Russ Andrews Torlyte review

Superb sound and quality finish, the real wood gives a classy finish and feel Tested at £336.50

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Terrific stands for some speakers, but a little pricey

Pros

  • +

    Fine looks, allied to a beautifully lucid midrange

Cons

  • -

    Bass lacks the weight of some price rivals

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Not only does Russ Andrews make good cables – it also turns an expert hand to equipment support. The Torlytes are made from wood – although in this case it's real (not MDF), honed from an amazingly stiff honeycomb-style construction. The top plate includes substantial oak cone feet (not shown) to support your speakers.

In action, the Torlytes deliver broad dynamics, teamed with a soundstage that is both well composed and vivid. Vocals, especially, are delivered with all the emotional content and warmth that gives wooden stands a good name – it's a stunning listen. Instruments sound wonderfully real, too, and the midrange is always a model of clarity and sonic accuracy.

Perhaps more surprisingly, the bass holds its own. Admittedly, it lacks the last ounce of weight and punch, but the Torlytes still show decent form.

Combining good looks with fine performance, the Torlytes are in the higher echelon of speaker stands. Our only reservation is that price – some alternatives will deliver similar results for less. Still, you must hear them.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test

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