When it comes to high-fidelity audio equipment, few components spark as much excitement among audiophiles as a preamplifier that truly lets the music shine. Recently, Paul Saydor, a well-respected voice in the audio world, shared his thoughts on the Townshend Allegri Reference in a review that’s nothing short of a love letter to this remarkable piece of kit. After revisiting his album collection with the Allegri Reference in his system, Saydor found himself astounded by its uncoloured, transparent sound—a quality that’s rare even among the most premium hi-fi gear.
The Allegri Reference, a microprocessor-controlled passive autotransformer volume control (AVC) preamplifier, has been making waves since its release. Designed by Townshend Audio with their proprietary Fractal™ wiring and Seismic Isolation technology, it promises “absolute signal purity.” But promises are one thing—delivering is another. According to Saydor, the Allegri Reference doesn’t just deliver; it redefines what’s possible in audio reproduction.
In his review, Saydor describes how he pulled out some of his favorite albums—classics he’s heard countless times—and experienced them as if for the first time. “The transparency is staggering,” he writes. “There’s no hint of coloration, no veil between me and the music. It’s like the artists are in the room, untouched by the equipment.” This uncoloured presentation is precisely what sets the Allegri Reference apart. Unlike many preamps that impose their own sonic signature—however subtle—Saylor found that the Allegri lets the source material speak for itself, whether it’s the raw energy of a rock record or the delicate nuance of a jazz ensemble.
What struck Saydor most was how the Allegri Reference revealed details he’d never noticed before. Revisiting his collection, he marveled at the “holographic soundstage” and the “lightning-fast transients” that brought new life to familiar tracks. “It’s not just about hearing more,” he notes. “It’s about feeling more—every pluck of a string, every breath of a vocalist. The music feels alive.” This aligns perfectly with Townshend’s goal of creating a preamp that doesn’t add or subtract, but simply passes the signal through with unparalleled fidelity.
Saylor’s enthusiasm isn’t just about technical prowess, though. He highlights the emotional impact of the Allegri Reference, a testament to its ability to connect listeners to the heart of the music. “I found myself grinning like a kid,” he confesses, recalling a late-night session with a beloved album. “It’s not often a piece of gear makes you fall in love with your collection all over again.”
Of course, the Allegri Reference isn’t cheap—its premium build and cutting-edge design come with a price tag to match. But for Saydor, the investment is justified. “This isn’t just a preamp; it’s a revelation,” he concludes. “If you’re serious about hearing your music as it was meant to be heard, the Allegri Reference is in a class of its own.”
For audiophiles like Saydor, the Allegri Reference isn’t just a tool—it’s a gateway to rediscovering their music. His rave review serves as both a celebration of Townshend’s engineering and an invitation to revisit our own collections. If his experience is anything to go by, the Allegri Reference might just make us hear the uncoloured truth in every note.
