The Tannoyista Tannoy Monitor Gold Crossovers - Review 2016

Bespoke high-performance crossovers made by Tannoyista, engineered for Tannoy Monitor Gold 12" and 15" loudspeakers, handmade in Great Britain to preserve original tonal magic with modern transparency.

Discover the ultimate crossovers for the Tannoy Monitor Gold Loudspeakers — by Tannoyista

D esigned and handmade in Great Britain, the Tannoyista crossovers breathe new life into classic Tannoy Monitor Gold loudspeakers. They preserve the original magic, dynamics, and tonal uniqueness — while offering a refined, modern edge. Each set is individually numbered and built to order.

Housed in solid oak dovetailed casework and wired point-to-point, these crossovers are both upgradeable and adaptable to your system. They feature some of the finest components available today, chosen for sonic transparency and long-term reliability.

About Tannoyista

Tannoyista started life in 2012 when the realisation of how a set of loudspeakers that were nearly 50 years old could still to this day compete and win over a vast array of other more modern loudspeaker designs. After living with Monitor Golds for about 2 years the difference in sound when using updated crossovers in comparison to the original sets was profound.

Based in the UK we have a passion for workmanship and a passion for accurate sound reproduction. We test all of our crossovers using valve amplification as well as transistorised (solid state) equipment. We endeavour to keep true to the classic sound using vintage source equipment from the 1960s to the present day through vintage Lockwood speaker cabinets.

The Tannoyista external Monitor Gold crossovers are updated high-end upgrade crossover units for the vintage Monitor Gold 15" & 12" series drivers.

As of 2017 Tannoyista no longer make these to order. Over 30 units worldwide have been produced.

The crossover is the brains of the loudspeaker. Designed in 3D and meticulously handmade in Great Britain, our crossovers give your speakers a natural refreshed sound without losing the characteristic of the drivers.

Externalising the crossovers lets both crossover and driver perform without interference from vibration and magnetic flux. Bringing together a tried and tested selection of today’s component technology unveils the natural sound of the drivers.

With improved spatial separation and a rock solid central image, transient speed and definition have a much more accurate sense of realism and weight, revealing a natural insight into the recording without losing that magic which so many find addictively unique.

The Monitor Gold series drivers — A brief history

The very first dual concentric speaker was originally the Monitor Black way back in 1947. Although originally conceived for laboratory use it soon became apparent with the later iterations of the dual concentric design — from the Silvers to the Reds — that the point source feature made for an excellent reproducer of music and voice.

When the Monitor Gold was released in 1967 it was very well received and therefore picked up by many sound recording studios such as Trident, EMI and Decca in the 1960s.

From control rooms to projection booths, the Monitor Gold drivers were used in sound studios worldwide. The most famous of the studios that used these drivers were Trident, EMI, Abbey Road and CTS in London. They were used in the recording of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and Pete Townshend of The Who also used them in his own private studio.

Generally these studio monitors were housed in large Lockwood cabinets such as the Lockwood Majors and Universals.

I used my Tannoyista crossovers with the Lockwood Universal cabinets and my ex‑Trident Lockwood Major cabinets.

For more information on the Universal cabinets, click HERE!

For more information on the ex‑Trident Studios Lockwood Majors, click HERE!

For more information regarding the R&D of these crossovers, click HERE!

(Above) Lockwood Universals.

(Above) Thorens TD‑124 MKII in R&D of the crossovers.

Research and Development of the Tannoyista external crossovers

Originally released in 1967, the Monitor Golds have now gathered a cult status and are also an investment for many. The original crossovers are a classic and a superb piece of engineering, but the passage of time has naturally caused the switches and some internal components to inherit reliability and sonic issues.

Due to the high quality of the production by Tannoy, the drivers on the other hand are generally found to be in perfect working order. Because these drivers are so well coveted sonically, we at Tannoyista decided to build high-end updated external crossovers using the original circuit to bring these drivers back to life.

(Above) First version of the crossovers with exposed components.

Back in 2012 we went into production of some basic upgraded crossovers (shown above). After experimentation with numerous makes and types of components we fell upon a combination that suited the drivers’ sound and dynamics.

Building upon this, we revisited the whole circuit layout to incorporate larger modern components whilst accommodating an upgrade path to the full range of our component research.

Designed in 3D, the layout, components, fixings, casework and connections were all visualised. From that point onwards, updates have been progressing to bring even more types of components into the mix for an optimum level of performance, reliability and upgradability.

External build quality and extras

All Tannoyista crossovers are handmade using a combination of solid oak casework, handmade dovetailing and high‑quality acrylics. This combination works together to dampen any obscure vibrations. Metal fixings are kept to a minimum and the casework is hand‑polished to bring out the beauty of the wood.

They can be orientated to fit in your space either flat, on their side or on their end. Because they are of a mirrored design, cabling up is easy and can be kept at equal lengths.

We also offer plinths for them to sit on in either orientation. Both of which are also made from solid oak and can be finished to match.

Other finishes and woods such as Ash and Mahogany are available for both crossovers and plinths. A choice of clear, semi‑transparent and solid colour top panels are available.

To make them even more unique we also offer the option to have your favourite quote, lyric or anything you wish laser‑etched on the base plate.

Dimensions per unit:

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Tannoyista crossovers different from the original Monitor Gold crossovers?

The Tannoyista units retain the original circuit topology but use modern, high‑transparency components, solid oak casework, and point‑to‑point wiring. This preserves the classic Monitor Gold sound while removing age‑related issues such as noisy switches and degraded capacitors.

Do these crossovers change the sound signature of the Monitor Golds?

They maintain the original tonal character but improve clarity, transient response, and spatial precision. The goal is not to alter the Monitor Gold sound, but to reveal what the drivers can do when freed from ageing components and cabinet vibration.

Why are the crossovers external rather than internal?

Externalising the crossovers removes them from cabinet vibration, magnetic flux, and internal pressure changes. This results in cleaner midrange, tighter bass, and improved imaging. It also allows easier servicing and upgrading.

Are these crossovers compatible with both 12" and 15" Monitor Golds?

Yes — they are designed to work with both driver sizes. Component values and wiring layouts are matched to the original Tannoy specifications for each driver type.

Why are the cabinets made from solid oak?

Oak provides excellent mechanical damping and stability. Combined with dovetail joints and minimal metal fixings, the enclosure reduces resonance and preserves micro‑detail in the audio signal.

Can the crossovers be customised?

Yes — options include different woods (Ash, Mahogany), various top‑panel finishes, and even laser‑etched quotes or lyrics on the underside. Plinths are also available to match the finish.

About the Author

Reviewed by Josie — audiophile equipment reviewer with over 30 years of experience reviewing analogue and digital playback systems, valve amplification, vintage loudspeakers and professional studio equipment.