The Tensor Go from HH Electronics is a brand-new, all-in-one, fully portable column PA system and a welcome addition to the British manufacturer’s Tensor loudspeaker range, introduced in 2020. It was just before receiving a unit for test that I first saw the Tensor Go at a SEDA Show Night, where this new system really caught both my eyes and my ears.

Initially, as a compact system, I didn’t expect too much in the way of power. But as we were taken through the unit’s features by the representative from HH Electronics speaking on microphone, I was taken aback; we could hear him with crystal clear clarity in a room where you can fit more than 300 people.

Then came the full demonstration, which included playing music through an iPod, and I was doubly amazed that such a small sub and column array could produce such great sound. I was so impressed that when asked if I would like to run a test for this review, I was very quick to agree!

Carrying the Tensor Go back to my car, I was grateful that the entire system weighs just 14kg. And when I got it home and unpacked the box, I was pleased to find that HH Electronics includes a bag for the three column sections, as well as a slipcover for the sub – so no need to spend more money on protecting your equipment.

The small sub-unit contains an HH-designed 8” long-throw driver rated at 200W RMS with 800W peak, with a built-in Class-D amplifier that in turn powers the array in the top section of the three-piece column and which is loaded with six 2.75” arrayed high/mid drivers.

At the rear of the sub, you’ll find plenty of input options. There are two combo (XLR/Jack) balanced/unbalanced inputs, each with mic/line and reverb switches, and a master reverb-level control in the output section. Additionally, HH has included a 3.5mm stereo aux in, two RCA inputs and a Bluetooth 5.0 audio receiver capable of providing Bluetooth connection up to 40m. There is also a DSP with four settings: music, band, natural and speech.

Designed to work as a complete all-in-one sound system, you can also add a second Tensor Go and this can be done in various ways. Firstly, the traditional way of XLR cables from a mixer to each unit as a left and right. You can also connect them via RCA or 3.5mm jack into one unit, and then link the second unit via XLR cable. The final option is Bluetooth v5.0, which expands wireless connectivity further by transmitting audio via its integrated ‘Wireless Stereo Pairing’ technology.

Connecting the array from the sub is achieved using connectors built into the column mounting sockets. So, simply take the column sections out of the bag and push them together, and you’re ready to ‘Go’.

Portable power comes from a 26V/5200mAH lithium-ion battery, which gives you up to 20 hours of run time. I completed a full test from a discharged battery and a two-hour charge, running the unit for 10 hours at high background volume. The unit also features a useful battery-level indicator with four LEDs (low, 25%, 50%, 100%).

You can charge the internal battery through the IEC mains socket, which you can also do whilst the Tensor Go is in action. Additional charging comes in the form of a 12v DC input socket – for example, from your vehicle auxiliary power socket/cigarette lighter (though the lower power means you cannot charge in your car and play the system at full blast!).

Whilst I was impressed with the Tensor Go’s sound at the SEDA Show Night, it was time to have a listen in a different environment. I had the opportunity to take the Tensor Go to a friend’s garden party and we used it at various volumes through the afternoon, garnering lots of positive comments about the sound quality. With an SPL of 121db, it really packs a punch for such a compact unit.

On returning home, we couldn’t resist another test in our own garden, and the wife and kids were really impressed with the sound from what is, essentially, a small battery-powered speaker that you can just pick up and carry anywhere!

Trying something different again, I linked it up to my TV for a film that lasted about two hours, whilst the battery level stayed the same.
Although I didn’t have the opportunity to try the Tensor Go at a function, where I first saw it in action (at the SEDA Show Night) was a good demonstration of the unit’s power, and where I have used it since shows just how versatile it is. I can quite easily see the Tensor Go being used for a wide variety of applications and not just for our everyday work. It’s easily powerful enough for small- to mid-sized venues and would be an ideal system for that small house party, for speeches and wedding ceremonies, or any situation that calls for a quick set up and take down, perhaps even karaoke.

To sum up, the Tensor Go is a great PA system and offers everything I look for in speakers: great sound for both vocals and music, plus it packs a punch, there are plenty of connectivity options, more than one way to charge the battery, and there's decent battery life, even after a short charge. In addition, it’s lightweight and easy to put together.

With the Tensor Go being so small and versatile, I can also see this system being one of those bits of kit we keep in our vehicles for those just-in-case scenarios. This really is a great product from HH Electronics.