Tannoy GRF Gold 15 vs Qualio IQ Open Baffle speakers --- OTL Amp -- Sound Test

Tannoy GRF Gold 15 vs Qualio IQ Open Baffle speakers --- OTL Amp
In this video we are doing a test between Vintage Speakers vs Modern Speakers
15" Tannoy Gold is a true legend. In this case it's placed in Tannoy GRF cabinets.
The Modern speakers are Qualio IQ which are made with top High End components and use semi Open Baffle design. Check out more about this speakers here - www.qualioaudi...?sca_ref=3235308.NKh93CeqLQ
Both spekaers are powered with Sky Audio OTL Gemini Monoblocks and Preamp. The amps are truly mighty and can deliver 120 watts per channel. You can find our more about this amps here www.facebook.c...
The DAC is Denafrips Aries 2.
Get No Right To Love You (Acoustic) by Rhys Lewis and over 1M + mainstream tracks here go.lickd.co/Music
License ID: QYvKXZJ93N2 lickd.lnk.to/Z...

[@VirtualHiFi]

Please let me know if you liked the video by clicking the like button. 👍 If you are interested in the World top full range drivers - please visit www.cubeaudio.eu For amazing 3 way Semi Open Baffle speakers build with the best components available go to - www.qualioaudio.com And if you really like what I'm doing here you can always buy me a coffee ☕☕☕ - buymeacoffee.com/VirtualHiFi

[@jwester7009]

Based on this video Tannoy is more coherent but has some of the cabinet resonances against it. The Qualio lacks some control in lowers bass which sound like almost the opposite compared to it's very controlled precise midt range. It sounds a bit like a small speaker with a separate subwoofer put into the corner of the room

[@AlOne-xg6dv]

Precisely what i am feeling. So i will not add a word.

[@MarcB-b3j]

Very different and very interesting exercise, Thank you. Moving from Tannoy to Qualio makes Qualio sound very bad and moving from Qualio to Tannoy makes Tannoy sound very bad. None has a decent tonal balance in the video. Made me stop buying the Qualio for the time being, and for sure not gave me the idea of buying the Tannoy. Is the video representative of what you really heard ?

[@joeyahoo4493]

Thanks for your posting. I prefer Tanoy. It has fuller sound. I think because it has bigger speaker. However, it has nasal sound. Its treble isn't opened/ muffled. Try to replace Tanoy's old caps. Usually speakers use electrolytic caps (because cheaper) which could near dry after years, especially if the room is always warm. Try to use high quality film caps (I prefer Multicaps which has lower impedance because inside has several caps by-passed). Otherwise, use non-polar audio grade electrolytic caps. For me, I prefer a speaker's surround sound is made of foam. It gives faster sound response (better dynamic) & lower frequency as with my 15" Majestic 2-way speaker which I built from Siliconchip magazine April 2014 edition (fo 27 Hz. In the box down to 18 Hz at -5 dB).

[@tribalypredisposed]

Uh, you didn't notice this is not some person's apartment, this is a professional demo room of a high end audio company? I don't think you need to mansplain to professionals in the audio industry about old caps...

[@johnshaw359]

I don't think I could live with the Tannoy is the way I would judge it.

[@TombstoneTube]

Which one delivers the sweetest vocals? Great demo

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for your comment ;)

[@haroldwible5236]

Did know one notice that those aren't the original drivers. The one on the left has been repaired and both are only held in by four of the eight screws. I think you should at least try to have a fair comparison and not use a ringer to make your speakers sound better.

[@MisterBean64]

Is correct! Why aren't the chassis screwed together correctly?

[@haroldwible5236]

@@MisterBean64 I don't think those are even the right drivers, I'm pretty that they are supposed to be bi cone in that model.l do know that Tannoys don't sound that boxy and lacking high end. Rigged test to sell speakers.

[@ДмитрийФазер-н3ъ]

On human voice Qualio is better, more natural, less coloration. But woofers of Qualio are dead! no air, no datails, poor upper bass, poor low mid. This quite often with low sensitivity and rubber suspended spaekers. Best heard on Vivaldi: on Tannoy can clearly hear orchestra, on Qualio almost violin solo with some small other instrument additives. For monitoring - Qualio, for pleasure - Tannoy))

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for sharing your opinion ;) Greatly appreciate it :)

[@subant05]

Tannoy’s sound warmer and dare I say it, more organic. But Qualio’s are more technical and cleaner.

[@magicjim11]

Tannoy sounds fuller to me. Thank you for the clips .

[@yareck1180]

Tannoy much less realistic representation, but it has some magic in it. Despite color Tannoy is smoother and much easier to listen classical track.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for your vote. I hope to record some more amazing systems and tests soon 😊

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

Tannoy does not break up the music ..............better is an opinion , ...........the soul does another choice than the audiophile mind analyzing the performance, in real life you do NOT analyze natural sounds and music !

[@kineahora8736]

This is exactly right- I have always liked Tannoy speakers- definitely some magic there Rich mid range and all that. Like you know you’re listening to a stereo system- but it’s a pleasant experience. And next to them, the Qualios sound a bit analytical- which I had not appreciated when just hearing Qualios by themselves- but if you really think about it, the Qualio sound way more like a live performance- actually far more realistic. Not so much about treacle.

[@breakoutpete210]

Tannoys are richer in the mid and upper bass, Qualio's have a dryer bass, but dig deeper and cleaner into the lower frequencies, and top end is more open and transparent...decisions decisions🤔...great comparison video👌🎼

[@yamdory]

Tannoy is heard more the box (distortion), have greater effect of proximity of the microphone in the vocal band. Open baffle is clear and fast bass

[@golfsh00ter]

Amazing to hear the two different personalities that those two special speakers have, I could live happily with either one, just depends on what you’re after. thank you for posting this

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for your feedback. Indeed I have very similar view. I'll have some more amazing tests and comparisons very soon ;)

[@Andrewatnanz]

Open vs boxy sounding. I don't care for either of them tbh. Thanks for the video !

[@nyquillusdillwad9119]

yeah, it's a little bit of an extreme for both

[@richardurban2269]

The Tannoy’s sound like two speakers playing in a couple of rattle boxes, with literally no soundstage at all. It reminds me of the 70’s sound, which it seems many of you still think is really good? I do not. I did listen to Late Night Tipsy on KZbin, which I love the sound on KZbin! But the recording is not as good as I thought. The cymbals were not lifelike as they are in other recordings on KZbin. Nice video though, highlighting the differences!

[@peterborelli3877]

To me the Tannoy sound muffled and the bass is boomy and lacks the timbral texture that the Qualio offers. It also sounds less open. The Tannoy actually sounded somewhat better when the bass was not playing during the Vivaldi. I have heard the Four Seasons live and unamplified. The bass was not that boomy.

[@wkb8409]

I think GRF is WIN~ . Voice is more real. Violin sounds was GRF -> mic was long distance. Baffle record mic situation is near by violin.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Hello. Thank you for your vote. In a couple of days I'll publish Isoacouatics Gaia video with qualio and the vocals are truly special with them. 😉

[@GentielioGaming]

First impresson is Tannoy is better BUT the tannoy sounds to thick. They propably play better in a bigger room as the voices sound a bit hollow. The qualio is clearer and might benefit being a bit closer to the wall. I would choose the Qualio based on my room dimensions.

[@edouble0325]

Qualio all the way. The tannoys have zero definition or dynamics. Just a mono bland old fashioned speaker sound. You know your listening to a speaker with the tannoys instead of the artist.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for sharing your very interesting opinion. Looking forward to more of your comments 😉

[@aleksandarstojceski3139]

Both of these r severely colored but qualio has some honk in the high mids.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for your feedback ;)

[@johntunnicliff5960]

Tannoy more musical but Qualio more analytic, prefer Tannoy every time.

[@greggb681]

I agree☝

[@edouble0325]

You mean sounds like a speaker instead of a live person singing in your living room. Got it. I’ll never understand how muddy “warm” sound is “musical”

[@moodu1850]

Tannoys are the opposite of musical.

[@tuncayyasar635]

Tannoyu yıllardır biliyorum,qualioyu yeni duydum.Audio technica kulaklikla Qualio cok cok daha iyi,kimse kusura bakmasın.

[@thegroove2000]

I have heard these Qualio IQ sounding wayyyyyy better in other demos.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for sharing your feedback and I must say that I do agree ;)

[@bentleygt3716]

YES. you're 100% Right.

[@Entitaet69]

I absolutely agree. On their web site (FAQ) Qualio say solid-state amps be predestined for the IQ. They recommend class A, AB, AD or D solid-state amps as they deliver more current than tube amps do. With the new "Ultra" Edition upgrade having bi-wiring terminals, solid-state for the woofer and tubes for the OB midrange and tweeter could be the match. I am going for a speaker upgrade and some Devore or Living Voice were top of my list. Just recently my attention has been drawn to the Qualio IQ as I was watching a video from the Munich High End Show. Even with my Hisense TV being used as a screen for my 10 year old Acer pc via HDMI, then connected to my DAC via Toslink, the Qualios sound fantastic, so I will have to audition them in person. Given their unique design, the various color and veneer finishings and last but not least their affordable price, they are very likely to be my choice. I would really like to have them compared with some Devores ... O/93 or Gibbon Super NIne ... ;-)

[@bentleygt3716]

@@Entitaet69 hi. please keep up posted when you audition the IQ . your opinion and others will be very valuable to me. ( hopefully your dealer has the Ultra Edition). i would also love to know what your dealer uses as an Amp to drive those speakers.. whether a solid state or Tube. personally i love the look of Tube amps. but if i had to choose between look or sound ?. i'd definitely choose the sound.

[@Entitaet69]

@@bentleygt3716 Hi. Qualio directly sell their products from their factory in Poland. Since there's no distributors or dealers involved they can offer their speakers at affordable prices but it'll be difficult to audition them. As far as I know by now there's only one dealer here in Germany and it would take me a 500 km drive to get there. Right now, they're offering their exhibit Qualio IQ (to give way to the new IQ Ultra upgrade, I guess). Because I live in a quite remote area of my country most dealers aren't nearby, and so I very likely will make an auditioning tour throughout the country by the middle of next year latest. I hope the above-mentioned dealer will then be offering their exhibit IQ Ultra. With pleasure, I will let you know about any auditioning experiences and amplifiers involved, and I would much appreciate if you'd do so as well. Have a good time and always enjoy listening 🎶🎼🎵

[@obudaifourty9]

Honestly I don't know HOW you pull this off. Switching the speakers while the music playing continuously........ Well done. I would have loved listening to the Qualio playing the few notes form 8:17-8:25 also. To me, and I have very reveling totally different unique open baffle system I made by hand the Tannoy sound more tubbiessss compared to the Qualio that seems at time portraying the images within the layer(s) a bit more accurately although a bit sharper somewhat like a cello with a bigger 'throat" and a bit the thinner violin. The Qualio is a HUGE bargain for most people, but needs a larger space to breathe out in my opinion after listening to many videos online.

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

Quality yes, ...............coherence and musical balance as well as less reproduced feeling and human touch.............I will listen to the Tannoy's...

[@donquixote4630]

Tannoy sound has a richness in the upper bass that appeals to some music lovers. The issue is that such richness is an artifact produced by the box; Qualio starts and stops on a dime and tracks the signal like a hunting dog; observe the violin exploits on Vivaldi, that sounds quite muffled on the Tannoy's. However, the Qualio is a little anemic in the upper bass region and doesn't reproduce the recorded signal true amplitude in the lower register. Another subwoofer (OB of course) is necessary in my humble opinion, perhaps a Ripole. I have myself four 18" OB on a single Bamboo 1" (25mm) board [0,6 x 2,2m] and sometimes when listening music I wonder if Ray Brown, or Paul Chambers are visiting 😉

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for sharing and your opinion ;)

[@xzing7]

I've just discovered this awesome channel. Liked and Subscribed.

[@martinaston1715]

Easy 4 me Tannoys have larger more organic sound ,fuller mids which I prefer

[@boneseyyl1060]

Wow everyone is choosing Tannoy. A bit surprising to me. Sorry but to me it sounded like someone threw a wet blanket over the speaker every time the Tannoys played. If people prefer muddy, boxy sound with no air in the highs, then yes Tannoy is your speaker. Not even in the same league as the Qualio's but just my opinion. And I am not a Tannoy hater, I generally like their sound, as I am a fan of concentric designs.

[@jchmiel99]

Przy Qualio coś jest nie tak albo są źle podłączone albo uszkodzone bo jeden kanał nie gra dobrze.

[@torus186]

That room looks over dampened in one particular band of frequencies, I'm guessing in the higher range looking at the foam thickness. Qualios win here for me, I would get bored of the Tannoys treacle presentation. Plus they aren't fitting in may rooms.

[@andrefortune8278]

Tannoy much warmer and lusher presentation I lean towards the latter having heard both in person

[@ayildiray]

Qualio absolutely 👍! Tannoy is only a decoration next to the fireplace. 😂

[@scottchristopherwilkie1664]

Tannoy sounds like someone threw a blanket over the music

[@willowwale2000]

Tannoy sounds better in this space with all the room padding. The Qualio would sound better in an open space, which is where these speakers would go anyway.

[@UU-ww6hc]

Tannoy is roomy due to its size maybe, whereas the Qualio goes more focus and forward.

[@Substraal]

I prefer the Tannoy....it sounds more natural

[@Philo1]

Amazing videos you are posting, could you make a comparisson between Qualio and Cube Audio speakers, please ? That would be a pretty interesting match. Thank you

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you ☺️ Yes I'll do such a comparison after I get back form Hamburg and Bristol shows at the beginning of March 😉

[@wolfgangjungheim7502]

Als Laie muss ich feststellen, dass zu Beginn Tannoy besser klang, offener ... aber Qualio IQ setzte sich zuletzt durch und ich fand diese LSP angenehmer. Beide haben schon eine bemerkenswerte Offenheit und Räumlichkeit, klingen sauber und aufgeräumt. Da ich mir selbst ein paar OpenBuffel Lautsprecher baute, allerdings mit einem Breitbänder, bin ich doch von dieser Lautsprecher Art verwöhnt, weil ich von beiden Seiten höre, die klingen auch noch in anderen Räumen gut, klar und offen, meine Frau ist immer davon angetan; öh, von der Musik, die ich mit diesen Lautsprechern spiele.

[@moodu1850]

With tannoys I hear the boxes and the ports. I do not want to hear that.

[@MattMediaAU]

How was the test mic'ed and recorded?

[@PeterPan-fu4xz]

Tannoy all day (bigger cabs)

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for your comment. Yes Tannoys are definitely bigger :)

[@consumerreview1463]

Tannoy GRF better

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for your vote 🤠

[@mariancol2428]

Tannoy sounds much richer, full and realistic! But in some presentations the Qualio sounded much better....what's the point of comparing it with famous speakers! Topping DX7PRO, Dan Clark Audio Aeon.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks for the feedback. I like the Vs. videos since it gives a level of perspective. If I just put the sound as is there is no reference to it ;)

[@thomasschafer7268]

😊the qualio Chassis are free available. A good diy Projekt. Not for 8500$/p

[@VirtualHiFi]

no it is not a DIY projekt ;)

[@arun2995]

Vocal Qualio IQ Classical Instrument Tannoy If I have to pick just one it would be Tannoy but I am in the process of finding an open baffle. I am running DeVore O/93 with low set tube amp and love it so but I want a second speaker just to switch up the sound every once in a while. You have an amazing set up, congratulations and thank you for this video I truly hope you will make more.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for the comment and opinion. Indeed more videos with better recording gear are coming this week 👍

[@robertthurston6858]

I really have to be there the judge. The room just causes to much reflections and interferes with the. Sound. This id so typically of almost all KZbin recording. You'd have to have them in an anechonic chamber OR do it outside (Outdoors). P.S. I'M a Tannoy owner.

[@rikardekvall3433]

Tannoy, Anechonic? They still sound muffled, so a test there doesn’t do anything else then measurement, not for the sound. This room is to small for theses speakers, especially if you want to post a sound test video, anywhere.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Yes in my opinion anachronic chamber is not great for listening to the music. So is outdoors with no room gain most speakers will be unbalanced since they are tuned to play indoor. So the reference room that would be standardized and that sold to all audiophiles would be a great product. 😉

[@NoNameStorm]

Что-то намудрили со стереопанорамой и с фазой при записи. Так быть не должно, это может быть разница между акустикой.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Nothing was changed. The Quality IQ is semi open baffle hence the way wider soundstage

[@Dododaler]

Qualio IQ for me thx

[@mietekkowalski935]

Qualio🏆🇵🇱

[@clearbrain]

Qualio is phase type hollow sound...might give headache

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@juststuff5216]

The Tannoys belong in the bin! Great comparison, but there's nothing redeemable about the Tannoys appalling sound quality!

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for your comment and opinion. Its a bit rough for the Tannoys ;)

[@juststuff5216]

@@VirtualHiFi Don't get me, wrong, as I've been designing and building (exclusively transmission line) speakers for near 4 decades, at leat 95% of commercial speakers, belong in the bin. It's just that Tannoy are one of the first to go in. The same goes for Fyne!

[@VirtualHiFi]

Sure thing, I understand. I also am not that big of a fan of this Tannoy. It has it's advantages, but overall it has too muddy midrange for me, although I love the dynamics and scale ;) Nevertheless if I were to be given the tannoys as a gift, I'd not put them in the bin. They wouldnt fit 😜

[@ciszyn11]

Is volume the same on both? Tannoy more nasal but more weight?

[@VirtualHiFi]

Yes the volume was matched for both. Tannoy has more kick bass, but sometimes it seems overly boxy Qualio is more open and neutral with which is sometimes strange more dynamic attack ;) Its a bit apple and oranges ;)

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Play some Mr Bungle

[@fannyc2950]

This room is over damped, making the two speakers sounding bad

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks for sharing. Indeed If it was my room I'd make it more alive too ;)

[@ΤΑΣΟΣΒΑΡΔΑΞΟΓΛΟΥ]

excellent work sir! my 2c having lived many years with maggies and quads. 1) i'm not sure that the chain, mainly the amplifier is adequate to drive the tannoy especially for the more demanding material and volumes. I like to listen to all levels, but medium to high levels reveal many things. As such, the frequency response may be affected and exaggerated in some areas (low end spectrum) in the Tannoy. Having said that, the whole low and lower end, including voices may be affected. 2 )With an accelerometer perhaps we could know the weak HZ points of the cabin of the Tannoy to understand more about the character. Also a measurement would be very effective on decoding what we hear 3) the Qualio as an OB very prone to the placement and room interactions. 2-5cm sometimes can have a profound effect. 4) there is a huge difference in 4 seasons between the two speakers. from there people should understand the main differences of the two speakers. 5) the OB speakers having not the cabin, are tricky (if not IMPOSSIBLE) for people who dont have EXTENSIVE (i.e in their home for some years) experience to interpret. for example something that to my ears is "natural" to another person might be "thin". So, let's not all forget that we are just subjective. Here a good room correction would be even more helpful to highlight. 6) you have put much of an effort to show us some really great material and educate people. thumbs up and highly appreciated such an effort sir!!!

[@Hitsujiomeguruboken]

Thank you so much for this comparison! What a beautiful room with perfect treatment. Wich I would have that room and my wife would let me play my Dipole Speakers there…..

[@jasonnewby7358]

Tannoy wins for me👍

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for your vote 🙂

[@nicomodesto4368]

Do you bias yourself the otl? Auto bias will degrade the sound? Some links to share with me?

[@carlbrown3634]

Wonderful comparison! Thanks for sharing.

[@m.j.s.3838]

Anyone know which Vivaldi recording this was?

[@labalo5]

Wow. I think I need to dump my horns for some qualio!

[@jorgeandreozzi4945]

Much better seems the tannoy

[@VirtualHiFi]

I appreciate the comment. Thank you ;)

[@nelsonclub7722]

Comments section. Undecided.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for your comment anyway ;)

[@tuncayyasar635]

Ikisinin de ayri lezzeti var.Secimde etkili olacak olan fiyatları.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks for sharing

[@flipmode3783]

Tannoy blew it away. Big time

[@mgsee]

The Qualio sounds better in this space to me as the mid-bass is less pronounced. The Tannoys seem to excite a mid-bass reverberation in the room that makes them sound 'muddy'. However, the classical piece shows the Tannoy is clearly the superior speaker by virtue of it's greater clarity and definition, especially when the music becomes more complex.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks for sharing your opinion :)

[@themayorofflair]

Both speakers have their merits. The Tannoy whilst having more bass are boomier & is far more muddy in the upper midrange as a result The piano on the second piece of music is a great example. I love bass being an electronic music fan however it cannot come at the expense of clarity & colour. The Qualio are exceptional speakers, their openness is absolutely mind blowing at the price. However I can see how some might find the Qualio to be a tad analytical & almost harsh at times. In truth my perfect speaker would be somewhere in between these two !

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for sharing your opinion and great energy boost ;)

[@_BlueHorseshoe_]

Is someone on a rowing machine during the Qualio tracks? Looks like it in the reflection. Thanks for taking the time to put this together…elegantly represents the difference between the two.

[@VirtualHiFi]

thank you very much for the feedback 😃

[@ron101346]

The Qualio has a harder sound in the upper registers but more detailed in the midrange. . Is that more faithful to the original recording? I don't know.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for sharing your feedback :)

[@HongNguyen-my5oq]

Would be more suitable if you compare against the bnw d2

[@VirtualHiFi]

I'll try to compare one day ;)

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Great comparison. I am a fan of OTL triode amps driving open baffle speakers. Not a fan of these but love the look of the amps. Update... then I heard the speakers in later videos and love them. But they are with different amps in the living room. In that setting I like them. In this sound room I dislike them even on the same Four Seasons track.

[@kineahora8736]

The tannoys really shine on the Vivaldi I think. And I listen to a lot of classical music… hmm…

[@emanuellolarue4476]

OB 😂 hands down

[@gstavrou]

Wow my soundbar sounds great.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you and congratulations ;)

[@skelewolf8431]

Qualio win for me

[@VirtualHiFi]

Perfect. Thank you for your vote. Next video that will come this week will be the test of IsoAcoustic Gaia 2 it makes them even better with even richer midrange. Great stuff

[@eduardoalbalat-pu9qv]

Tannoy

[@VirtualHiFi]

thanks for sharing ;)

[@hardystein114]

Tough choice . Both sound very good to me.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for the comment and your opinion 🙂

[@matereo]

The Tannoys sound fantastic.. realism

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for the feedback

[@dendenovich8366]

танной звук из унитаза

[@IvoCoric]

tannoy

[@wjamin7259]

Tannoy is lost Sounds like from box My opinion. Thanks for your posting

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for your opinion. And stay tuned for more interesting comparisons ;)