Back on March 21, 2019, Jason Kennedy, a seasoned hi-fi reviewer for The Ear, put the Townshend Audio Allegri+ Preamplifier under the microscope—and what he found was nothing short of extraordinary. In his detailed review titled “Townshend Allegri+,” Kennedy revisits a design he’d already championed for over a decade, having used its predecessor, the original Allegri, as his reference since 2008. The Allegri+, an updated iteration of this passive preamp, didn’t just live up to his high expectations—it redefined them. Here’s why this unassuming box earned his rare “Editor’s Choice” nod and remains a standout in the world of high-fidelity audio.
The Allegri+ looks much like its older sibling: a compact chassis, twin knobs for input selection and volume, and no power cord in sight. But beneath its simple exterior lies a sophisticated autotransformer-based design that adjusts signal attenuation with precision. Kennedy notes the slight increase in casework size but emphasizes that the real magic happens in the sound—or rather, the lack of it. “This is a preamp that gets out of the way,” he writes, highlighting its ability to deliver music with a transparency that leaves even £20,000 active preamps in the dust. No grain from transistors, no warmth from tubes—just the recording, pure and unfiltered.
What struck Kennedy most was the Allegri+’s openness. He describes it as a quality so distinctive it feels like a signature, yet he’s quick to clarify: it’s not the preamp adding anything—it’s simply revealing what’s already there. Pairing it with various sources, including DACs with their own volume controls, he found it consistently outperformed them, bringing out dynamics, detail, and vitality that other setups masked. “It’s the closest I’ve come to hearing the source as it was meant to be,” he marvels, crediting the transformer design for its perfect impedance matching—a stark contrast to resistor-based passive preamps that often sap energy from the signal.
The practical perks impressed him too. With no power supply, there’s no mains noise to contend with, making it a silent partner in any system. Kennedy also appreciated its versatility, noting how it elevated everything from vinyl to digital playback. Price-wise, he calls it “incredible value for money” for its sonic prowess, even if its utilitarian look might not scream luxury. For him, the Allegri+ isn’t just a component—it’s a revelation, one that makes you rethink what a preamp can (or shouldn’t) do.
By the end of his review, Kennedy’s verdict is clear: the Allegri+ is “the best in its class,” earning an accolade beyond a standard five-star rating. While this review hails from 2019, its insights still resonate, showcasing why the Allegri+ remains a benchmark for audiophiles chasing unadulterated sound. If you’re after a preamp that lets your music breathe, Kennedy’s experience suggests this Townshend gem might just be the holy grail.
