These substantial speakers go loud very easily and stay controlled. The treble can be slightly forward, however this doesn’t stand out at all, generally a good all rounder but slightly preferring simpler recordings and acoustic material (this could be down to my slightly bright sounding room). This is not to say that the bass isn’t punchy or fast, as they would race through some old Eagles more upbeat numbers very comfortably and definitely enjoyed a bit of dance music at decent volumes.
I found the optimum position for these is quite close to the wall with no toe in and as far apart as possible. They fill the space in between in a very eerie way and the imaging is something to behold. I conclude that the Abbot is quite a room dependant speaker, they like a large room where the bass really fills out, in smaller rooms its as if the bottom end can’t breathe and they can sound light weight and forward.
– Steve Bourney
[Average+] Engaging and dramatic dynamics and fine transient coherence are hampered by a rather coloured mid-forward balance.
Hi-Fi Choice – Directory, Feb 1995.
Unfussy about placement but use reasonably powerful amp to hear their marvellously lucid, rhythmic sound. Capable of great clarity.
What Hi-Fi? – Buying Guide, April 1994
Specifications:-
| Royd Abbot | |
|---|---|
| Year of Release | 1992 |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 200mm x 815mm x 300mm |
| Recommend Amplifier Power | 100 Watts |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB 1 watt @ 1 metre |
| Power Handling | |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Drive Units | 6.5" cast magnesium bass/mid unit and 1 Royd 19mm dome tweeter with secondary chamber |
| Crossover Frequency | |
| Bass Resonance Frequency | |
| Frequency Range | 35 Hz to 20KHz |
| Port(s) | Front |
| Terminals | Bi-wire |
| Finishes | Walnut or Black Ash veneer |
| Weight | |
Retailed for around £665 in 1995 (Hi-Fi Choice Buyer’s Guide). Today they’ll fetch anything from £150, up to £250 for a pristine pair. One pair in reasonable went for £162 in April 2010, another £205 in Sept 2010, a pristine pair for £240 in July 2011 and yet another pair in good nick made £196 in April 2013.
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