Tannoy Arden HPD/385/8 Alnico Round-Frame Pair – Restored – 1-Year Warranty
Professionally Restored by HQaudios – Fully Tested – Backed by Our 1-Year Warranty.
Up for sale is the Tannoy Arden, one of Tannoy’s most iconic vintage British loudspeaker systems, introduced during the classic HPD era of the 1970s.
This Arden cabinet system is identified as System Type HPD 385A and is fitted with a 15-inch Tannoy Monitor HPD/385/8 Dual Concentric driver. Its round-frame driver construction combines the low-frequency cone and high-frequency compression driver concentrically within one assembly. The large triple ducted-port enclosure supports extended bass response while preserving the coherent presentation associated with Tannoy’s Dual Concentric design.
This pair is in Excellent vintage cosmetic condition and has been professionally restored, serviced, and fully tested by HQaudios while preserving the original engineering and vintage character of the Tannoy Arden.
Key Highlights
- Authentic Tannoy Arden HPD-Series Loudspeaker System
- System Type HPD 385A
- 15-inch Tannoy Monitor HPD/385/8 Dual Concentric Driver
- Round-Frame Driver Configuration
- Alnico Magnetic System
- 2-Way Dual Concentric Loudspeaker Design
- Triple Ducted-Port Enclosure
- 1,000 Hz crossover frequency
- Professionally Restored and Serviced by HQaudios
- Drivers, crossover network, controls, and connections inspected and tested
- Real-world stereo listening test performed
- Carefully packed for safe delivery
- 1-Year HQaudios Warranty
Sound Character
The Tannoy Arden is known for a large-scale, coherent presentation created by its Dual Concentric architecture. The 15-inch HPD/385/8 provides substantial low-frequency weight and a broad sense of scale, making the Arden particularly effective in larger listening rooms.
Because the low- and high-frequency sections are integrated concentrically within the same driver assembly, the Arden presents a unified and naturally focused soundstage. Vocals and instruments can have strong presence while the high-frequency compression driver adds clarity and energy to the upper range.
These speakers are especially well suited to classical music, jazz, vocal recordings, acoustic music, blues, rock, and high-quality vinyl playback where a spacious and natural presentation is desired.
Cosmetic Condition
This pair is in Excellent vintage cosmetic condition, with light signs of age and previous use consistent with vintage audio equipment.
The walnut-finish cabinets, black front baffles, driver assemblies, front-mounted tone controls, rear connection panels, and original vintage detailing present very well overall. The classic Arden appearance has been carefully preserved.
- Front Baffle / Driver Area:
The large Dual Concentric driver assemblies and front baffles present cleanly and retain the original Arden appearance. - Cabinet / Veneer:
The walnut-finish cabinets present in excellent overall vintage condition with the original cabinet character preserved. - Driver Surround / Trim:
The visible driver surrounds and original trim present well overall. - Front-Mounted Tone Controls:
The front-mounted tone adjustment controls retain their original vintage appearance and are part of the original Tannoy Arden design. - Ports / Enclosure:
The original ducted-port enclosure design is intact and visually well preserved.
Please review all photos carefully, as they are part of the description.
HQaudios Restoration & Testing Process
Before Restoration
The Tannoy Arden pair was carefully inspected upon arrival to evaluate its overall mechanical, electrical, acoustic, and cosmetic condition.
Speakers
Particular attention was given to the 15-inch HPD/385/8 Dual Concentric driver, low-frequency section, high-frequency compression driver, crossover network, front-mounted tone controls, terminals, internal wiring, ducted-port enclosure, and cabinet integrity.
The inspection results were used to determine the service work required for this specific pair.
During Restoration
Based on the inspection results, this pair was restored according to HQaudios’ technical standards while preserving the original engineering and operating characteristics of the Tannoy Arden.
Speakers
The Dual Concentric driver assemblies, crossover networks, front-mounted tone controls, terminals, internal wiring, enclosure, and model-specific acoustic components were inspected and serviced.
The exterior was professionally cleaned and detailed while preserving the authentic vintage character of the Tannoy Arden.
After Restoration
Once restoration was completed, this pair underwent comprehensive functional testing under real operating conditions.
Speakers
Individual low- and high-frequency driver operation, frequency response, crossover integration, phase consistency, consistency between both speakers, and front-mounted tone controls were tested.
Finally, the pair underwent extended real-world listening tests to evaluate sound quality, operational stability, stereo presentation, and overall performance.
Only after successfully meeting HQaudios’ restoration and testing standards was the Tannoy Arden pair approved and prepared for its next owner.
Dual Concentric Driver, Crossover & Acoustic System
Tannoy Arden HPD-Series Architecture
The Arden HPD 385A cabinet system is fitted with Tannoy’s HPD/385/8 Dual Concentric driver, combining a 15-inch direct-radiator low-frequency section with a high-frequency compression driver positioned concentrically within the same driver assembly. This architecture was designed to provide a coherent and integrated presentation across the audio spectrum.
The 1000Hz crossover network and triple ducted-port enclosure are important elements of the Arden’s acoustic design. The enclosure is internally braced to help control cabinet resonances, while the ducted-port system supports the speaker’s extended low-frequency performance.
These areas receive particular attention throughout HQaudios’ restoration and testing process. Additional close-up photos or videos are available upon request.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tannoy |
| Model | Arden |
| System Type | HPD 385A |
| Design | 2-Way Dual Concentric Loudspeaker System |
| Installed Driver | 15-inch Tannoy Monitor HPD/385/8 Dual Concentric |
| Driver Frame | Round-Frame Configuration |
| Magnet Type | Alnico Magnetic System |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 Ohms |
| Power Handling | 85 Watts Continuous Programme |
| Frequency Response | 30 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | Approx. 91 dB (1 W/1 m) |
| Crossover / Network | 1,000 Hz at 12 dB/Octave |
| Level Controls | Treble Energy and Roll-Off Controls |
| Enclosure | Triple Ducted-Port Enclosure |
| Dimensions | Approx. 26 × 39 × 14.5 inches (W × H × D) per speaker |
| Weight | Approx. 123.5 lbs per speaker |
| Era | 1970s HPD Series |
| Country of Manufacture | United Kingdom |
| Included | One Pair of Tannoy Arden Speakers |
| Condition | Professionally Restored / Serviced / Tested |
| Warranty | 1-Year HQaudios Warranty |
What Is Included
One pair of Tannoy Arden Speakers.
Only the items clearly shown in the photos or specifically listed in the description are included.
Video Test & Sound Demo
We understand that purchasing vintage audio equipment online requires confidence.
If you would like to see or hear this Tannoy Arden pair in operation before purchasing, please contact us directly. We are happy to provide additional photos, close-up images, operational videos, or sound demonstrations upon request.
You are also welcome to visit the HQaudios YouTube channel to explore restoration projects, product demonstrations, and listening sessions featuring professionally restored vintage audio equipment.
Suggested Pairing
The Tannoy Arden is highly efficient and works particularly well with quality tube and solid-state amplifiers capable of driving an 8-ohm load.
McIntosh MA6100 Integrated Amplifier
Result: Approximately 70 watts per channel into 8 ohms, providing suitable control and headroom for the Arden in medium to large listening rooms.
Quad II Valve Monoblock Amplifiers
Result: A classic low-power tube pairing suitable for moderate listening levels and smaller rooms. Avoid amplifier clipping at high volume.
Marantz 2270 Stereo Receiver
Result: Approximately 70 watts per channel into 8 ohms, offering adequate power and a warm vintage presentation when the receiver is operating within specification.
For the best performance, ensure that all connected equipment is electrically and mechanically compatible with the Tannoy Arden and properly configured before use.
Basic Use Guide
To help maintain the long-term performance of this speaker pair, we recommend the following:
- Use amplification appropriate for an 8-ohm speaker load and the speaker’s power requirements.
- Avoid amplifier clipping and excessive volume levels for extended periods.
- Verify speaker polarity and wiring before powering on the amplifier.
- Protect the HPD/385/8 Dual Concentric driver assemblies during handling and installation.
- Position the speakers securely with sufficient space around the cabinets and ports for proper acoustic performance.
Please contact us if you need assistance with setup, operation, amplifier matching, speaker connection, or system configuration.
Trade-In Program
Do you have vintage audio equipment you’d like to trade in?
HQaudios welcomes trade-ins on receivers, amplifiers, speakers, cassette decks, reel-to-reel decks, turntables, and other classic audio components.
Simply send us photos and basic information about your equipment. Our team will review your items and discuss available trade-in options.
Build Your Vintage System
Looking to build a complete vintage audio system?
The Tannoy Arden pairs beautifully with professionally restored vintage components available from HQaudios.
Save $100 when purchasing this item together with a qualifying amplifier, receiver, or another restored vintage audio component from HQaudios.
Please contact us before purchase so we can confirm availability and prepare a combined offer.
Shipping & Packaging
Vintage speakers of this size and weight require specialized handling and careful packing. This pair will be professionally prepared by HQaudios for safe delivery.
- Carefully wrapped and protected.
- Heavy-duty protective packing materials used.
- Extra protection around drivers, cabinets, corners, and rear terminals.
- Speakers may be secured to heavy-duty pallets to provide additional protection during transportation.
- Custom wooden crating may be used to provide additional protection during transportation.
- Freight tracking information provided after shipment.
- Signature may be required for delivery.
Local pickup may also be available by appointment.
1-Year HQaudios Warranty
This item is backed by our 1-Year HQaudios Warranty, covering proper functional operation under normal home use. If you experience an issue, please contact us first.
We are committed to helping our customers and will work with you to resolve the problem in a fair and reasonable way. The warranty does not cover misuse, improper setup, unauthorized repair, physical damage, cosmetic wear, amplifier clipping, excessive power, incorrect wiring, incompatible equipment, operation outside the manufacturer’s intended specifications, or shipping damage identified after delivery.
Customer Service
Once your item arrives, if you have questions about setup, speaker connection, amplifier matching, or general operation, please contact us.
We are happy to help you get the best performance from your vintage audio system.
Important Note for Vintage Audio Buyers
Vintage audio equipment requires proper setup, compatible supporting equipment, careful handling, and appropriate maintenance.
We do our best to describe each item clearly and provide detailed photos so you can buy with confidence. Please review all photos, read the full description, and contact us with any questions before purchase.
Always verify model-specific requirements such as speaker impedance, amplifier compatibility, wiring, and driver protection before operation.
HQaudios – Vintage Audio Restored with Care.
Professionally Restored • Fully Tested • Carefully Packed • 1-Year Warranty



















































Reviews
There are no reviews yet.