I’ve never intentionally bought British speakers but, living in the UK, distribution is commonplace enough that they’re all I’ve ever owned since getting into entry level to mid-range hi-fi. I recently replaced my longstanding Tannoy R2s with KEF R3s. I prefer the R3s, but miss the R2s enough to want to build a second system around them.
My Rogers Export Monitors. These are an early version and the PCB used for the crossover have BBC license information on them that would indicate they were the same parts used for the original LS 3/6. Currently they live in my second/vintage setup with the Model 7 preamp and a pair of MC60s.
I’m a fan of British brand speakers. Some I’ve owned: Quad 12L B&W DM601-S2 B&W N805 KEF Q350 KEF Q750 KEF LS50 (original) KEF LS50W KEF R11 The KEF sound is very different from the B&W sound in my experience. Interested to hear some Harbeths someday.
Last spring as a thank you for taking on a project I didn't really want to manage, my boss bought me a pair of KEF Q950s. They're splendid.
the mids are sublime. Which is what I think of when I think of the British sound. Emphasis on tonality , especially in the mids. Even British guitar speakers are like that. See Celestions.
This....and Add in good Timing to...i think the U.K as a whole has these attributes better than anyone else...
I disagree i dont think i've owned a British speaker and didnt think it had "Any" British attributes this is the exact reason why i love British speakers. The big thing about the British speaker world is the speaker can be $100 speaker and be a Legend British sprakers are built on solid core values, thats what makes them special....
I Hope we get Mission back in the states again...i would love to have a pair of the new Built in UK 770's...
Brits have their sound based on mids. Forever. Marshal, Vox celestion. All have that vocal midrange. Just sing in the right hands. BBC Stereo. Brits…..go figure. But they are really good at audio
True...they do...everytime i revisit those values when im outside the British world....it sucks me back in....lol
1 thing i have noticed is in the UK modest priced gear is sought after and revered in the magazines. Its the opposite here in the U.S. its all about the ultra highend....that also translates as a mental affect on audiophiles who always feel like 2nd class citizens if they dont have a speaker that cost $10k. Rediculous a great design is a great design even it costs a modest price i've heard plenty hefty trash bag 10k speakers. No other audio market makes you feel like a audiophile citizen like the U.K does, everyone can afford to be 1....this is also why they sound better than other modest priced gear and compete with more expensive kit....because true ,Expertise,R&D and pride goes into it...