When it comes to British hi-fi heritage, few names evoke as much nostalgia as Mordaunt Short. Founded in 1967 by Norman Mordaunt and Rodney Short, the company quickly earned a reputation for producing high-quality loudspeakers that delivered superb sound without breaking the bank. Over the decades, the brand cultivated a loyal following among music lovers and audiophiles alike. But if you try to look for them today, you’ll find that the company has largely faded from view, with only traces of its former presence still available online.
In this article, I’ll dive into the history of Mordaunt Short, what happened to them, and share my own personal experience with their speakers, specifically the Mordaunt Short Mezzo 2, which remain my favourite speakers to this day.
A Brief History of Mordaunt Short
Mordaunt Short started in London in the late 1960s and grew steadily through the 1970s and 80s, producing speaker lines like the Festival, Carnival, Pageant, MS20 and MS30. These speakers were known for their reliability and excellent sound quality, giving many UK households an affordable route into hi-fi.
In 1987, the company was acquired by TGI plc, which also owned respected names like Tannoy and Goodmans. This move consolidated TGI’s position as a powerhouse in European loudspeaker manufacturing. A decade later, in 1998–99, Mordaunt Short was bought by Audio Partnership Plc, the group behind Cambridge Audio and closely tied to the well-known retailer Richer Sounds.
This acquisition injected new life into the brand, with fresh product lines like the Avant, Performance, Aviano, and, of course, the Mezzo range, which I’ll come to shortly.
The Mezzo Range: A Personal Connection
I personally purchased a pair of Mordaunt Short Mezzo 2 bookshelf speakers back in 2008 from Richer Sounds. At the time, I paid around £450, which felt like a serious investment in my audio setup.
Initially, I paired them with a Sony amplifier, and while they sounded good, I didn’t fully realise their potential until I later connected them to my Marantz PM6005 amplifier. That’s when the Mezzo 2s truly came alive. Suddenly, I was hearing clarity, depth, and punch that transformed my listening experience. The detail and balance made these speakers stand out as the best I’ve ever owned.
To this day, they remain a core part of my living room setup. Whether I’m listening to music or watching films, they consistently deliver that same wow factor. If I could expand my setup, I’d love to add more from the Mezzo line, but sadly, finding them now is quite difficult.
The Decline of Mordaunt Short
Despite their strong reputation and well-reviewed ranges, Mordaunt Short began to fade from prominence in the 2010s. Audio Partnership seemed to shift focus towards its flagship brand, Cambridge Audio, which had broader global recognition. Gradually, Mordaunt Short’s lineup was reduced, with many of the more premium models, like the Mezzo and Performance ranges, discontinued.
By the mid-2010s, the company’s presence online had shrunk dramatically. Their official website lists only a handful of models, and even those appear geared towards the entry-level market. Forum discussions suggest that the brand now exists in name only, with little to no new product development.
For long-time fans, this has been disappointing. Mordaunt Short had carved out a niche for producing speakers that balanced performance, design, and price beautifully. Today, their older models, like the Mezzo 2, still change hands on second-hand markets and are cherished by owners who know their worth.
Where Does That Leave Us Today?
If you own Mordaunt Short speakers, like I do, the good news is that they’re built to last. With proper care, they can continue to deliver stunning sound for many years. Replacement parts, however, may be harder to source as time goes on, since the brand no longer supports most legacy products.
As for the brand itself, it seems Mordaunt Short has become a legacy marque, overshadowed by the bigger push behind Cambridge Audio. While there’s always the chance Audio Partnership could revive the name, for now it feels like Mordaunt Short has been relegated to history.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, I’m incredibly glad I picked up the Mezzo 2s when I did. For £450, they’ve provided more enjoyment and value than almost any other gadget I’ve owned. They’ve been part of my home for well over a decade, and they’re still going strong.
It’s a shame that Mordaunt Short no longer occupies the place it once did in the hi-fi world, but its legacy lives on through the speakers still enjoyed by fans today. If you ever come across a pair of Mezzo speakers on the second-hand market, I can wholeheartedly recommend giving them a listen; you might just discover why so many of us still hold this brand in such high regard.
Here are some great alternative speakers in the same price range and quality:
While Mordaunt Short may have disappeared from the hi-fi spotlight, there are still plenty of excellent bookshelf speakers available today that compete in the same class and price range as the Mezzo 2. If you’re searching for a modern equivalent, here are some great options:
- DALI Oberon 3 – musical with an airy midrange and solid bass
- KEF Q350 – precise imaging and clean detail thanks to the Uni-Q driver
- Monitor Audio Bronze 2 – punchy bass and a lively, engaging sound
- ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 – full-bodied with muscular bass and honest transparency
- Q Acoustics 3030i – balanced, easy to position, and room-friendly
- Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 – warm, smooth, and musical with excellent value
- Triangle Borea BR03 – dynamic and transparent with French flair
All of these speakers occupy a similar sweet spot in the market as the Mezzo 2 and pair beautifully with integrated amps like the Marantz PM6005.
I’d also recommend taking a look at the Q Acoustics M20 HD bookshelf active speakers, which I’ve reviewed here. These are another set of outstanding speakers for under £400 and are worth considering if you’re after active speakers without the need for a separate amplifier.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mordaunt Short
Mordaunt Short was once a leading British loudspeaker brand. After being acquired by Audio Partnership in the late 1990s, their product lines slowly reduced, and focus shifted to Cambridge Audio. Today, only limited entry-level models remain, and many of the classic ranges like Mezzo and Performance are discontinued.
Yes, absolutely. The Mezzo 2 bookshelf speakers are still highly regarded for their clarity, depth, and punch. If you find a pair in good condition on the second-hand market, they’re a fantastic buy that still competes with many modern speakers in the same price range.
Some great bookshelf speakers in a similar class include the DALI Oberon 3, KEF Q350, Monitor Audio Bronze 2, ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2, Q Acoustics 3030i, Wharfedale Diamond 12.2, and Triangle Borea BR03.
At present, there’s no sign of a brand revival. Audio Partnership appears to focus on Cambridge Audio, but Mordaunt Short still carries strong heritage and brand recognition. It’s always possible the name could be revived in the future.