The TANNOY SGM12 is a remarkable addition to the Super Gold Monitor series, blending TANNOY’s rich heritage with cutting-edge audio technology. Designed for both audiophiles and professionals, this passive floor-standing speaker delivers a listening experience that is as precise as it is immersive. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the SGM12 stand out.
Super Gold Monitor
Design and Build Quality
The SGM12 boasts a classic yet modern design, featuring a 12-inch dual concentric driver that integrates a 1.3-inch aluminum/magnesium alloy tweeter at the center of the mid-woofer. This design ensures phase coherence and point-source imaging, allowing sound to emanate from a single axis for exceptional off-axis performance.
The cabinet is constructed using high-density materials, including particleboard and MDF, with internal plywood bracing to minimize resonance and enhance low-frequency control. The front-firing bass ports enable flexible placement near walls without compromising bass performance28. The walnut veneer finish and gold-plated binding posts add a touch of elegance, making the SGM12 a visually striking piece of audio equipment.
Sound Performance
The SGM12 excels in delivering a warm, detailed soundscape with a frequency response of 38Hz to 30kHz (±6dB). Its dual concentric driver design ensures a wide sweet spot, allowing listeners to enjoy consistent audio quality even when not seated directly in front of the speakers.
Bass: The 12-inch woofer provides deep, punchy bass that remains tight and controlled, even at higher volumes. This makes the SGM12 ideal for genres like rock, hip-hop, and electronic music.
Midrange: The midrange is rich and textured, offering excellent clarity for vocals and instruments. This is particularly evident in orchestral and jazz recordings, where the SGM12 reproduces subtle nuances with precision.
Treble: The aluminum/magnesium tweeter delivers crisp, detailed highs without harshness, ensuring a fatigue-free listening experience even during extended sessions.
Unique Features
Energy Control System: The SGM12 features a 2-band energy control system on the front panel, allowing users to adjust high-frequency energy and roll-off to suit different acoustic environments. This feature is particularly useful for tailoring the sound to specific room conditions.
Dual Concentric Technology: TANNOY’s signature dual concentric design ensures that the entire frequency spectrum originates from a single point, resulting in pristine phase coherence and a natural soundstage.
Versatility: Whether used in a home theater setup or a professional studio, the SGM12 adapts seamlessly to various applications, offering studio-grade accuracy with a touch of musicality.
User Experience
The SGM12 has received widespread acclaim for its ability to reproduce music with exceptional fidelity. Users have praised its ability to handle complex musical passages with ease, making it a favorite among both audiophiles and recording engineers18. Its non-fatiguing sound signature ensures that listeners can enjoy hours of music without ear strain, a testament to its studio-inspired design.
Conclusion
The TANNOY SGM12 is a testament to TANNOY’s commitment to innovation and quality. Its combination of classic design, advanced technology, and exceptional sound performance makes it a standout choice for anyone seeking a high-end audio experience. While its price point may be a barrier for some, the SGM12 justifies its cost with unparalleled craftsmanship and audio fidelity. For those who value both form and function, the SGM12 is a worthy investment.
If you’re looking to bring studio-quality sound into your home or workspace, the TANNOY SGM12 is a speaker that truly delivers.
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