INDIANA LINE Tesi 560
Floorstanding loudspeakers
It does not happen too often that I start thinking about purchasing the reviewed component. And it never happens that such thoughts are motivated by a desire to own the component for pure joy. The Indiana Line Tesi 560s triggered this very desire 30 minutes into the listening session. I don't think there are other speakers out there that are so kind to ears.
Function and form
The Tesi 560 were far from being visually extravagant, however the Italian design team managed to sculpt loudspeakers that are both functional, modern and nice to look at. The MDF enclosures are slim – only 17,5 x 89 x 31cm - and subtle, finished in vinyl foil that imitates red cherry wood or anthracite oak. The baffles and plinth are sprayed by rubber-like matte grey paint that gives a very unique tactile experience. The manufacturing quality is great, everything is cleanly assembled and even front-firing reflex ports are integrated into the enclosures with a lot of attaention to detail. The cabinets are internally braced and filled with polyester foam.
To keep costs under control all drivers are sourced from the Land of Tiger and Dragon. The tweeter features non-impregnated silk dome, the midrange and the bass driver are identical, with 16cm polypropylen cones that are reinforced by silicate and with phase plugs in their centers. The binding posts support bi-wiring, which is symbolic in this category, rather than having a dramatic sonic benefit.
Bass management
The lows of the Tesi 560 are quite physical and nicely rounded which gives the music nice plasticity. Even a small instrument, like harmonica, has body and depth which lends fleshy and colourful impression to listening. Despite its warmth the bass is not bloated or smudged, even the E-tuned bass guitar of Dean Peer is presented with punch and juicy drive.
Clarity & delicacy
The silk dome tweeter in the Tesi 560 is not a top-of-the-range model, rather a stock tweeter. It surprises me therefore how good it is. First, it is not brilliant and self-indulgent, second, it resolves pretty well. Thus the trebles have silky and unobtrusive qualities, they sooth and let you bath in music. Today many budget speakers are designed to impress you and the highs are like cold water spray in your face. With the Indiana Line expect comfort and joy, very fluid sound and the exact amount of detail that is hi-fi enough. During my review time I was able to casually listen to the Tesi 560 for long hours without feeling an urge to have a break.
Of course, if you cherish tranzient attacks and larger than life dynamic contrast then the Indiana Line will not be up to your standard. But give a listen to magic singing of Carlose Santana's guitar through the Tesi 560 - isn't it beautiful?
Tonal accuracy
There defintely is a certain level of coloration audible. I would not say that this is due to the cabinets, rather a signature of the drivers that were used. A piano is very smooth and liquid, maybe too smooth and liquid. The overall silkiness permeated any music that I played through the Tesi 560, but it was not necessarily bad: it gave me an opportunity to forget that I was reviewing.
Spatial resolution
The Indiana Line will not move a symphony orchestra into you room but which speakers will? Everything is a scaled-down version of reality and the soundstage is rather compact. If rock music is your preference than the good news is that the Tesi 560 actually can play quite loud. But not too loud. And don't expect the level of aggressivity that is needed to depict the right tonality of electric guitars. But feed them with wooden instruments, skins and horse hair on bows and you will rejoice.
Recommended resellers
HiFi Sound, Brno, tel. 605250923
Manufacturer's website: http://www.indianaline.it
Associated components
- Sources: C.E.C.TL-51XR, Cambridge Audio Azur 350C
- Amplifiers: NAD C-356BEE, Mark Levinson No. 432
- Interconnects and speakers cables: CrystalConnect Piccolo Diamond
Gallery
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