We are thrilled to announce that the Townshend Audio Allegri Reference Preamplifier has been honored with the coveted Golden Ear Award, a testament to its groundbreaking engineering and unparalleled sonic purity. This prestigious accolade, awarded by The Absolute Sound, recognises the Allegri Reference as a pinnacle of high-fidelity audio, delivering a transformative listening experience for audiophiles worldwide. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Paul Saydor for his meticulous review, putting the Allegri Reference through its paces and highlighting its exceptional performance in the April 2025 edition of The Absolute Sound.
A Sonic Revolution Years in the Making
The Allegri Reference represents the culmination of decades of research and innovation by Max Townshend, a pioneer in high-fidelity audio. Designed as a microprocessor-controlled passive autotransformer volume control (AVC) preamplifier, it eliminates the distortion and noise that have plagued preamplifiers for generations. Utilising Townshend’s proprietary Fractal™ wire and aerospace-grade reed relays, the Allegri Reference offers 129 precise 0.5dB volume steps, full remote control, and a crystal-clear LED display, ensuring both functionality and sonic excellence. Its minimalist design strips away unnecessary circuitry, delivering pristine, uncolored sound that lets the music speak for itself.
Paul Saydor’s review captures the essence of this masterpiece, noting, “Coherence, timing, and drive are as good as any I’ve encountered, while transient response (‘speed’ as some audiophiles prefer) is outstanding (i.e., percussion instruments sound like the real thing).” This preamplifier is the silver bullet audiophiles have been searching for, offering unmatched transparency and musicality that redefines what’s possible in high-end audio.
The Allegri+: A Sonic Twin at a Bargain
For those seeking similar sonic excellence at a more accessible price, the Allegri+ is a remarkable option. Priced at just £2,400, the Allegri+ is sonically nearly indistinguishable from its Reference sibling. However, unlike the Allegri Reference, which incorporates Townshend’s Seismic Isolation technology as standard, the Allegri+ does not include this feature. The Allegri Reference’s integrated isolation, based on our spring-mass approach as detailed in Shannon Dickson’s Bad Vibes article, amplifies its holographic soundstage, delivering an even more immersive and precise listening experience. Audiophiles can enhance the Allegri+ with our Seismic Isolation products to achieve comparable results. Both models offer exceptional value, with the Allegri Reference providing advanced features like remote control and finer volume steps for those seeking the ultimate in control and performance.
A Key to Distortion-Free Music
The Allegri Reference and Allegri+ are more than preamplifiers—they are the key to unlocking distortion-free music for generations of enthusiasts. By eliminating active components and leveraging Townshend’s Fractal-Wire™ technology, these preamplifiers achieve a level of signal purity that outperforms competitors costing significantly more. The Allegri Reference has garnered a slew of prestigious awards, including the Hi-Fi+ “Highly Commended” for Preamplifier of the Year (2020), the StereoNET Applause Award (2020), and the HiFi Critic Highly Recommended accolade, cementing its status as a cornerstone of high-end audio.
Whether you choose the feature-rich Allegri Reference with its integrated Seismic Isolation or the budget-friendly Allegri+, both models offer a “clear window into the sound stage,” as described by Martin Colloms of HiFi Critic. They invite you to rediscover your music collection with a level of detail, dynamics, and emotion that feels like hearing it for the first time.
Join the Sonic Revolution
The Golden Ear Award is a milestone for Townshend Audio, validating our commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio fidelity. We invite audiophiles and music lovers alike to experience the Allegri Reference and Allegri+ at townshendaudio.com. Pair them with our F1 Fractal Speaker Cables or Seismic Adjustable Bars for a system that rivals the world’s best. Hear the music, not the equipment.
Thank you, Paul Saydor, and The Absolute Sound for recognizing the Allegri Reference as a game-changer in high-fidelity audio. Visit townshendaudio.com to explore these award-winning preamplifiers and elevate your listening experience to new heights.
