View Full Version : Best Source of Information on Tannoy
Elvis's last movement
29-04-2012, 21:45
Hi team, as it says in the title - where is the best place to find information on Tannoy speakers?
At the Scalford Hotel exhibition this year my wife and I thought that the Tannoy room was the best sounding one. I would like to learn more about old Tannoy models.
Thanks
Reid Malenfant
29-04-2012, 22:02
Have a good look around this place (http://www.hilberink.nl/speaker.htm), there is literally loads of information :eyebrows:
sq225917
29-04-2012, 22:46
Which Tannoy room, there was about ten pairs and only one of them I think was standard.
Elvis's last movement
30-04-2012, 06:12
Mark, fantastic, thanks
Elvis's last movement
30-04-2012, 06:16
Which Tannoy room, there was about ten pairs and only one of them I think was standard.
It was a large room with the 2 pairs of Tannoys....12 inch and 15 inch speakers
Great sound came forth and filled the room......then someone put on some opera and my wife and I had to leave.:cool:
Might I suggest people have a look at AoS's versatile Library for these things (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3835) amongst others?
Regards
Wakefield Turntables
30-04-2012, 18:08
Depends what you need to know regarding the Tannoys there are several threads in this very forum if you do a thread search. ;)
Depends what you need to know regarding the Tannoys there are several threads in this very forum if you do a thread search. ;)
The OP asks the question "Where is the best source of information on Tannoy speakers?" Without wishing to sound parochial (I'm one of the Librarians), after having done a search on Google, I would have a look in the AoS Library. That's the reason it's there.
Regards
There is a good thread somewhere here, but I can't find it now.
I wouldn't bother asking Tannoy for any info, though. they were very unforthcoming when I asked for information earlier in the year.
hifi_dave
30-04-2012, 18:39
Unfortunately, unless you are asking about home cinema packages, the good people at Tannoy haven't got a clue about the good products they have. That's one of the reasons I dropped the agency - it's like banging your head against the wall.
Also, is anyone aware, that Tannoy is no longer a British company ? Was sold a couple of years ago.
Unfortunately, unless you are asking about home cinema packages, the good people at Tannoy haven't got a clue about the good products they have. That's one of the reasons I dropped the agency - it's like banging your head against the wall.
Also, is anyone aware, that Tannoy is no longer a British company ? Was sold a couple of years ago.
Like so many British high fidelity companies, Tannoy was sold to the Harman group a while ago (I thought it was more than two years Dave). Ownership by Harman has done Tannoy no favours at all. Harman also own Madrigal who themselves bought Mark Levinson.
Like all holding companies, Harman are not the slightest bit interested in those products produced before their acquisition, nor are they particularly interested in providing the same level of customer support that customers would have enjoyed prior to takeover.
The boys in the Coatbridge factory in Glasgow have always been very knowledgeable and helpful any time I've spoken with them.
My advice if you want specific info on the current Tannoy range is to bypass reps, and all that bollocks, and phone the Coatbridge factory direct: on 01236 420199 :)
If it's vintage Tannoys you want info on, then Roger, at Lockwood, is your best bet: http://www.lockwoodaudio.co.uk/
Marco.
hifi_dave
30-04-2012, 20:27
Like so many British high fidelity companies, Tannoy was sold to the Harman group a while ago (I thought it was more than two years Dave). Ownership by Harman has done Tannoy no favours at all. Harman also own madrigal who themselves bought Mark Levinson.
Like all holding companies, Harman are not the slightest bit interested in those products produced before their acquisition, nor are they particularly interested in providing the same level of customer support that customers would have enjoyed prior to takeover.
Not sure, because there was no contact with Tannoy at the time, but I believe they were bought by a Danish company around 2-3 years ago. The Harman thing was many years ago.
It's a similar situiation as with JBL, where the British company has absolutley no knowledge of the up-market products they have. The sales people on the road and in the office can tell you price breaks etc on the home cinema stuff but mention Tannoy Canterbury or JBL 4344 and you get a resounding err..:scratch:
It's a crying shame but has been this way since the early 80's.
PaulStewart
30-04-2012, 22:21
The only real source of info on "Proper Tannoys" is Lockwood Audio as Marco said, Or if you're in west London, pop in for a cuppa and enjoy the Lockwood/Monitor Golds:):):):):)
+1 on "proper Tannoys"... ;)
Didn't realise you had Lockwoods, Paul. Welcome to the club! What are the Academy cases like - got any pics?
Marco.
Harman still have JBL and you may have to talk to the pro side for any info on the legendary JBL models, which may have all been discontinued now. The 4310 and 4312 were in "C" versions ten years ago and at good prices too, but I don't think so now...
Sorry for the drift...
Elvis's last movement
02-05-2012, 07:06
OK I must confess that I am considering the purchase of a pair of Tannoy Buckinghams in excellent condition.....my wife and I loved the Tannoy sounds at Scalford and I am hoping that you guys will confirm that these speakers are better than the 15 inch or the 12 inch speakers we listened to.....great as those speakers were.
Maybe I should have been more up front
I know that these were Tannoy's flagship speakers at the end of the 1970's. 2 X 12 inch speakers and a 10 inch speaker for the mid range must produce a special sound.
Any comments are welcome..
The Tannoy room you are referring to was not the best Tannoy room at the show IMHO due mainly to the floor of the room soaking up the LF. If the price is reasonable on the Buckinghams I would say go for it. Even if they do not work out to your (and the wife's) taste you will not lose any money in a resale, someone will have your hand off for them I suspect.
Hi Lance,
OK I must confess that I am considering the purchase of a pair of Tannoy Buckinghams in excellent condition.....my wife and I loved the Tannoy sounds at Scalford and I am hoping that you guys will confirm that these speakers are better than the 15 inch or the 12 inch speakers we listened to.....great as those speakers were.
Well, that's a tricky one. If it was 12 or 15" Monitor Golds you listened to at Scalford, then the Buckingham's will sound very different to those, and not necessarily better, just different. "Better" will only be the case if your ears prefer their different presentation.
There are two major differences between the Monitor Golds, you likely heard at Scalford, and the Buckinghams, and that is that the former have one large dual-concentric driver, with a horn tweeter at the centre, producing the full frequency range, and the latter, as you've remarked on, have multiple drive units (of a different type), in order to do the same job.
Furthermore, the drive units used in the Buckinghams are from what is called the 'HPD' range, which are constructed differently from the older Monitor Golds, and as such have a rather different sonic signature. Most, but not all, Tannoy aficionados prefer the older Monitor Reds or Golds, as they have a unique (if you like it) way of music-making.
That, coupled with the difference in the drive unit layout of both the speakers you heard at Scalford, and the Buckinghams, means that they will sound entirely different from each other, and therefore there is no guarantee that what you heard that you liked from the Tannoys at Scalford, will be delivered by the Buckinghams.
You may end up preferring the Buckinghams, when you listen to them, because their design features (with not being a single dual-concentric design) will produce a different sound, but I thought that I should warn you not to expect the same sound you heard at Scalford, only better (as you've alluded to), simply because the Buckinghams adopt the use of multiple drive units. Many will prefer the 'point source' effect, musical coherence, and superior imaging abilities of the single, large, dual-concentric drivers.
The Buckinghams are undoubtedly superb speakers in their own right, and liable to outperform much of what is made today (and if you use that as the benchmark, you're unlikely to be disappointed), but vintage Monitor Golds they are not.
Hope this helps, and good luck in choosing your new speakers :)
Marco.
Ian Walker
02-05-2012, 13:38
OK I must confess that I am considering the purchase of a pair of Tannoy Buckinghams in excellent condition.....my wife and I loved the Tannoy sounds at Scalford and I am hoping that you guys will confirm that these speakers are better than the 15 inch or the 12 inch speakers we listened to.....great as those speakers were.
Maybe I should have been more up front
I know that these were Tannoy's flagship speakers at the end of the 1970's. 2 X 12 inch speakers and a 10 inch speaker for the mid range must produce a special sound.
Any comments are welcome..
Hi Lance,
If the seller isnt in too much of a hurry i would get yourself round and hear as many pairs of Tannoys as possible before taking the plunge as it were.
I'm sure there are plenty of Tannoy users on here(me included)who would be happy for you and your wife to have a listen.
Ian.
Good idea - include me on that list! :)
Marco.
P.S You have email.
Buckinghams are usually serious money due to rarity, and I would second the suggestion to listen to other Tannoys before you decide. The Buckinghams actually image very well, as the 10" driver is a dual concentric. I believe the bass woofers are separated physically from the DC driver within the cabinet, effectively giving you a pair of subwoofers built in (despite what some think, that's not necessarily a bad thing, even for Tannoys). I was truly impressed with the sense of scale of them.
That said, I don't think the sound they provided was enough for me to justify the premium over the older DCs (though that margin is narrow with the going rate for Golds and Reds these days). Personally, I have a preference for HPDs, as I think they outperform Golds or Reds when all are unmodified (and in good nick). All three can receive major benefit from crossover and cabinet improvements, making the differences more one of preference to the particular presentation.
Reid Malenfant
02-05-2012, 21:09
<snip> The Buckinghams actually image very well, as the 10" driver is a dual concentric. I believe the bass woofers are separated physically from the DC driver within the cabinet, effectively giving you a pair of subwoofers built in (despite what some think, that's not necessarily a bad thing, even for Tannoys). I was truly impressed with the sense of scale of them.
Nice post Jay :)
That makes perfect sense & I agree that they should image just as well as a DC on it's own, maybe better if driven to high volume levels! The bass drivers will be in a seperated enclosure from the 10" DC. Not sure what the crossover frequency would be, but the best bit is it'd prevent a significant amount of intermodulation distortion from being produced by the DC simply because it's not having to do deep bass with the resultant big cone movements :)
Your are welcome to bring your amp and listen to my Tannoy Sterlings which are are classified as a 10 inch duel concentric and come from the modern Prestige range, they may be the babys but they sound very good.
Just found these adverts
Older HE versions here
http://www.hifi-stereo.com/preowned_list.php?list=4
Newer SE the same as mine
http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?67842-Tannoy-Stirling-SE
I think there are only a few changes to the crossovers between the two
Hi Jay,
Buckinghams are usually serious money due to rarity, and I would second the suggestion to listen to other Tannoys before you decide. The Buckinghams actually image very well, as the 10" driver is a dual concentric. I believe the bass woofers are separated physically from the DC driver within the cabinet, effectively giving you a pair of subwoofers built in (despite what some think, that's not necessarily a bad thing, even for Tannoys). I was truly impressed with the sense of scale of them.
Sounds interesting; doubtless the Buckinghams would be excellent speakers. Whether or not however, they would give Lance the sound that he liked, with the Tannoys he heard at Scalford (which most likely would've been MGs), is another question.
Personally, I have a preference for HPDs, as I think they outperform Golds or Reds when all are unmodified (and in good nick). All three can receive major benefit from crossover and cabinet improvements, making the differences more one of preference to the particular presentation.
I totally agree. I've heard a number of vintage HPDs, in different cabinets, and while their sonic presentation can be somewhat 'upfront' and rough around the edges, I'd take that any day to the tubby and rather old-fashioned sound of some MGs, when heard in stock form, inside original cabinets.
However, in saying that, I've also heard the above sound rather good, notably the Lancasters that Jerry demo'd at Scalford last year, and also Joe (Black Adder's) Lancasters, before he had new crossovers fitted - much depends on how good (and well-matched) the specific drive units are and/or how badly the 50+ year old components inside the original crossovers have drifted from their original spec.
In my opinion, however, when you get a good pair of 12 or 15" MGs, inside cabinets which have been specifically designed to optimise them, sonically, and they're used with new crossovers, built from the best modern components, they take some beating!! :)
Marco.
Elvis's last movement
03-05-2012, 13:11
Just wanted to express my thanks at all the responses. They help and confuse in equal measure.
I am paying a lot for these speakers but the difference as one poster said is much closer these days as the price of some of the older Tannoys mentioned has risen so high.
I was hoping you would say that there would be differences between different drivers but the Tannoy sound although different was also similar if that makes sense.
The essential 'Tannoy sound' will still be there, Lance - it's just that the Buckinghams will produce a different 'flavour' of it, compared to enclosures fitted with Monitor Golds.
Could I ask what it was you liked about the sound of the Tannoys you heard at Scalford? If I knew that, I'd be better able to advise whether the Buckinghams or some quality enclosures, with Monitor Golds fitted inside, would suit your needs best.
Pity you're quite far away from Ian and me (I make it around 180 miles). You'd have found it very interesting comparing his Canterburys (with 15" HPDs) to my Lockwood Majors (with 15" MGs), in sonically, quite similar systems.....
Marco.
P.S Also, what speakers are you using now, and partnered by what system?
Elvis's last movement
03-05-2012, 15:02
The essential 'Tannoy sound' will still be there, Lance - it's just that the Buckinghams will produce a different 'flavour' of it, compared to enclosures fitted with Monitor Golds.
Could I ask what it was you liked about the sound of the Tannoys you heard at Scalford? If I knew that, I'd be better able to advise whether the Buckinghams or some quality enclosures, with Monitor Golds fitted inside, would suit your needs best.
Pity you're quite far away from Ian and me (I make it around 180 miles). You'd have found it very interesting comparing his Canterburys (with 15" HPDs) to my Lockwood Majors (with 15" MGs), in sonically, quite similar systems.....
Marco.
P.S Also, what speakers are you using now, and partnered by what system?
Hi Marco, I was using Quad ESL989s and I was happy with them but I hanker after more bass - proper bass. My wife wanted them to go as she could not open the window to let out the cat. I don't play music too loud but I like to feel some bass. I have tried and I liked the Celestion Ditton 25s and the Celestion Ditton 44s.
I have EAR 509s although one has stopped working. In the interim I have a Quad 44/405 playing through some Quested speakers. Not sure you'll have come across these before...not sure of the model but they are monitors used in recording studios apparently. I will get the EAR 509 repaired now that the footy season has finished.
I took my wife to Scalford in the hope she'd like the Tannoys and she did without prompting from me....it was the relaxed nature of the sound that did it for us.....just sounded right somehow. We heard a couple of systems there with Tannoys. I am expecting the same but more with the Buckinghams.
Hi Lance,
I know what you mean about the Quads. They're superb speakers, in terms of what they excel in, but bass, with a sense of genuine scale and gravitas isn't what they do best. With the right pair of big Tannoys, which optimally match your room and system, you'll get 95% of what the Quads excel at (Tannoys also image superbly - the best I've heard from any box speaker), and as much low-end wallop as your ribcage can handle! :eyebrows:
509s are certainly excellent amps with which to match with vintage Tannoys - the pairing should guarantee pretty good synergy. I'm not sure about the Quad amps. They may be better with HPDs, like those used in the Buckinghams, but MGs love to driven by quality bottle power! The 15-inchers are 95db efficient, so you don't need that much power to near recreate a gig in your room. On the end of 509s, they should be a riot!
I know exactly what you mean by "....it was the relaxed nature of the sound that did it for us.....just sounded right somehow". Big Tannoys have an 'effortless' quality, which makes music just 'happen', with the minimum of fuss. It's rather like driving a big car with a 2.5 or 3L engine, doing 80 MPH on the motorway - getting to that speed is achieved so smoothly and effortlessly, that until you look at the speedo, you don't even realise you were going that fast.
It's rather like that when listening to music on big, highly efficient Tannoys, powered by valve amps with tons of headroom: realistic volume is achieved so effortlessly, that you don't realise how loud you're listening to music, until someone enters the room and you have to turn the volume down so you can hear them speak! Also, late night listening is a joy, simply because big Tannoys retain their scale, impact and clarity at volume levels scarcely louder than a whisper...
Could I ask how much the Buckinghams would be setting you back? The answer to that will influence my subsequent recommendation :)
Marco.
Running my Tannoys with about 2 watts of SE at the moment plenty of volume and bottom end :)
Elvis's last movement
03-05-2012, 18:40
Hi Lance,
I know what you mean about the Quads. They're superb speakers, in terms of what they excel in, but bass, with a sense of genuine scale and gravitas isn't what they do best. With the right pair of big Tannoys, which optimally match your room and system, you'll get 95% of what the Quads excel at (Tannoys also image superbly - the best I've heard from any box speaker), and as much low-end wallop as your ribcage can handle! :eyebrows:
509s are certainly excellent amps with which to match with vintage Tannoys - the pairing should guarantee pretty good synergy. I'm not sure about the Quad amps. They may be better with HPDs, like those used in the Buckinghams, but MGs love to driven by quality bottle power! The 15-inchers are 95db efficient, so you don't need that much power to near recreate a gig in your room. On the end of 509s, they should be a riot!
I know exactly what you mean by "....it was the relaxed nature of the sound that did it for us.....just sounded right somehow". Big Tannoys have an 'effortless' quality, which makes music just 'happen', with the minimum of fuss. It's rather like driving a big car with a 2.5 or 3L engine, doing 80 MPH on the motorway - getting to that speed is achieved so smoothly and effortlessly, that until you look at the speedo, you don't even realise you were going that fast.
It's rather like that when listening to music on big, highly efficient Tannoys, powered by valve amps with tons of headroom: realistic volume is achieved so effortlessly, that you don't realise how loud you're listening to music, until someone enters the room and you have to turn the volume down so you can hear them speak! Also, late night listening is a joy, simply because big Tannoys retain their scale, impact and clarity at volume levels scarcely louder than a whisper...
Could I ask how much the Buckinghams would be setting you back? The answer to that will influence my subsequent recommendation :)
Marco.
Err £6.5K...I don't want to change speakers over and over so whatever I end up with, I intend to leave to my son :) when he first heard the ESL 989s he immediatey turned to me and asked if I'd leave them to him in my will, bless him.
The speakers you describe exactly match my requirements. I don't often play music that loud.
How far away are you from the Buckinghams - will the seller demo them first?
Marco.
Elvis's last movement
03-05-2012, 19:37
Hi Marco, I have put a (smallish relative to the overall cost) deposit on them so they don't get sold on....my wife and I will go and have a listen next weekend. I have 5 weeks before buying them or not.
Any advice is welcomed
Ok, I suggest that you go along next weekend and have a listen to them, preferably taking your Quad amps with you, to hear how they cope with the Buckinghams, and of course some familiar music.
If you like what you hear, then I say just go for it - you only live once!
If they don't hit the spot, then come back and we'll discuss alternatives. The good news is you could get a very nice pair of 15" MGs, in very nice cabinets, for a lot less than £6.5k!
Anyway, please keep us posted :cool:
Marco.
However, in saying that, I've also heard the above sound rather good, notably the Lancasters that Jerry demo'd at Scalford last year, and also Joe (Black Adder's) Lancasters, before he had new crossovers fitted - much depends on how good (and well-matched) the specific drive units are and/or how badly the 50+ year old components inside the original crossovers have drifted from their original spec.
In my opinion, however, when you get a good pair of 12 or 15" MGs, inside cabinets which have been specifically designed to optimise them, sonically, and they're used with new crossovers, built from the best modern components, they take some beating!! :)
Marco.
I agree that most of the "colourful Tannoy sound" that gets mentioned when people are turning up their noses is usually due to aging crossover components or, less likely, age issues with the drivers themselves. Personally, I think the biggest issue with HPDs is that too many idiots think running them with perished surrounds is just fine (typical EBay screed: "the surrounds are a bit cracked and crumbly, but they sound spectacular").
As I said, and I think you agree, the differences when it comes to well sorted kit are more presentation than anything else. If Golds could be had for HPD prices again, I'd probably give them a shot. as it is, I'm tempted by a hard-edge recone of my '385s, but really want to be sure I prefer the presentation first.
Hi Marco, I was using Quad ESL989s and I was happy with them but I hanker after more bass - proper bass. My wife wanted them to go as she could not open the window to let out the cat. I don't play music too loud but I like to feel some bass. I have tried and I liked the Celestion Ditton 25s and the Celestion Ditton 44s.
I've had Ditton 25s and 44s, and if I were to compare them to Tannoys, I'd say the Buckinghams are '25s in spades, with the added benefit of far better imaging. The one issue I had with the 25s, that may be a potential problem with the Buckinghams, is room interaction. They go south quickly if they are poorly placed or the room has untreated bass issues. This is a problem I didn't have with stock Ardens (HPD 385s) in the same room, with the same treatments. The Ditton 25s got all loose in the same space.
Err £6.5K...I don't want to change speakers over and over so whatever I end up with, I intend to leave to my son :) when he first heard the ESL 989s he immediatey turned to me and asked if I'd leave them to him in my will, bless him.
The speakers you describe exactly match my requirements. I don't often play music that loud.
That kind of cash buys a lot of Tannoy goodness in any of the single DC variants ('cept Silvers or Blacks, but you only want those for mono playback of 78s anyway). Be very sure the Buckinghams are what you want, as that money could get you a pair of Golds, custom crossovers and custom cabinets to suit the eye of whoever is the best judge of decor in your home.
Great advice, Jay, particularly in reference to room compatibility issues.
I know exactly what you mean about multiple-drive unit designs (although my, not exactly tiny, Celestion 66s, aren't particularly room unfriendly), but in my experience, large speakers, like the Buckinghams, are liable to excite rooms rather more than ones employing single, large, Tannoy DC drivers. In fact, the latter are usually very room friendly indeed.
If Lance has a problematic room, the above is something that he should consider very carefully.
I also totally agree with this:
That kind of cash buys a lot of Tannoy goodness in any of the single DC variants ('cept Silvers or Blacks, but you only want those for mono playback of 78s anyway). Be very sure the Buckinghams are what you want, as that money could get you a pair of Golds, custom crossovers and custom cabinets to suit the eye of whoever is the best judge of decor in your home.
Spot on, *but* if he falls in love with the Buckinghams, when he hears them, and his room can successfully accommodate them, then my advice is to follow his heart and treat himself!
Let's see how it pans out, once he's heard them, and take it from there :)
Marco.
RotaryConnection
03-05-2012, 20:55
Nice to see a bit of Tannoy love again!
I didn't hear all the Tannoy systems at Scalford this year, but all the ones I did, sounded both similar and distinct for one reason or another. Some preferable to others-my favourite was a nice compact system based around Ardens, a UR amp and a CDP, not sure what but extremely musical and enjoyable to my ears, one of my favourite rooms that day.
Lance-did we talk to you over dinner with your wife? Maybe it was someone else but we had a very pleasant conversation with an older couple after everyone had packed up and gone.
Paul/Mr Musicosis-I'm in East London, wouldn't mind having a listen to your Lockwoods, see how they compare to GRFs sometime?
Jay-agree with your comment about their reputation but I'd add to your list the effect of the cabinets-a lot of them weren't that good! Put them in a new rigid box and then say whether they are tubby or colourful. There is hf rolloff yes, but I've had ultra-detailed Beryllium drivers too and I know which I'd rather listen to for extended time.
If you would like to hear what a hard-edge recone and new crossover can do to lift the HPDs performance, drop me a line. It was completely worthwhile imo.
-my favourite was a nice compact system based around Ardens, a UR amp and a CDP, not sure what but extremely musical and enjoyable to my ears, one of my favourite rooms that day.
Mine too, just sounded right:thumbsup:
The Black Adder
04-05-2012, 17:56
My new/old Lockwoods are now up and running and I'm in audio heaven, these are simply amazing. Thunderingly so...!
If some expert advice is still needed, the very best person to speak to RE any Tannoy model IMHO is Haden Boardman. He's written loads of articles RE Tannoys and I believe still runs his audio workshop as well as writing the odd review for the hifi press. He can be contacted via his website at Audio Classics: http://www.audioclassics.co.uk/
Spot on, *but* if he falls in love with the Buckinghams, when he hears them, and his room can successfully accommodate them, then my advice is to follow his heart and treat himself!
Let's see how it pans out, once he's heard them, and take it from there :)
Marco.
I agree, and I was probably premature to start offering alternatives. I suspect if I'd had the cash on hand when I heard the Buckinghams (they were for sale at the time), I probably would have carried them away. As it was, the speakers in that room I really wanted were not for sale - Electro-Voice Patricians. Wardrobes with a 30" woofer that never sounds wooly or out of control. But that's a story for another day.
Nice to see a bit of Tannoy love again!
I didn't hear all the Tannoy systems at Scalford this year, but all the ones I did, sounded both similar and distinct for one reason or another. Some preferable to others-my favourite was a nice compact system based around Ardens, a UR amp and a CDP, not sure what but extremely musical and enjoyable to my ears, one of my favourite rooms that day.
Lance-did we talk to you over dinner with your wife? Maybe it was someone else but we had a very pleasant conversation with an older couple after everyone had packed up and gone.
Paul/Mr Musicosis-I'm in East London, wouldn't mind having a listen to your Lockwoods, see how they compare to GRFs sometime?
Jay-agree with your comment about their reputation but I'd add to your list the effect of the cabinets-a lot of them weren't that good! Put them in a new rigid box and then say whether they are tubby or colourful. There is hf rolloff yes, but I've had ultra-detailed Beryllium drivers too and I know which I'd rather listen to for extended time.
If you would like to hear what a hard-edge recone and new crossover can do to lift the HPDs performance, drop me a line. It was completely worthwhile imo.
I agree with you 100%. as much as I like my Ardens, I can't help but think about the cabinet compromises. I would love to hear your speakers (I'll PM shortly). As for the Beryllium drivers, I know. I have tinnitus, that sort of HF is like running a dentist's drill a couple of inches from each ear after a short time.
As it was, the speakers in that room I really wanted were not for sale - Electro-Voice Patricians. Wardrobes with a 30" woofer that never sounds wooly or out of control. But that's a story for another day.
30" woofer??? Hahahaha - I didn't even know such a thing existed... What a riot they'd be!! :lol:
Got any pics of those bad boys? :eyebrows:
Marco.
My new/old Lockwoods are now up and running and I'm in audio heaven, these are simply amazing. Thunderingly so...!
We want pics NOWWWWWWWWW!! :D
Marco.
30" woofer??? Hahahaha - I didn't even know such a thing existed... What a riot they'd be!! :lol:
Got any pics of those bad boys? :eyebrows:
Marco.
Apologies for the Japanese text, but this is basically what the cabinets look like:
http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/audio_agent/52207454.html
Scroll down for a view of the 30" woofer:
http://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=172178
The thing is, I expected them to sound a bit unfocussed, and the bass to be a little "behind the curve." I should have kerbed my predjudice though, as the guy who owns them bought them to flip, but ended up shoving his custom Tannoys out the door instead. After a listen I understand why. The bass is effortless, regardless of how deep it digs. I have long held the opinion that any speaker can benefit from correct application of subwoofers (note the plural), but these are truly the only speakers I've heard that do not need it. They aren't lacking in mids or highs either, though the E-V tweeters could be improved upon. 16 ohm and driveable with 10wpc (and they have built-in tri-amp ability).
PaulStewart
04-05-2012, 22:39
+1 on "proper Tannoys"... ;)
Didn't realise you had Lockwoods, Paul. Welcome to the club! What are the Academy cases like - got any pics?
Marco.
Hi Marco,
The Lockwoods are amazing, cases are a bit tatty, but when you consider their age and that they started life at the BBC in Bristol then went to a local studio they are pretty good. The three layers of the case, ply,chipboard and 1" heavy felt are almost inert at any volume. I first used these around 79/80 when I was running the studio in the Rainbow Theatre and always wanted a pair at home. Before eBay was popular in the uk, about 9 years ago I landed them for only £410.00. When they first came up I sent the image to Lockwood Audio as they were advertised just as MGs. Roger confirmed my thoughts on what they were and I've been in love with them since then.
Paul S
Interesting, Paul. It always seems to be the case that most of the vintage Lockwood cabinets are tatty as hell, I guess because they've been abused in studios.
When I bought mine, I thought that they were in good nick, but nothing special. However, since then I've now realised just how near mint mine are:
Here are a couple of pics of my 'Majors', fitted with 15" MGs....
At home:
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4496/lockwoodmajors0261.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/14/lockwoodmajors0261.jpg/)
At the Scalford Hall 'bake-off' show (along with some of my other kit):
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/4747/dsc0008wks.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/24/dsc0008wks.jpg/)
From a different angle:
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/2563/scalfordhall2010.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/20/scalfordhall2010.jpg/)
You're right though, unspectacular they may look, but BOY do they not sound that way! ;)
Here's one of my other 'little babies': Celestion Studio 66 Monitors (taken from another show we did at Scalford Hall):
http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/6338/imag0066cp.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/851/imag0066cp.jpg/)
Marco.
My new/old Lockwoods are now up and running and I'm in audio heaven, these are simply amazing. Thunderingly so...!
trying to make me jealous
Hi Jay,
Apologies for the Japanese text, but this is basically what the cabinets look like:
http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/audio_agent/52207454.html
Scroll down for a view of the 30" woofer:
http://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=172178
WOW... I can just imagine what they must sound like! I know the frightening sheer heft and scale my (tiny in comparison, Lockwoods) are capable of producing, but those things must be devastating in their near earth-moving capabilities!! :eek:
The thing is, I expected them to sound a bit unfocussed, and the bass to be a little "behind the curve." I should have kerbed my predjudice though, as the guy who owns them bought them to flip, but ended up shoving his custom Tannoys out the door instead.
I could well understand why! Thing is, I suspect they'd be paper cones, and extremely efficient, so you would only need a few watts to blow you out of the room!
After a listen I understand why. The bass is effortless, regardless of how deep it digs. I have long held the opinion that any speaker can benefit from correct application of subwoofers (note the plural), but these are truly the only speakers I've heard that do not need it. They aren't lacking in mids or highs either, though the E-V tweeters could be improved upon. 16 ohm and driveable with 10wpc (and they have built-in tri-amp ability).
Yup, sure, I get where you're coming from. Thing is, when you've heard what huge, properly designed, speakers can do in the right set-up, then there's no going back to the toytown and ineffectual little speaker-ettes most folk use! :eyebrows:
Marco.
I could well understand why! Thing is, I suspect they'd be paper cones, and extremely efficient, so you would only need a few watts to blow you out of the room!
At the time I heard them he was driving them with a pair of vintage monoblocks. I think they were Fisher or Scott, and probably not more than 30 watts, though i think those speakers could actually be driven by flea-watt SET amps. The tri-amp option is something special though, but I'm not sure if they need an active crossover to work properly.
Yup, sure, I get where you're coming from. Thing is, when you've heard what huge, properly designed, speakers can do in the right set-up, then there's no going back to the toytown and ineffectual little speaker-ettes most folk use! :eyebrows:
Marco.
Unfortunately I had to take a step back, putting my Cheviots back in service. I may try to sneak the Ardens back in, but I would prefer to see if I can find some better cabinets, that also pass WAF. I need cabs that can play close to the walls, without too much bass emphasis (WAF is also impacting available room treatment options). My lovely wife, unfortunately, couldn't care less about Hoffman's Iron Law.
montesquieu
06-05-2012, 00:38
You are always welcome here Lance and only 20 mikes away up the M4. My Tannoys have had the crossovers redone since you were here and the cabs refinished. Bring the 989s if you like its a comparison I've always wondered about.
Elvis's last movement
06-05-2012, 16:11
Hi everyone....we won't be going to listen to the Buckinghams for another 2 weeks as we have apparently volunteered to marshall at a 10k road race next Sunday.
Reid Malenfant
06-05-2012, 16:15
Hey Lance, is it you I bought the Townshend Glastonburys off of?
If so, they sound very nice indeed :D
Elvis's last movement
06-05-2012, 16:27
Hey Lance, is it you I bought the Townshend Glastonburys off of?
If so, they sound very nice indeed :D
Hi Mark yes it is...glad you like them. I still have the phoros of your listening room on my phone. I wish I had had more time to to listen to your system...it looked amazing.
Reid Malenfant
06-05-2012, 16:31
Oh I wouldn't worry about mine Lance, not if you are getting those Buckinghams :D
They really should kick some botty in theory :) I'm sure I posted why a few pages back, so I'll not prattle on about it again. I'm sure you won't be disappointed...
Elvis's last movement
20-05-2012, 19:33
Hi all.....the Tannoy Buckinghams are mine. I have never heard a better sound ( in my opinion :) ) i am so glad i went and listened. Miles Davis Kind of Blue was the clincher.....
Unbelievable bass.....astonishing!!! Thanks for all the help and guidance, it's been much appreciated.
montesquieu
20-05-2012, 19:55
Hi all.....the Tannoy Buckinghams are mine. I have never heard a better sound ( in my opinion :) ) i am so glad i went and listened. Miles Davis Kind of Blue was the clincher.....
Unbelievable bass.....astonishing!!! Thanks for all the help and guidance, it's been much appreciated.
Well done Lance, join the Tannoy club here, soon you'll be as much a fan boy as the rest of us.:cool:
Brilliant stuff, Lance. I had a feeling you'd go for them in the end. Treasure them as something special, as I know you will do - enjoy! :cool:
Marco.
good Stuff Lance and welcome to the Tannoy club :D
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