Model

501 A

Type

Studio Monitors

Brand

Tannoy

The 501A reviewed here is attractively priced to appeal to the entry‑level home‑studio customer whose recording space might be better suited to a smaller nearfield monitor, but who still demands a reasonable level of accuracy and tonal balance. As the model number might suggest, this little speaker is based around a five‑inch bass/mid-range driver, partnered with a one‑inch neodymium soft‑dome tweeter, crossing over at 2.3kHz. The tweeter can handle highs right up to 30kHz, apparently to improve phase response in the audible band. A 40W amplifier drives the bass/mid speaker, with a separate 20W amplifier driving the tweeter. There's no magnetic shielding on this model, as few users are likely to be using CRT monitor screens these days. The rectangular MDF case is solid and discourages resonances, while a moulded, sculpted baffle accommodates the cone driver, a flared bass port and the tweeter. This sits in a shallow waveguide to control its dispersion at the crossover point, and to maximise the width of the sweet spot. A black texured finish lends the speakers a businesslike, unfussy appearance, while the silver trim ring and cone of the bass driver adds just a touch of visual interest. A power LED is mounted in the lower edge of the speaker trim ring. The layout is symmetrical to allow for mono, stereo, and surround setups. The speakers are available separately, to cater for these different applications. Internal bracing of the sides and rear of the cabinet couples to the back of the bass driver, with the aim of keeping the bass end tight and well‑controlled, while the curved edges of the front baffle help reduce cabinet edge diffraction. Overall, the cabinet size is 301 x 185 x 238mm, each speaker weighing a reassuring 7.1kg. The 501A reviewed here is attractively priced to appeal to the entry‑level home‑studio customer whose recording space might be better suited to a smaller nearfield monitor, but who still demands a reasonable level of accuracy and tonal balance. As the model number might suggest, this little speaker is based around a five‑inch bass/mid-range driver, partnered with a one‑inch neodymium soft‑dome tweeter, crossing over at 2.3kHz. The tweeter can handle highs right up to 30kHz, apparently to improve phase response in the audible band. A 40W amplifier drives the bass/mid speaker, with a separate 20W amplifier driving the tweeter. There's no magnetic shielding on this model, as few users are likely to be using CRT monitor screens these days. The rectangular MDF case is solid and discourages resonances, while a moulded, sculpted baffle accommodates the cone driver, a flared bass port and the tweeter. This sits in a shallow waveguide to control its dispersion at the crossover point, and to maximise the width of the sweet spot. A black texured finish lends the speakers a businesslike, unfussy appearance, while the silver trim ring and cone of the bass driver adds just a touch of visual interest. A power LED is mounted in the lower edge of the speaker trim ring. The layout is symmetrical to allow for mono, stereo, and surround setups. The speakers are available separately, to cater for these different applications. Internal bracing of the sides and rear of the cabinet couples to the back of the bass driver, with the aim of keeping the bass end tight and well‑controlled, while the curved edges of the front baffle help reduce cabinet edge diffraction. Overall, the cabinet size is 301 x 185 x 238mm, each speaker weighing a reassuring 7.1kg. actually prefer a more 'forward' high end. At least the tissue-paper trick costs nothing to try! Impressions Other than my personal observations regarding the high end, which, in wine‑tasting terms, might be described as a little presumptuous, the Reveal 501As hold up pretty well alongside most of the other smaller monitors in their price range. They are well suited to smaller studio spaces, although where more room is available, I'd counsel holding out for the slightly larger 601As, which have a little more bass extension. The 501As deliver well in the mid-range with good stereo imaging; the top end can be tamed easily, if you feel it needs it, by draping a piece of kitchen tissue over (but not touching) the tweeter; and although the low end suffers the inevitable lack of extension found in smaller speakers, this also means it isn't likely to aggravate LF room problems too badly. In brief, I'd say Tannoy have managed to create a useful and affordable little speaker that should appeal to anyone having to work in a small space. Alternatives There are many alternatives of a similar size and in the same price range, such as the the ESI Near 05 and Fostex PM0.5 models. Also check out the KRK Rokit RP6, the Alesis M1 Active 520s, the ADAM A3X, Samson's Resolv A6 and the M‑Audio Studiophile BX5A Deluxe. Pros Solidly built. Good stereo imaging. Good mid‑range clarity. Cons Limited bass extension typical of smaller speakers. Top end may be a little too forw