Replacement / upgrade for Tannoy P30s and Rotel RA-01

mcdreamer

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Jan 28, 2025
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I have been a proud owner of a pair of Tannoy P30s paired with a Rotel RA-01 for about 27 years now. They've done very well but some issues have developed with the P30s which it seems I won't be able to repair (this post isn't really about that, though I may make a separate one at some stage).

My question is, what could I replace these with to get a similar listening experience? For context, this system is probably a bit too big for my current room really, which is a small office in my house. I don't turn it up particularly loud but do appreciate the depth of the sound.

I was originally considering either the Kef LSX II or LS50 II Wireless. My concern really is on the low end, and I think probably I shouldn't expect these to have quite the same range at the low end? Not sure I really want to get into the world of having a sub in here though, so perhaps I'd have to accept this? I have also heard that the LSX IIs have some issue with hiss, though I wonder how true this really is.

One plus of having an active pair of speakers would of course be fewer items around my office, where space is at a premium.

Another option might be to keep the Rotel and get something like the Kef R3s. A friend of mine recommended these.

I know I've only mentioned Kefs above, but I've also heard good things about B&W over the years. Their active speakers seem quite a bit more expensive though.

I'd be really interested to hear what people think about the above and what other ideas people might have. Thanks!
 
As suggested above or even some more recent Quad speakers if you like your Tannoys.
Unfortunately speakers are one thing you really do have to audition for yourself.
They will have to be as efficient as you can find.
Do you really want standmounts to replace floorstanders?
If so you're going to have to factor in cost of some decent stands.
 

mcdreamer

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Jan 28, 2025
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Yeah, I'm able to go and audition I think at the local Richer Sounds. Always been very keen on Kefs having heard them in my friends' setups, but I do really need to give them a proper listen to be sure.

Great to get the suggestions on Fyne and Quad.

I'm happy to invest in stands if I go that way. I'd sort of ruled out another pair of floorstanders, but perhaps not for good reason.
 
Yeah, I'm able to go and audition I think at the local Richer Sounds. Always been very keen on Kefs having heard them in my friends' setups, but I do really need to give them a proper listen to be sure.

Great to get the suggestions on Fyne and Quad.

I'm happy to invest in stands if I go that way. I'd sort of ruled out another pair of floorstanders, but perhaps not for good reason.
Maximum budget??
Don't forget you'll need stands if you don't already have any.
 

mcdreamer

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Jan 28, 2025
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My budget is probably between £1500~£2000, including stands. However, if there are good options around the £1000 mark that'd be fine. This is a small room so I probably don't need to overdo it.
 

Fandango Andy

Well-known member
I have been a proud owner of a pair of Tannoy P30s paired with a Rotel RA-01 for about 27 years now. They've done very well but some issues have developed with the P30s which it seems I won't be able to repair (this post isn't really about that, though I may make a separate one at some stage).

My question is, what could I replace these with to get a similar listening experience? For context, this system is probably a bit too big for my current room really, which is a small office in my house. I don't turn it up particularly loud but do appreciate the depth of the sound.

I was originally considering either the Kef LSX II or LS50 II Wireless. My concern really is on the low end, and I think probably I shouldn't expect these to have quite the same range at the low end? Not sure I really want to get into the world of having a sub in here though, so perhaps I'd have to accept this? I have also heard that the LSX IIs have some issue with hiss, though I wonder how true this really is.

One plus of having an active pair of speakers would of course be fewer items around my office, where space is at a premium.

Another option might be to keep the Rotel and get something like the Kef R3s. A friend of mine recommended these.

I know I've only mentioned Kefs above, but I've also heard good things about B&W over the years. Their active speakers seem quite a bit more expensive though.

I'd be really interested to hear what people think about the above and what other ideas people might have. Thanks!
Speakers are too personal for recommendations to be of much use. You need to audition to see what you like.

One thought though, if size is an issue but you want lower frequencies, how about bookshelf speakers and a sub?

BTW, sorry to hear you are having issues with the P30's, they are great speakers.
 

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