ALLEGRI REFERENCE
Welcome to the Townshend Allegri Reference, where the philosophy of "Less is More" defines our approach to high-fidelity audio.
At the heart of our design is the Allegri autotransformer volume control and source switch – a minimalist solution that connects your source directly to the power amp with no added circuitry, ensuring an uncolored, noise-free, and truly transparent listening experience. By stripping away unnecessary components, the Allegri delivers pure, unaltered sound, offering the ultimate expression of clarity and musicality in one simple, elegant box.
Why Choose The Allegri Reference
Unique amongst others
The Allegri Reference Preamplifier by Townshend Audio is unique compared to other preamplifier designs due to its passive transformer-based volume control and several other specialized design features contributing to its high-fidelity performance. Passive design is the main factor that sets it apart (No Active Electronics). The Allegri Reference is a passive preamplifier, meaning it does not use active components like transistors or op-amps to amplify the signal. Instead, it operates entirely without a power supply. This results in zero distortion, as no active amplification stages can introduce noise, distortion, or interference.
Purely Passive
The Allegri Reference is a passive preamplifier, meaning it does not use active components like transistors or op-amps to amplify the signal. Instead, it operates entirely without a power supply. This results in zero distortion, as no active amplification stages can introduce noise, distortion, or interference. – Most other solid-state or tube-based preamplifiers use active circuits that can add colouration to the sound.
Impedance Matching
The Allegri Reference provides optimal impedance matching between the source and the power amplifier. Many passive designs struggle with impedance issues, which can lead to a lack of dynamics or signal degradation. However, the transformer-based system in the Allegri allows for more stable impedance matching, ensuring that there is no loss of drive or dynamics even with longer cables or different amplifiers.
No Power Supply or Active Gain Stage
Unlike active preamplifiers, the Allegri Reference requires no external power supply. This further eliminates any potential hum, noise, or interference that a power source can introduce. Most preamplifiers require a power supply for their internal circuits, but the Allegri avoids this completely, contributing to its silent operation.
Wide Frequency Response
Thanks to its transformer design, the Allegri Reference is capable of delivering an exceptionally wide frequency response with low distortion across the audible spectrum. This contrasts with some passive designs, which may have limited bandwidth due to the resistive nature of their volume control systems.
High-Quality Components and Build
The Allegri Reference is built with high-quality components, including custom-made transformers and precision volume controls. The attention to detail and engineering precision contribute to its audiophile-grade performance, with reviewers noting that it provides a clear, detailed, and uncoloured sound.
Simple and Elegant Circuit
The simplicity of the Allegri Reference’s design makes it highly reliable and maintenance-free. There are no tubes or transistors to wear out, and the transformer-based design ensures longevity.
Transparency and Neutrality
USERS
Users and reviewers often describe the sound of the Allegri Reference as incredibly transparent and neutral. Because it doesn’t add any active gain or colouration, it essentially “disappears” in the audio chain, letting the source and amplifier do the work without interference. In summary, the Allegri Reference Preamplifier is different from other preamplifiers primarily because it uses a passive, transformer-based design that eliminates the need for active electronics or power supplies. Its transparency, lack of distortion, precise impedance matching, and wide frequency response set it apart from traditional preamps that rely on active circuitry for signal processing.
“With lab results at, or very close to, the state of the art..”
Martin Colloms
HiFi Critic
2020
The Townshend Difference
The Allegri Reference preamplifier represents the pinnacle of Max Townshend’s lifelong pursuit to eliminate colorations and distortions from audio reproduction, offering the purest listening experience possible. Over the years, Max has pioneered numerous innovations, from the parabolic styli to the Rock turntable, cryogenically treated wire, and seismic isolation techniques. His latest creation, the Allegri Reference, embodies his quest for the perfect volume control, leveraging advanced transformer technology and reed relay switching to deliver unmatched transparency and precision. Volume control is critical in any audio system, as it must handle the delicate task of attenuating sound without introducing noise, distortion, or capacitance issues. Most traditional methods—whether passive or active potentiometers, switched resistor arrays, optical systems, or even digital volume controls—fail to achieve this without compromising sound quality. The Allegri Reference’s innovative reed relay-switched autotransformer offers a revolutionary solution, ensuring seamless operation with precise, incremental volume adjustments that remain true to the original signal. With its carefully designed Seismic Isolation feet, aerospace-grade components, and cutting-edge Fractal™ wire, the Allegri Reference delivers an extraordinary, lifelike listening experience. It allows the music to flow effortlessly, providing crystalline clarity and immersive soundstage reproduction. Whether you’re listening to classical symphonies or rock anthems, the Allegri Reference makes it feel as though the equipment disappears, leaving only the magic of the music behind. This is not just another preamplifier—it’s a game-changer in high-end audio, offering unprecedented value and performance at its price point.
MAX TOWNSHEND
Townshend Audio Creator
MAX TOWNSHEND
Townshend Audio Creator
Specifications
attenuation Table
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Specifications
- Transformer-Based Volume Control: Utilizing transformer technology for volume control minimizes signal degradation and maintains high sound quality, ensuring an immersive listening experience.
- Reed Relay Switched Autotransformer Volume Control (AVC): The use of reed relays ensures a perfect connection and reliability, offering precise remote volume adjustments in 129 half-dB steps. This advanced technology enhances user experience and minimizes signal distortion.
- Combatting RF Interference: Incorporating a specially designed common-mode filter and medical-grade switch-mode supply mitigates RF interference, ensuring consistent sound quality across various power amplifiers.
- Revolutionary Core Upgrades: Featuring exclusive Grade 80 Permalloy alloy from the USA, the autotransformers promise reduced distortion, stronger magnetic induction, and decreased noise, resulting in a significant leap in performance.
- Enhanced Sound Quality: Through rigorous testing and innovative design, the Allegri Reference delivers enhanced bass articulation, sharper high-frequency focus, and an overall improvement in sound quality, providing an immersive listening experience like never before.
- Aesthetic Design: Available in silver metallic or black finish, with a frontal display featuring input and volume level indicators, the Allegri Reference combines sleek design with intuitive functionality, enhancing both visual appeal and user convenience.
- Competitive Pricing: Priced at £9990, the Allegri Reference offers unparalleled performance at a competitive price point, making it accessible to audiophiles seeking top-tier audio fidelity without compromising on quality.
- Fractal wire and transformer technology
- 104 ultra-long-life precision Reed relays for switching
- No detrimental connectors in signal path, all connections are hard-wired
- Clock only activated when control is operated, minimizing interference
- LED readouts run on interference-free DC, preventing degradation of sound
- Seismic isolation integrated within the feet for improved sound quality
- Silent linear power supply for electronics, reducing noise
- 129 x 0.5dB steps for precise volume control
- Five stereo phono inputs, two pairs of balanced XLRs, two stereo phono outputs, and one pair of balanced XLR outputs
- Front panel 3.5mm jack socket wired in parallel with input 5
- Bypass feature for home cinema integration
- Gain offset capability
- Remotely controlled input select pre-programmable for desired listening levels
- Brightness of readouts adjusts to ambient light for optimal readability
- Display options in numerals or decibels, with the ability to blank display from remote
- Flashes decimal point on input channel display with each remote input
- Attenuation table provided for reference
Max Townshend introduces his Audio innovations
Max Townshend mini lecture on vibration in audio systems
~ 25 minutes
'Seismic in the wild'- the national audio show,uk
~ 8 minutes
What our customers says about us?
4.9
Rating of 185 reviews
Enhanced Sound Quality
Enjoy the most neutral and natural sounding preampfification on the planet
Relaxing Audio Experience
Transformers taps to attenuate volume rather than resistors
Comprehensive Vibration Control
The Allegri has integrated Seismic Isolation
CHECK OUR WHERE The Allegri lives
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EXPLORE INSIGHTS AND EXPERTISE
Townshend Allegri + Preamplifier by Jason Kennedy Editor of The Ear Online
Jason Kennedy
Townshend Allegri + Preamplifier by Jason Kennedy Editor of The Ear Online
Jason Kennedy
Townshend Allegri + Preamplifier by Jason Kennedy Editor of The Ear Online
Jason Kennedy
Townshend Allegri + Preamplifier by Jason Kennedy Editor of The Ear Online
Jason Kennedy
Ready to transform your audio setup?
Visit www.townshendisolation.com to explore our innovative solutions and bring the pure sound of music into your home.
Sales / Support / General Inquiry
- Townshend Audio
7 Bridge Road, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9EU, UK. - mail@townshendaudio.com
- +44 (0) 208 979 2155
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frequently asked questions
Townshend Audio’s mechanical low pass filter exemplifies true decoupling, offering a level of vibration isolation that far surpasses conventional attenuation methods. By effectively isolating components from vibrations down to below 3 Hz, Townshend ensures that high-fidelity audio systems perform at their best, free from the distortions caused by external vibrations.
The Allegri Reference is designed with versatility in mind. Its transformer-based volume control ensures impedance matching, allowing it to work seamlessly with a wide range of sources, including CD players, DACs, phono stages, and even high-output sources like streamers. This ensures optimal signal transfer without degrading sound quality.
Yes, the Allegri Reference is compatible with both solid-state and tube amplifiers. Its design allows for perfect impedance matching between your source and amplifier, regardless of whether the amplifier is a solid-state or tube design. This ensures you get the best possible performance from any amplifier type.
Being a passive preamplifier, the Allegri doesn’t add any coloration, distortion, or noise to the signal. Without active circuitry, it maintains the purity and dynamics of the original sound, providing a highly transparent and accurate listening experience.
No, the Allegri Reference is entirely passive and does not require any external power supply. This design minimizes noise and interference that can be introduced by active components, ensuring a clean signal path.
The Allegri Reference is known for its ability to preserve the soundstage and imaging of a recording. Thanks to its transparent and neutral design, it allows you to hear more of the original recording’s spatial characteristics, delivering a well-defined and lifelike soundstage.
The Allegri Reference works well with high-quality, low-capacitance interconnect cables. Because it is a passive device, cable quality can have an impact on performance. It’s recommended to use cables that preserve signal integrity without introducing noise or high capacitance. We always recommend the use of Townshend Speaker and interconnect cable were ever possible.
The standard Allegri Reference is designed for single-ended RCA connections. However, Townshend offers other preamplifiers with balanced XLR options, if that is a requirement for your system.
Powered preamplifiers often amplify the signal, which can introduce noise, distortion, or unwanted coloration. The Allegri Reference, by contrast, focuses on pure signal preservation without any active gain stages, resulting in an uncolored and transparent sound. It often outperforms powered preamps in terms of clarity and naturalness.
While the Allegri Reference is primarily designed for high-fidelity stereo systems, it can be used in home theatre setups as long as your sources are stereo audio components. However, it does not have features like surround sound processing or bass management typically required in home theatre systems.
The Allegri Reference’s passive design means there are no active electronic components that can wear out over time, such as transistors, capacitors, or tubes. This makes it a highly durable product, requiring minimal maintenance and offering long-lasting, high-performance audio.
Yes, the Allegri Reference is capable of handling high-resolution audio formats without any loss in fidelity. Its passive design ensures that even the finest details and nuances of high-resolution audio are preserved without distortion or signal degradation.
The Allegri Reference offers an extremely wide and flat frequency response from 5 Hz to over 100 kHz, ensuring that no part of the audio spectrum is lost or altered. This makes it ideal for audiophiles who demand full-range performance.
Integrating the Allegri Reference into your system is simple. With standard RCA connections and no need for an external power source, it can easily be added between your source components and amplifier. The volume control is straightforward to use and delivers consistent, high-quality sound across all listening levels.