloy tweeter. The crossover network, derived from the flagship Kingdom Royal, represents a major upgrade. ICW ClarityCap MR capacitors are used in the Westminster Royal GR, Canterbury GR, and Kensington GR, along with 99.99% pure silver PTFE-shielded wiring. The entire crossover undergoes Deep Cryogenic Treatment (DCT) for enhanced physical properties. The speakers feature upgraded NextGen WBT-0703 terminals, including TANNOY’s characteristic fifth ground terminal.
The Kensington GR occupies a unique position in the lineup. It can be viewed as either a compact Canterbury GR with a 10-inch driver replacing the 15-inch, or as an enhanced Turnberry GR, sharing the same driver size but with premium components matching the higher-end models.
High-frequency adjustment offers two stages: +/- 3dB (1.1kHz~27kHz) on the left, and +2dB/oct ~ -6dB/oct (5kHz – 27kHz) on the right. These controls are located on the front metal nameplate, which features thicker construction in the GR series and includes a lightning bolt symbol below the logo.
The new composite bass cone shows distinctive patterns in photographs, while the dual-layer surround reduces distortion during extreme cone excursions. Two distinctive slots on the front baffle implement TANNOY’s low-frequency diffusion technology, matching the excellent dispersion characteristics of the dual concentric driver across all frequencies.
The WBT terminals allow for bi-wiring or jumpered connections, with TANNOY’s unique fifth ground terminal in the lower right.
The Kensington GR was paired with a complete Esoteric system. The C-03Xs preamplifier and S-03 power amplifier draw inspiration from Esoteric’s Grandioso series, incorporating core technologies while maintaining cost-effectiveness through careful component selection and chassis design, resulting in accessible high-end electronics.
Warm Tonality with Distinctive Charm
TANNOY has always maintained its unique sonic signature, distinct from the typical “analytical” or “electronic” sound of many renowned brands. Their musical presentation particularly resonates with my preferences, especially with vocal recordings. Artists like Jennifer Warnes and Diana Krall, with their distinctive voices, always prompt extended listening sessions when TANNOY systems visit MY-HiEND. Jennifer’s vocals sound exquisite through the TANNOY, maintaining excellent resolution while electric guitar accompaniments remain crisp. The drums, through the Kensington GR’s 10-inch horn-loaded driver, fill the space with powerful yet comfortable impact.
Resolution and Rich 3D Spatial Presentation
The diverse test material included various audiophile recordings spanning multiple genres, from captivating vocals to majestic classical pieces. In Paganini’s Variation Sonata No. 2, the solo violin demonstrates outstanding spatial presence and harmonics. In MY-HiEND’s listening room, the TANNOY-Esoteric combination places the violin well behind the speakers, creating not just beautiful, warm tones but a truly three-dimensional presentation. The eighth track, Schumann’s Symphony No. 3 “Rhenish” (Second Movement), employs extensive wind instruments to paint the magnificent Rhine landscape, delicately accented by strings. The TANNOY’s dual concentric driver perfectly captures this grandeur, demonstrating the characteristic air-moving capability of TANNOY’s large drivers.
Vivid Live Performance Recreation
Belafonte’s legendary 1959 Carnegie Hall recording captures a complete performance with remarkable fidelity, including the finest details of his unique vocal style, breathing patterns, and lip movements. The TANNOY system reproduces this with engaging ease, seemingly transporting listeners to the original venue. In “John Henry” (Track 4), the system expertly balances Belafonte’s dominant vocals with subtle accompaniment, clearly rendering guitar and cello details despite vast dynamic contrasts. The recording captures Belafonte’s natural microphone technique, with subtle distance variations evident in tracks like “The Marching Saints.”
Though equipped with a 10-inch dual concentric driver rather than the 15-inch units found in higher models, the Kensington GR maintains impressive energy delivery with clear mid-high frequencies and particularly relaxed mid-bass. Its high efficiency fills the listening room with wave-like energy. While its appearance might not scream modernity, the Kensington GR incorporates significant contemporary technology and engineering. Like all models in the GR series, it combines classic British royal heritage with modern design principles, creating an endlessly engaging listening experience.
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