Tannoy DC Question

[Ninanina]

I am only asking in curiosity at the moment ;)

IF I wanted to try a pair of Tannoy DC's without spending a fortune where would I start? I do love my Klipsch Heresy's but you know what it's like you always want to try something different/new

The only Tannoy DC's I've owned where a pair of DMT 15's and I was not at all impressed with them and sold them very shortly after I purchased them...they were beautifully built but the sound did nothing for me

What are others using in the DC range?

Just a thought at the moment as the price I've seen some DC's go for seems silly to me...;)

My room is not huge so I am thinking any 15" DC's may be just too big... Any DC would have to be ok being driven by the Oto which is about 10w..

[Ninanina]

I'd also like to add that I'd prefer newer DC's so I don't have all the possible problems with old crossovers and worn out drivers... ;)

[walpurgis]

Hi Bev.

There are two options really. The DCs with pepperpot waveguide compression horns (the purist option really), or the tulip waveguide, dual magnet models.

Don't dismiss the dual magnet jobs, some are very good. My favourite being the compact System 800 nearfield monitor, they really are a bit special.

There are numerous pepperpot models which I won't list here. A bit of googling will enlighten you.

I have favourites, the 12" Monitor Gold Chatsworth (which needs a few basic mods to give its best). The Eaton, with the lovely 10" HPD 295A and of course my current speakers, the 12" 3128 Cheviots, which use the later ceramic magnets and to me at least, sound noticeably better than the 12" HPD and 12" Gold.

The later SRM and LRM models are well worth having a look at too.

Then you move onto 15" units, but I suspect you may not be looking for cabinets that big.

[walpurgis]

I'd also like to add that I'd prefer newer DC's so I don't have all the possible problems with old crossovers and worn out drivers... ;)

There are no newer DCs at sane prices. You'll pay £4000 for a used pair of Kensingtons. The older units really are not much aggro, I've had loads. Mine are from 1978 and work just fine.

Have a look at the LRM/SRM jobs. They have the hard edge cone surrounds that don't rot and they are later than the HPD and Gold models.

[Ninanina]

There are no newer DCs at sane prices. You'll pay £4000 for a used pair of Kensingtons. The older units really are not much aggro, I've had loads. Mine are from 1978 and work just fine.
Thanks Geoff

Are these any good? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281566901896?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[walpurgis]

Thanks Geoff

Are these any good? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281566901896?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I've heard a few of the Dimension range and was not impressed. That 8" unit is an earlier tulip waveguide model if I'm correct and I'd not be keen on it.

[Floyddroid]

I use DC900's and i really love their midband. They're a fair old chunk though. The DC700's are a tad smaller which may appeal.

[walpurgis]

Now something like this would definitely appeal. It uses the hard edged version of the driver in my speakers and sounds sublime.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tannoy-Little-Gold-Monitors-LGM-12in-dual-concentric-studio-monitors-fantastic-/281592305365?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item41903596d5

[Ninanina]

I am on a very steep learning curve with Tannoy DC's I think.... so much to learn.. :doh:

Are these any good? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331477317265?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[walpurgis]

I am on a very steep learning curve with Tannoy DC's I think.... so much to learn.. :doh:

Are these any good? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331477317265?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Devons are OK I suppose (I didn't like mine much, but they probably needed recapping). They use the 12" HPD 315, same as the Cheviot had for most of its production run. The Cheviot is a better speaker though and takes up no more room than Devons on stands. The LGMs I mentioned earlier will run circles around these though.

[struth]

Watching a pair from the states of the 800,s.....look ok but too far to travel.

[Ninanina]

Watching a pair from the states of the 800,s.....look ok but too far to travel.

These ones Grant? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251832234303?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Are they any good then ? and are they worth that sort of money ?

[struth]

Thats them... Dunno. the price is ok but when you take the postage and no doubt customs charge, and the possibility of damage???

[walpurgis]

These ones Grant? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251832234303?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Are they any good then ? and are they worth that sort of money ?

A couple of years ago you'd have paid £200 to £250. Lately they've been going up. They do sound superb though.

Lovely speakers, but I'd be hesitant to import. The carriage & duty would be offputting and if they got damaged there'd be an awful hassle. Suppose they wanted them returned before a refund? You'd probably pay £150 return shipping.

[Ninanina]

So how does the System 800 compare to all the 'old' monitor Red/Golds etc ?

Thanks for all your help... ;)

[walpurgis]

So how does the System 800 compare to all the 'old' monitor Red/Golds etc ?

Thanks for all your help... ;)

The 800 is very different to the older 'Monitors'. It is less coloured and smoother. Transparency is more or less as good and the imaging is superb, bags of punch for a smallish box too. They are 94db sensitivity and have a power handling of 180 watts if I recall, sensible impedance curve as well, so they'll go damn loud and work with any amp.

I reckon the older pepperpot speakers just have that little bit more 'vitality & vibrancy' though.

[Ninanina]

The 800 is very different to the older 'Monitors'. It is less coloured and smoother. Transparency is more or less as good and the imaging is superb, bags of punch for a smallish box too. They are 94db sensitivity and have a power handling of 180 watts if I recall, sensible impedance curve as well, so they'll go damn loud and work with any amp.

I reckon the older pepperpot speakers just have that little bit more 'vitality & vibrancy' though.

Thanks Geoff

If I DID go for the 800's would they be a good bet? What changes would I hear over the Heresy's ? I really do appreciate all the help... xx

I have a 'sneaky' suspicion that DC's will have a similar sound to the Heresy's.. with their immediacy and clean sound.. any thoughts ?? ;)

[walpurgis]

Thanks Geoff

If I DID go for the 800's would they be a good bet? What changes would I hear over the Heresy's ? I really do appreciate all the help... xx

To be honest, I'd point you towards the LGMs I mentioned. They are in a different league and the cost could likely work out less. Check out the online reviews. The System 800 is well liked, but the SRM/LRM/LGM speakers are sensational. I reckon they'd be vastly superior to the Klipshes in just about every way apart from bass extension which will probably not be much deeper, but perfectly adequate and equally tight. The imaging and depth of the sound is amazing.

By the way the seller of the LGMs is mistaken, they were not painted black for studio use, that is the original finish.

[Ninanina]

Thanks Geoff

So these are good? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tannoy-Little-Gold-Monitors-LGM-12in-dual-concentric-studio-monitors-fantastic-/281592305365?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item41903596d5&clk_rvr_id=779517283056&afsrc=1&rmvSB=true

What would be a good price for them ? Cheers....x

[walpurgis]

Thanks Geoff

So these are good? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tannoy-Little-Gold-Monitors-LGM-12in-dual-concentric-studio-monitors-fantastic-/281592305365?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item41903596d5&clk_rvr_id=779517283056&afsrc=1&rmvSB=true

What would be a good price for them ? Cheers....x


Oh yes. They are lovely. I'd offer £700. I know what these 12" drivers sound like. They were used in several different cabinets and sound wonderful.

They have been steadily going up in value, so if you decided they were not for you, you could sell them on without losing money (maybe even a small profit).

They're only an hour and a half away from you. Why not ask if you can go and hear them.

[Ninanina]

Oh yes. They are lovely. I'd offer £700. I know what these 12" drivers sound like. They were used in several different cabinets and sound wonderful.

They have been steadily going up in value, so if you decided they were not for you, you could sell them on without losing money (maybe even a small profit).

Thanks so much Geoff ... I will give it some thought and MAYBE make an offer... I didn't think I'd ever think of changing from the Heresy's but you know what it's like... and soo many peeps on here seem to love the old DC's...

Are these one's as good as you have ?

[Ninanina]

Well being impetuous I've made an offer on them.... I don't really expect it to be accepted but you never know.... :D

[walpurgis]

Are these one's as good as you have ?

They are the same drive unit apart from the cone surrounds, which are the foam rubber on mine. I replaced them when I bought the speakers as they were falling apart. The LGMs have the corrugated hard edge surrounds that don't fall apart. Trust me, they'll astonish you! :)

[walpurgis]

Well being impetuous I've made an offer on them.... I don't really expect it to be accepted but you never know.... :D

Wow! Hope you get them. Was it a sensible offer?

[Ninanina]

They are the same drive unit apart from the cone surrounds, which are the foam rubber on mine. I replaced them when I bought the speakers as they were falling apart. The LGMs have the corrugated hard edge surrounds that don't fall apart. Trust me, they'll astonish you! :)

Thanks Geoff... well we will see if he accepts my offer... I doubt it but you just never know... ;)

[Ninanina]

Wow! Hope you get them. Was it a sensible offer?

It was a reasonably 'sensible' offer... ;)

[struth]

a pair of Klipsch coming up :D

[walpurgis]

Just my opinion, but if you get them, I reckon the Hereseys will be up for sale within a week!

[walpurgis]

I see Grant pipped me to the post. :)

[Ninanina]

Just my opinion, but if you get them, I reckon the Hereseys will be up for sale within a week!

Well lets just see... I love my Heresy's so any new speaker is going to have to be very good indeed to topple them...;)

[Ninanina]

Does anyone know the sensitivity of these speakers, as I only have 10w of AN Oto to drive them ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tannoy-Little-Gold-Monitors-LGM-12in-dual-concentric-studio-monitors-fantastic-/281592305365?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item41903596d5&clk_rvr_id=779517283056&afsrc=1&rmvSB=true&clk_rvr_id=779523378398&afsrc=1&rmvSB=true

[walpurgis]

I believe they are 94db. My 4 watt valve amp drives mine OK. Tannoys tend to be an easy load. They'd be fine on the end of an Otto. My old Leak Stereo 20 with 12 watts used to get silly loud outputs from Tannoys.

[southall-1998]

Damn! If Bev's Heresy came up a couple months later, I'd have them!!

S.

[montesquieu]

There's a pair of Tannoy Cheviots over on PFM going for £450 ... total bargain if they are as described (and from the seller I suspect they will be).

[walpurgis]

Damn! If Bev's Heresy came up a couple months later, I'd have them!!

S.

Hi Shane. How're you doing?

[walpurgis]

There's a pair of Tannoy Cheviots over on PFM going for £450 ... total bargain if they are as described (and from the seller I suspect they will be).

That is definitely cheap. They're not as good as the LGMs though.

[southall-1998]

Hi Shane. How're you doing?

Not bad, Geoff. The Sugden is still here keeping my hand warm :)

S.

[Ninanina]

Damn! If Bev's Heresy came up a couple months later, I'd have them!!

S.

Actually I think it would be a real problem parting with the Heresy's... I love them to bits... so don't hold your breath, even if I get a pair of DC's ;)

[montesquieu]

That is definitely cheap. They're not as good as the LGMs though.

Not sure I agree. Trip to Paul's and they'll be better I would reckon. To my mind the HPD315 driver ** in the right enclosure ** (Which the Cheviots aren't quite but still) is one of the best drivers Tannoy ever made. Certainly better than the 12in MG and right up there with the 15in MG. (Owned all of these in various cabinets btw).

[Ninanina]

I believe they are 94db. My 4 watt valve amp drives mine OK. Tannoys tend to be an easy load. They'd be fine on the end of an Otto. My old Leak Stereo 20 with 12 watts used to get silly loud outputs from Tannoys.

That's great... I don't think the Oto would have any trouble driving them properly then .... ;)

[Ninanina]

Not bad, Geoff. The Sugden is still here keeping my hand warm :)

S.

Shane I tried a Sugden A21a for a little while and they certainly do help in keeping the house warm... I ultimately changed to valves and have not looked backed since but the little Sugden is a very good amp indeed... :)

[montesquieu]

That's great... I don't think the Oto would have any trouble driving them properly then .... ;)

If it's the push-pull version of the Oto - 12w, PP EL84s - then it should be fine.

If it's the single ended version it will struggle in the lower registers. (I tried the Oto SE phono signature with my 15in MGs and it was a hopeless mistmatch).

[Ninanina]

If it's the push-pull version of the Oto - 12w, PP EL84s - then it should be fine.

If it's the single ended version it will struggle in the lower registers. (I tried the Oto SE phono signature with my 15in MGs and it was a hopeless mistmatch).

Tom I have the SE version, which is about 10w, so I was hoping they would drive the DC's ok... but maybe not :doh:

[southall-1998]

Tom I have the SE version, which is about 10w, so I was hoping they would drive the DC's ok... but maybe not :doh:

Trust your ears.

S.

[walpurgis]

Not sure I agree. Trip to Paul's and they'll be better I would reckon. To my mind the HPD315 driver ** in the right enclosure ** (Which the Cheviots aren't quite but still) is one of the best drivers Tannoy ever made. Certainly better than the 12in MG and right up there with the 15in MG. (Owned all of these in various cabinets btw).

I've had a number of HPD 315 speakers in good condition and with crossovers functioning correctly and the later 12" 3149 and 3128 ceramic magnet drivers (which we have mentioned) have impressed me more, as being less coloured and even more 'vibrant' in the typical Tannoy DC way.

I've not had the pleasure of using older Black, Silver or Red Tannoys, but I've owned 22 pairs of DCs over the last forty years, including the Golds. Not had room for 15" jobs but plenty of 12", 10" and so on. Tulip and pepperpot types.

[montesquieu]

Tom I have the SE version, which is about 10w, so I was hoping they would drive the DC's ok... but maybe not :doh:

Try and take it round to someone with Tannoys and have a listen (you aren't all that far from me if you fancy a blat up at the weekend ... under an hour up the M3, J4a). My modern-day vintage Tannoy Canterburys use HPD315s.

Tannoys need a decent damping factor to hold things together in the bass, which is exactly what single ended amps generally lack. Something like a Leak 20 would be better with DCs.

[montesquieu]

I've had a number of HPD 315 speakers in good condition and with crossovers functioning correctly and the later 12" 3149 and 3128 ceramic magnet drivers (which we have mentioned) have impressed me more, as being less coloured and even more 'vibrant' in the typical Tannoy DC way.

I've not had the pleasure of using older Black, Silver or Red Tannoys, but I've owned 22 pairs of DCs over the last forty years, including the Golds. Not had room for 15" jobs but plenty of 12", 10" and so on. Tulip and pepperpot types.

Hmm well I heard LGMs and I thought 'studio speaker' (which is what they were), I take the HPDs with the right amp for music-making.

[walpurgis]

Tom I have the SE version, which is about 10w, so I was hoping they would drive the DC's ok... but maybe not :doh:

My 4 watt valve amp is a 6V6 SE design and drives the Tannoys OK, so don't panic. Your Klipschs are a more difficult load.

[southall-1998]

My 4 watt valve amp is a 6V6 SE design and drives the Tannoys OK, so don't panic. Your Klipschs are a more difficult load.

:eek:

S.

[Ninanina]

Try and take it round to someone with Tannoys and have a listen (you aren't all that far from me if you fancy a blat up at the weekend ... under an hour up the M3, J4a)


Thats very good of you Tom... if I don't get anywhere with my offer I may well take you up on your very kind offer... thanks x

[montesquieu]

My 4 watt valve amp is a 6V6 SE design and drives the Tannoys OK, so don't panic. Your Klipschs are a more difficult load.

Yes it will drive them. And the upper and midrange might well sound nice. It simply **won't** (laws of physics) deliver precision in the bass. This won't matter so much in some cabinets.

[Ninanina]

My 4 watt valve amp is a 6V6 SE design and drives the Tannoys OK, so don't panic. Your Klipschs are a more difficult load.

That's good to hear Geoff as I certainly don't want to swap out my Oto... I love it to bits.... In fact I love my Klipsch to bits as well but I am aware of DC's being very popular around here so am interested to try a pair... If they beat the Heresy's then they must be very good indeed... ;)

[walpurgis]

Yes it will drive them. And the upper and midrange might well sound nice. It simply **won't** (laws of physics) deliver precision in the bass. This won't matter so much in some cabinets.

I have a variety of amps and my regular power amp delivers a 'mere' 25 watts, but grips the Tannoys very firmly indeed, with tight solid and extended bass. I've used good power amplifiers offering over 200 watts PC with no better results.

[southall-1998]

Shane I tried a Sugden A21a for a little while and they certainly do help in keeping the house warm... I ultimately changed to valves and have not looked backed since but the little Sugden is a very good amp indeed... :)


The Sugden is just a solid state amp with an honest and clean sound.

A good valve amp is very hard to beat!!

Good luck with the Tannoy hunt, Bev.

S.

[Ninanina]

Good luck with the Tannoy hunt, Bev.
S.

Thanks Shane... I think it could be a long road though.... ;)

[montesquieu]

I have a variety of amps and my regular power amp delivers a 'mere' 25 watts, but grips the Tannoys very firmly indeed, with tight solid and extended bass. I've used good power amplifiers offering over 200 watts PC with no better results.

25w PP should drive most Tannoys. Agree power isn't necessarily the answer. But damping factor is!

[Andrei]

Thanks Shane... I think it could be a long road though.... ;)
No it's not. Go back to: "Try and take it round to someone with Tannoys and have a listen (you aren't all that far from me if you fancy a blat up at the weekend ... under an hour up the M3, J4a)."
Under an hour Bev, under an hour - besides we all want to see you on your bike with a couple of Tannoys strapped to your back.

[Ninanina]

- besides we all want to see you on your bike with a couple of Tannoys strapped to your back.

Well that would be a sight...... :D

[Reffc]

There's a pair of Tannoy Cheviots over on PFM going for £450 ... total bargain if they are as described (and from the seller I suspect they will be).

That is a total bargain, and yes, they can be made to sound every bit as good as LRMs. Point is that they have the 12 inch HPDs, and as Tom and I both know, put those into larger cabinets, or have the Cheviots re-tuned, and they are stunning. For my money, that driver remains one of the best DC's made. I heard Tom's this week, and it would take something like the Canterbury Prestige to come close. For £450, they are a complete no brainer.

[Reffc]

That's good to hear Geoff as I certainly don't want to swap out my Oto... I love it to bits.... In fact I love my Klipsch to bits as well but I am aware of DC's being very popular around here so am interested to try a pair... If they beat the Heresy's then they must be very good indeed... ;)

I hear what others are saying, but having worked with many dozens of tannoys, and having gone through a period of several years testing with many dozens of amps when I was designing cabinets and crossovers for Tannoys (and still do), I can assure you Bev, that the OTO is not the best match with DC's. As Tom says, it's simple laws of physics. The OTO simply does not have the required damping factor. It will go loud enough but it will not have any bass grip. DC's respond best to push-pull designs of at least 25 watts or more. They work fabulously well on the end of something like Quad 303 power amps and most other SS amps which are relatively inexpensive and plentiful. You are looking to compromise what they are capable of if the OTO remains the heart of the system. The amp needs to match the speakers. If it's speakers to match the amp, then perhaps you're better off looking at other speakers.

[The Black Adder]

I've had great results with digital amps too! I was very surprised.

[Marco]

Bev, you've received some good advice so far, which I concur with. My recommendation would be that if you want to 'do Tannoy DCs properly', then two things are of paramount importance:

1) Only buy the best of the HPDs, or Monitor Golds, housed in suitable cabinets (i.e. of the correct internal volume to optimise the performance of the drive units used). Other Tannoy DCs (aside from Monitor Silvers or Reds, and those have their own issues) are second-class citizens in comparison, and IMO, not worth the effort.

Therefore, essentially, you're looking at the best models from the 60s and 70s, unless you can afford to splash out big on something from Tannoy's current Prestige range.

2) [And this is mandatory, as indeed just touched upon by Paul], treat the exercise as an amp/speaker combination - not simply a speaker purchase.

In order to get Tannoy DCs to work properly, they *must* be partnered with an amplifier that provides a good electrical match, especially in terms of bass grip, when it comes to the likes of the larger Monitor Golds.

Also, it is very likely that, in order to hear any of the above at their best, a crossover upgrade (of some description) will be necessary, if for no reason other than replacing ageing capacitors no longer functioning at their originally designed parameters.

Anyway, if you do decide to join the Tannoy DC club, I hope it works out well for you! :)

Marco.

[Marco]

Incidentally, here's some interesting info on Tannoy DCs, and what makes their design so effective and unique (it's a long read, and a bit technical in places, but worth sitting down and digesting with a nice glass of vino, or three!):

http://www.allegrosound.com/Tannoy_Dual-Concentric.pdf

Marco.

[Ninanina]

Thank you all for your comments and information....

It would seem that perhaps my Oto is not the best match for some DC's and as I am definitely NOT changing my amp anytime soon it may be best to forget DC's for the time being

I still love my Heresy's but thought maybe to 'try' some DC's but if that means swapping out other parts of my system that's not going to happen.. so for the time being I will probably stick with what I have

I am in no rush so maybe I will just keep an eye out for some really good DC's, in appropriate cabinets, and go from there... ;)

I also think I need to read up a little more on DC's so I can make sure I know what's out there and what's good and what's not so good...

[walpurgis]

Is there a Tannoy owning member near you that would let you try your amp on some?

The Oto is not gutless. I reckon it would work OK. Most Tannoy DCs are pretty sensitive and an easy enough load.

I have a pair of 15 watt Class A EL34 monoblocks that drive any Tannoy I've tried very well giving extremely tight, deep bass. They even drove a pair of 82db sensitivity Celestion SL600Si speakers plenty loud enough and gripped them well.

[Ninanina]

Is there a Tannoy owning member near you that would let you try your amp on some?

The Oto is not gutless. I reckon it would work OK. Most Tannoy DCs are pretty sensitive and an easy enough load.

I have a pair of 15 watt Class A EL34 monoblocks that drive any Tannoy I've tried very well giving extremely tight, deep bass. They even drove a pair of 82db sensitivity Celestion SL600Si speakers plenty loud enough and gripped them well.

Well I don't know if there are any Tannoy owners close by me, if you do live close by Portsmouth maybe you can give me a shout...

I do have a sneaky suspicion that the DC's may well be 'similar' to my current Heresy's... I believe DC's have an immediacy and vibrancy close to my current horns.. Is there anyone on here that have heard both ? that would be very interesting

Like any hifi nut it might be that sometimes you are better to stick with what you know and be 'happy' with it...

I did make an offer on these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281592305365?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I also asked a couple of simple questions to the seller and have heard absolutely nothing back... I hate it when sellers don't answer questions... they were really simple questions but obviously the seller can't be bothered to respond.. I have since retracted my offer due to this...

I'll stick with the Heresy's for the time being as I do love them to bits.... I will also keep an eye out for DC's long term though ;)

[montesquieu]

Well I don't know if there are any Tannoy owners close by me, if you do live close by Portsmouth maybe you can give me a shout...


I'm really not that far indeed the Historic Dockyard is a regular when we have visitors ... seriously I'm an hour away at most.

[Ninanina]

I'm really not that far indeed the Historic Dockyard is a regular when we have visitors ... seriously I'm an hour away at most.

Thanks so much Tom... I will give it some thought and get back to you... Can you remind me what DC's you have ?

[montesquieu]

Thanks so much Tom... I will give it some thought and get back to you... Can you remind me what DC's you have ?

Custom-made Tannoy Canterburys (see this thread (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?36652-A-Visit-to-Tom-s-Place-%28Montesquieu%29&p=620456#post620456)) with 12 inch HPD315s inside, as in the Cheviots (http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/showthread.php?t=166953&highlight=tannoy) on PFM.

While it says Berkshire, I'm about 1/4 mile from the border with Hampshire.

[Reffc]

Why not take your Oto over to Toms and compare it against Toms PP design Radford? That'd show you the very significant difference between SE and PP when it comes to Tannoy. You will not be disappointed by Toms DCs; If you are insistent about keeping the Oto, then you could always have it in a second system or hang onto it for a rainy day, but I repeat, it is not the most suitable amplifier (despite what anyone will tell you) for Tannoys. The Oto has a relatively high output impedance and will not be able to control the bass registers. DC drivers have an impedance plot resembling the Alps, so using any SE amp without sufficient feedback in the design will mean that the amp becomes reactive into the varying load impedance, resulting in frequency anomolies. The Oto will work remarkably well with many horn loaded designs or flatter speaker loads, but not with Tannoys. I have used one and whilst it sounded ok with my HPDs, the bass was all over the place. The Oto, conversely, worked surprisingly well with my Horning Agathon Ultimates (that was a great match).

[Ninanina]

My favourite being the compact System 800 nearfield monitor, they really are a bit special.
Can anyone tell me if the System 600 also performs similar to the 800 ?

Thanks

[Marco]

Sorry (and I don't often disagree with Geoff), neither of those, IMO, are what I'd call 'proper' Tannoys! :nono:

Marco.

[walpurgis]

I've owned several pairs of each Bev. They're both nice speakers and do have a similar presentation, the 800 sounding a little beefier due to the bigger driver.

(and having just noticed Marco's comment. I'll say obviously they won't sound like 15" Golds and the like, but they do have that pinpoint imaging and are pretty revealing and decently transparent)

[Ninanina]

Sorry (and I don't often disagree with Geoff), neither of those, IMO, are what I'd call 'proper' Tannoys! :nono:

Marco.
Well that depends on what you mean by 'proper' Tannoys... I've looked at quite a few 'traditional' Tannoys and consider them over priced and many of them will need work to sound their best, further adding to their cost

I think that the high prices are mainly due to the Asians loving them.. I think it's a bit like LS3/5a's... do I think LS3/5a's are worth their money? (and I own a pair!) no I don't they are but again because the Asians are buying them in numbers the price is set high'ish...;)

I also consider my Heresy's as 'proper' Klipsch but some would disagree and only consider the likes of La Scala's and Klipschorns as 'proper' Klipsch.. If you get my point...

[Marco]

Hi Bev,

I know where you're coming from, but honestly (if you like the type of sonic/musical presentation they offer), they're not overpriced when you hear them - far from it. I wouldn't swap my Lockwood Majors for speakers I've heard costing £15-20k, and others who've heard them agree, yet with the modded crossovers, they only cost me about £5k...

LS35as are a different kettle of fish.

By all means, go for a pair of 600s or 800s, if that's what you want (and I hope you like them), but read Geoff's last post and you'll see that he's telling you pretty much what I am :)

Marco.

[Ninanina]

they only cost me about £5k...


Well I guess your 'only' and my 'only' are very far apart. I won't be spending anywhere near that sort of money on any speakers...Tannoy's or otherwise... ;)

[Marco]

Lol - I know, but that's not what I meant. What I meant is that they sound like £15-20k speakers, yet 'only' cost me £5k, therefore they aren't 'overpriced' (as per your initial comment), but rather the complete opposite.

See where I'm coming from now? :)

Of course, you'd have to hear them yourself to find out if you agree!

Marco.

[walpurgis]

I can see both sides if this debate. Funny thing is, I use a small room for listening and have very much enjoyed both the rather compact System 800 and my 12" 3128 Cheviots in the same room. Obviously I would not swap the Cheviots, but the 800 sounded damn good. The 600 is fine too, but on a smaller scale, not to be underestimated though.

[Marco]

I get that, Geoff. However, you and I know that Monitor Golds they ain't - not even close! However, it all depends on what Bev is looking for, so she might well like them.

My view is that 'real Tannoys' start and stop with the best of the HPDs and Monitor Golds. Anything else in the Tannoy DC range (other than the current Prestige stuff) is just 'playing at it' :)

Marco.

[Marco]

Bev should look at what Tom's got going on here, and Paul's role in their design, if she wants to own a sorted and 'hassle-free' pair of proper Tannoys:

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?36652-A-Visit-to-Tom-s-Place-(Montesquieu)

Marco.

[walpurgis]

Bev. If you are considering the purchase of any of the System series Tannoys. Be emphatic about how they are to be packed for shipping to you. The drive units are exposed and very vulnerable to damage. If possible collect!

[Ninanina]

Bev. If you are considering the purchase of any of the System series Tannoys. Be emphatic about how they are to be packed for shipping to you. The drive units are exposed and very vulnerable to damage. If possible collect!

Thanks Geoff I do see that the drivers are pretty exposed so if I do try a pair I will try to collect them instead of posting...

[southall-1998]

Thanks Geoff I do see that the drivers are pretty exposed so if I do try a pair I will try to collect them instead of posting...


Fab idea!

S.

[Ninanina]

The Tannoy Autograph Mini intrigues me... it looks so cute... is it any good.. ?

[southall-1998]

I have that on my want list!

S.

[walpurgis]

The Tannoy Autograph Mini intrigues me... it looks so cute... is it any good.. ?

Whilst it looks rather different and costs more. It's actually a close relative of the System 600, the drivers are very similar.

[southall-1998]

I can understand, if the Autograph Mini has a warmer tone over the 600's.

S.

[Ninanina]

I can understand, if the Autograph Mini has a warmer tone over the 600's.

S.
They just look soo cute... ;) However if it's close to the System 600 then it is way overpriced.. !

[montesquieu]

The Tannoy Autograph Mini intrigues me... it looks so cute... is it any good.. ?

The mini Autographs are fun and spookily they really do sound like a real Tannoy. But how much bass can you expect from a 4in driver in a 12in triangular box?

I had huge fun with them in the study playing out from a squeezebox and a DAC, and they sound they made had more than a passing similarity to the 15in MG GRFs I had at the time.

But there was little if anything under 100hz - you'd need a good quality sub, or pair of subs, crossed over very high - on their own they image superbly but as part of a full range, main system I suspect they'd disappoint.

Lovely things though, if WAY overpriced.

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x440/montesquieu61/Toms%20Autographs/tannoy-mini2_zpse2fb6ca3.jpg (http://s1181.photobucket.com/user/montesquieu61/media/Toms%20Autographs/tannoy-mini2_zpse2fb6ca3.jpg.html)

[Ninanina]

Very interesting Tom on the Mini's...

So what drivers do the DMT range use?... I had a pair of 15 DMT's and at the time they did not impress...however I am thinking that maybe they might sound better with my current set up..

Is there any reason why the DMT's will not sound good ?

[Ninanina]

I also believe that the DMT15's use the same driver as used in the rather expensive Churchill speakers... ;)

[montesquieu]

Is there any reason why the DMT's will not sound good ?

It was in this era that Tannoy started faffing about with electronically time aligned crossovers, and this was (IIRC) their first effort at it ... made them stupidly complex and while they made some measurements better around phase, the general consensus was that the sound was a bit of a fail compared to the earlier Monitor series (Black/Silver/Red/Gold/HPD). I'm sure more conventional crossovers could be (and have been) done for them to improve matters - maybe Paul at RFC would be able to help?

Interestingly, for the latest evolution of the current Tannoy models, they've finally given up on time aligned crossovers.

[walpurgis]

I also believe that the DMT15's use the same driver as used in the rather expensive Churchill speakers... ;)

Not sure I've heard the DMT 15 Bev, I've listened to so many Tannoys it's difficult to recall. A friend of mine (who visits AOS but is long overdue to join up here aren't you Bob) has a pair of System 10 DMTs and they sound very nice indeed driven by his EAR 861 or Monarchy Audio SM-70 Pro. They are certainly better than the later System 1000 of similar size.