View Full Version : Tannoy closing Scots plant ...
jandl100
29-04-2016, 17:05
... and moving to China.
http://hifipig.com/tannoy-to-close-scottish-facility-and-move-to-china/
I'm as far from a Tannoy fanboy as you can get, but I'm shocked and saddened by this. :(
hifi_dave
29-04-2016, 17:13
I thought that most of their products were made in China anyway and have been for some years.
Had to happen eventually so not shocked but it is sad.
The Black Adder
29-04-2016, 18:58
A real shame... yet another buy-out doing exactly what they most probably said wouldn't happen.
Ho well... Glad I've got some Tannoys from the golden era.
No real reason why making them in China will reduce quality. It might but it doesn't have to. Doubt they will cost any less to buy, though.
Haselsh1
29-04-2016, 20:34
It never ceases to amaze me how these companies can design all of their stuff in the UK, make it all in China and then ship it back to the UK, sell it and make the huge profits that they so obviously do. Audiolab do it, KEF do it, Quad do it, Icon Audio do it, just how many businesses outside of Hi-Fi do this...? How long will it be before the Chinese wake up and realise they are being taken for an extremely vast ride...?? How can the Chinese sell themselves so low...?? I just don't understand.
Ali Tait
29-04-2016, 20:37
Simple. It's much cheaper to have things made over there.
Erm did not Behringer recently Buy Tannoy lock stock 'n barrel??
Not a surprising turn of events that follow. Just wanted the Name and dick else
Now they are scrambling trying to cover their purchase price.
Sadly, unlike the Harmon International Buy out of '74.
There's Little hope of an eventual revival, given the Sunset era of the Audio Industry.
A genuine shame actually.
Dunno about the Fabrique en Chine nonsense tho.
In My small observations the tide has definitely reversed on Chinese manufacture.
Cheap.. has proven too high a cost.
The demise of the 'Audio Industry' has been talked about for as long as I have been in this hobby - I have magazines going back to 1990 that talk about it.
It doesn't seem to be reflected in reality - I don't think the gradual demise of brick and mortar hi--fi stores is any indicator of the health of the industry, just that times are changing. Ebay shows the used market is quite buoyant - people complain there are no bargains there any more. Not really the sign of a hobby in decline.
Big companies are always looking to reduce costs in order to increase profits, making manufacturing cheaper is the low hanging fruit as wages are always the largest part of the expense. Globalization is inevitable and will continue until there is a rough parity in prices and wages in the major economic countries. It did not take long for South Korea to catch up with the West and I see no reason why that won't happen with China. At that point things will change again.
What a sad day for the UK audio industry. The tragedy is not just that they've decided to do away with all UK based manufacture but that the company's been bought out lock stock and barrel by a non UK organisation with many fingers in other audio pies. The whole direction that Tanoy products now takes may depend only on what the parent company decides is best for market share. Quad has gone the same way along with Wharefdale and the other names that make up the IAG Group so can't say that I'm surprised that Tannoy has gone the same way. None of these companies actually make what their UK based old hands (where they still exist) or former founders/managers want. They make fashion or lifestyle led products for market share mostly and that sort of loses a lot of what these companies once did and were about, their niche products which defined them.
Its very sad that 70 more individuals in the UK audio industry have lost their livelihoods. We'll wait and see what the future brings but my guess is they'll continue to make a pastiche products such as the Prestige Range for the Far East market, at least whilst still profitable to do so, whilst developing more lifestyle and broadening budget range products to appeal to a wider market. Tannoy haven't been UK made for some time, despite the claims, but this is very sad news.
walpurgis
30-04-2016, 09:33
We'll probably end up seeing Bose style audio packages bearing the Tannoy badge. A disaster!
Might actually benefit Tannoy. Its a big group with plenty dollarydoos.
Might actually benefit Tannoy. Its a big group with plenty dollarydoos.
Undoubtedly as it's not a new business tactic to buy a brand name and shift lifestyle products which have the largest market share overall. It wont benefit the heritage and traditional design. Tannoy imho started going backwards when they took a step backwards and reverted to a technically inferior method of phase correction with their GR range after developing the (technically) better concept of the Tulip waveguide. What never seemed to happen was to combine the best elements of both old and new (ie combine the Tulip waveguide with the AlNiCo magnet in a long HF horn which was time aligned and avoid time compensated circuits which don't ever work as well except at crossover). Doing that would improve phase response and frequency response. Maybe the powers that be might look at the advantages of doing this to keep the DC alive and making progress, who knows. Whatever, it's a sad day when British invention and tradition, not to mention the income that it brought and those it supported, are lost. The reality is that accountants and marketing run companies to make money. Invention and tradition, or where the manufacture is based doesn't matter to the parent company. Making money is all that matters. It is just a fact of economics when a company gets large and needs to compete. That and the obvious benefits that brand recognition brings makes a company like Tannoy attractive to buy out I guess.
hifi_dave
30-04-2016, 11:21
For me, they started to go downhill when they were taken over a few years ago. First I was aware was when the rep of many years phoned to say "thank you for your support but he had been sacked". Apparently, someone from the factory would contact me to explain. I left it a week and with no response from them, I phoned the factory. There was no one there who knew anything about anything and no one on the road. I was told that they would no longer supply me as all I sold was the occasional pair of Prestige and they weren't interested unless I took a great pile of home cinema and mass market products.
That was the end for me. So no great loss..:rolleyes:
Yes they will concentrate even more on AV and Pro i think. Its where they were going anyways i think. The small volume hi end HiFi market wont interest them in a financial way. Only if the head or owners want it as you rightly say keep the top liners for prestige sake and to help thus sell the basic av stuff.
Stuff had been make in China for some tiie anyways. I guess it will not harm the DC second hand market too much short term. Someone needs maybe to buy up stock of drivers etc lol
The demise of the 'Audio Industry' has been talked about for as long as I have been in this hobby - I have magazines going back to 1990 that talk about it.
It doesn't seem to be reflected in reality - I don't think the gradual demise of brick and mortar hi--fi stores is any indicator of the health of the industry, just that times are changing. Ebay shows the used market is quite buoyant - people complain there are no bargains there any more. Not really the sign of a hobby in decline.
Not so sure...
Audio as we know it (a large market presence) was and continues to be: a Baby Boomer phenomena.
Now that we are all old farts the few still dicking with audio are finally getting the systems were could only dream about as Youths.
Failing hearing notwithstanding.
Sooo Who do you see replenishing the buying ranks as we All head for homes and/or subsequently die off.. ?.
Current Youths could give a rats ass about audio 'gear'.. even musician types show little interest.
Studios are no better apparently. Dr F Toole expounds on the absymal/ inconsistent quality of music recordings.. which he attributes to the strikingly Poor quality gear used in many studios.
Mediocre recordings, Disinterested generation (s) ? Does that describe an expanding let alone surviving mass market ?
Ebay may be big. But IMO Only in the UK... which as pointless digression; continues to amaze me as to why? Smaller place, easier distribution,
everybody looking for a bargain.. dunno, it boggles my imagination.
Regardless it will be interesting in say 20 yrs
Who will fill the ranks? The youngsters as they get older and wealthier.
I think it was Ken Kessler who made the point that he had been going to audio shows for 30 years, and thirty years ago they were full of old men. And now 30 years on they are still full of old men, just not the same old men.
hifi_dave
01-05-2016, 09:15
I don't agree with Ken on that one. 30 years ago the shows were full of men of all ages. Nowadays it's all men of a certain age.
Back in the 80s and 90s, every Saturday we were booked solid with young lads buying their first proper Hi-Fi system. Now it's rare to see a youngster. The exception is the past 2 years, I have sold quite a few Rega RP1 turntables to youngsters who have discovered their Dad's record collection.
What percentage of them were bearded?
Who will fill the ranks? The youngsters as they get older and wealthier.
I think it was Ken Kessler who made the point that he had been going to audio shows for 30 years, and thirty years ago they were full of old men. And now 30 years on they are still full of old men, just not the same old men.
Seemingly Many devout Audio Weenies have fallen by the wayside (likely lotsa reasons, including loss of interest) while others of similar demographic have moved into the void.
Demographics is Key.
Erm.. isn't a beard a required part of the Audio uniform? Will I have to shave then?
Unlikely Audio will dissapear but the mass market of the 70's boom remains a memory
What Continues to amaze And mystify me is that Speaker 'makers'.... continue... to pop up And subsequently Vanish ...like mushrooms in a field.
This has gone on for decades , so no news there, it's the constancy of this phenomena that boggles.
Makes opening a Restaurant seem like the world's best business plan :eyebrows:
Arkless Electronics
01-05-2016, 18:36
Seemingly Many devout Audio Weenies have fallen by the wayside (likely lotsa reasons, including loss of interest) while others of similar demographic have moved into the void.
Demographics is Key.
Erm.. isn't a beard a required part of the Audio uniform? Will I have to shave then?
Unlikely Audio will dissapear but the mass market of the 70's boom remains a memory
What Continues to amaze And mystify me is that Speaker 'makers'.... continue... to pop up And subsequently Vanish ...like mushrooms in a field.
This has gone on for decades , so no news there, it's the constancy of this phenomena that boggles.
Makes opening a Restaurant seem like the world's best business plan :eyebrows:
Hmm yes... (sour grapes warning :eek:) but as a small manufacturer I reckon the box swappers and the obsession with "brand names" amongst enthusiasts is largely to blame... many buy not on the strength of the sound quality and build quality of a product but on how easy it will be to sell on in the (often near!) future and this is a death knell for many small companies. If Rega/Naim/Linn/Cyrus etc merely change the colour of the on/off LED it gets loads of attention from enthusiasts and probably a 10 page thread.... if the likes of myself says he has a new amp available that will piss on the Rega/Naim/Linn competition and for half the price it gets largely ignored. If only people would support small companies and buy with the intention of keeping it long term rather than "what make and model can I sell on for what I paid for it" then the future of the audio business, for small companies anyway, could be very different... sour grapes rant over :)
Radford Revival
01-05-2016, 18:50
It's not all doom and gloom, I'm 29 and started Radford Revival when I was 24!
If only people would support small companies and buy with the intention of keeping it long term rather than "what make and model can I sell on for what I paid for it" then the future of the audio business, for small companies anyway, could be very different...
Indeed, and I completely agree. Whilst I understand and appreciate the motives (and benefits to them) of people, such as Jerry (jandl100), who continually box-swap, there are far too many audio enthusiasts who do it for the wrong reasons, suffering from 'the grass is always greener syndrome', continually chasing their tail and the dream of 'audio nirvana'.
The sad fact is, most of them never get there, and simply go round and round in circles, spending ever-increasing amounts of money trying to achieve the near-impossible, and in the end are simply left with an empty bank balance and a feeling of deep frustration and disappointment. That's why there are so many jaded and disgruntled 'audiophiles' around! Simply because most don't know what they want or how to achieve it - and this touches upon what danilo wrote earlier.
Also, as you correctly say, folk are blinded/brainwashed by 'established brands', which they feel are a safer bet, and so won't take the risk of buying equipment from smaller manufacturers, for fear of getting their fingers burnt, sadly whose equipment, in many instances, will sonically outperform that of the 'established brands'. Therefore, as you say, they buy on the basis of what they can sell on later without losing much money.
For me, whilst I understand and appreciate the reasons for that approach, there is too much focus on it, and not enough on trying to get it RIGHT in the first place, by doing some proper research on products from smaller manufacturers, and thus taking an educated punt on it, and seeing what happens. If you do your research properly, more often than not, that approach will pay dividends.
Therefore, instead of buying equipment, with a view of 'how much will I lose when selling it later', buy it with the view of getting it RIGHT in the first place, so that you're extremely satisfied with what you've bought, and have no real intention of selling it - and then proceed to build a system on that basis, with in the end spending more money on music than equipment. It's all too easy to lose focus on what should *really* matter, which is the music, not the kit.
It's no coincidence, therefore, that the most contented 'audiophiles' usually have the biggest music collections, simply because they're not continually 'fretting' over the sound of their systems! ;) 'Audiophile Nervosa' is undoubtedly a contagious and rather widespread disease...
In my experience, the approach I've outlined will usually lead to greater overall satisfaction and contentment, not only with your hi-fi system and enjoyment of the audio hobby, but your overall well-being, not just in mind, but in terms of your bank balance....!
Marco.
As far as Tannoy is concerned, yes what's happened is indeed sad, but also inevitable and indicative of the times we're in. Like others here, I'm grateful to own a 'proper' pair of Tannoys, made in London, during the golden Guy Fountain era, which I will never part with.
A big part of the problem, of course, are all the hen-pecked hubbies out there, allowing WAF to control their speaker-buying habits, and so the days of proper-sized, full-range speakers being part of high-end hi-fi systems, are almost dead! ;)
And look at what we're left with. That's 'fashion' for you, eh..... :doh: :rolleyes:
Marco.
Interesting historical information and comment on Tannoy, for those unaware of the basics: http://jeffsplace.me/wordpress/?p=108
Marco.
I have to say I have only heard one Tannoy made in the last 30 years I have really liked.
The Tannoy Kingdom Royal Carbon Edition driven by Thrax amps and MSB DAC. Expensive, very expensive indeed with the lovely Thrax's.
Officially stamped by Justin as acceptable / liveable shit.:D
Let's hope the 70 odd recover well into decent jobbies or even get it together to form something interesting.
A big part of the problem, of course, are all the hen-pecked hubbies out there, allowing WAF to control their speaker-buying habits, and so the days of proper-sized full-range speakers being part of high-end hi-fi systems are almost dead! ;)
It's like women are more important the hi-fi. What's wrong with these pussies (he said, after constantly trying to get bigger speakers into the lounge and failing:))????
I have to say I have only heard one Tannoy made in the last 30 years I have really liked.
The Tannoy Kingdom Royal Carbon Edition driven by Thrax amps and MSB DAC. Expensive, very expensive indeed with the lovely Thrax's.
Officially stamped by Justin as acceptable / liveable shit.:D
Let's hope the 70 odd recover well into decent jobbies or even get it together to form something interesting.
In, term of your last sentence, indeed!
You really must venture north sometime, Justin. Trust me, the Lockies are even better than the 66s! ;)
Marco.
You really must venture north sometime, Justin. Trust me, the Lockies are even better than the 66s! ;).
Tom's Tannoy's are better than the 66s. Suspect the Lockies are on a par.
You should venture south. I can promise you an experience you won't forget for a long, long time. You will be genuinely shocked. When I see the look on people's faces... it makes it all the more worthwhile. I suspect they either think it is crap, or they just can't believe it. One of the two:);)
Yes, I'm used to that here too, and don't doubt what you say. I think both of us needs to make the effort to travel, in order to hear our respective systems. I'll go first then, sometime during the summer hols, and then you can reciprocate :cool:
The Porsche will eat up the miles to Wrexham, no problem, but I suspect I might get better mpg in the Brabster... ;)
{Further car chat, and the continuation of that part of conversation has been moved here}: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?42108-Help-me-choose-some-new-wheels-for-my-Brabus-Mercedes/page26
Marco.
Beobloke
02-05-2016, 11:46
A big part of the problem, of course, are all the hen-pecked hubbies out there, allowing WAF to control their speaker-buying habits, and so the days of proper-sized, full-range speakers being part of high-end hi-fi systems, are almost dead! ;)
.
I know you like to trot this theory out regularly, but there may be more at play here in the case of Tannoy. I don't know about you but if I were to consider all the people I know who have a lounge large enough to accommodate a pair of Westminster Royals, for example, I'd only need one hand and would have four fingers left over!
Ironically, as an aside, the chap I'm thinking of with the big enough room used to work for Tannoy...
Like others have said, though, a sad day. It will be interesting to see what models do continue.
Arkless Electronics
02-05-2016, 12:43
Indeed, and I completely agree. Whilst I understand and appreciate the motives (and benefits to them) of people, such as Jerry (jandl100), who continually box-swap, there are far too many audio enthusiasts who do it for the wrong reasons, suffering from 'the grass is always greener syndrome', continually chasing their tail and the dream of 'audio nirvana'.
The sad fact is, most of them never get there, and simply go round and round in circles, spending ever-increasing amounts of money trying to achieve the near-impossible, and in the end are simply left with an empty bank balance and a feeling of deep frustration and disappointment. That's why there are so many jaded and disgruntled 'audiophiles' around! Simply because most don't know what they want or how to achieve it - and this touches upon what danilo wrote earlier.
Also, as you correctly say, folk are blinded/brainwashed by 'established brands', which they feel are a safer bet, and so won't take the risk of buying equipment from smaller manufacturers, for fear of getting their fingers burnt, sadly whose equipment, in many instances, will sonically outperform that of the 'established brands'. Therefore, as you say, they buy on the basis of what they can sell on later without losing much money.
For me, whilst I understand and appreciate the reasons for that approach, there is too much focus on it, and not enough on trying to get it RIGHT in the first place, by doing some proper research on products from smaller manufacturers, and thus taking an educated punt on it, and seeing what happens. If you do your research properly, more often than not, that approach will pay dividends.
Therefore, instead of buying equipment, with a view of 'how much will I lose when selling it later', buy it with the view of getting it RIGHT in the first place, so that you're extremely satisfied with what you've bought, and have no real intention of selling it - and then proceed to build a system on that basis, with in the end spending more money on music than equipment. It's all too easy to lose focus on what should *really* matter, which is the music, not the kit.
It's no coincidence, therefore, that the most contented 'audiophiles' usually have the biggest music collections, simply because they're not continually 'fretting' over the sound of their systems! ;) 'Audiophile Nervosa' is undoubtedly a contagious and rather widespread disease...
In my experience, the approach I've outlined will usually lead to greater overall satisfaction and contentment, not only with your hi-fi system and enjoyment of the audio hobby, but your overall well-being, not just in mind, but in terms of your bank balance....!
Marco.
Well said! :)
I know you like to trot this theory out regularly, but there may be more at play here in the case of Tannoy. I don't know about you but if I were to consider all the people I know who have a lounge large enough to accommodate a pair of Westminster Royals, for example, I'd only need one hand and would have four fingers left over!
Lol... If only I were talking about Westminster Royals, Adam! Even a pair of Kensingtons would be considered 'too big' and/or 'ugly' these days by the average BWFH - come to think of it, a half-decent sized pair of standmounts would be seen as 'too obtrusive' by most!! ;)
Some balls need to be grown in certain quarters, me thinks....
In all seriousness, this WAF/fashion nonsense is a major reason why proper-sized, full-range speakers are virtually extinct these days, and thus why the few companies who remain producing them are scaling down, like Tannoy, or just no longer making any. Sorry, but that pisses me of, as it causes an irreparable decline in sonic standards.
Marco.
wee tee cee
02-05-2016, 15:58
Sad to hear this....John Steinbeck in the Grapes of wrath talks about maintaining the profit margin-regardless of cost. This is nothing new-neo liberalism, I believe is the current label (greed to the rest of us).
Just sad.
That's a bit deep, Tony! Not sure what you mean (I'm referring mainly to the second sentence) :scratch:
Marco.
wee tee cee
02-05-2016, 16:40
Profit....not just making money but maintaining the margin (the economic growth slow down in china-shock horror). Its a mind set of greed, sadly regardless of the human cost-never mind the lack of quality.
We have a slow exponential drift towards mediocrity-chips and lager!!!!
My son and his mates are slowly but surely building hi fi systems-rejecting the sounbar/soap tv/daily mail excreta.
Im just saddened to see the demise of viable businesses because they dont make ENOUGH profit.
Well, now you put it that way - we're in full agreement! :clap:
Btw, just a quickie (as I know you love 'em, dahling :eyebrows:), next time I'm up in Glasgow, do you fancy that foody/wine listening sesh we discussed the last time? Really enjoyed meeting up the last time (and I know your system has changed a bit since then), but would be good to involve your good lady and make it a more social thing this time, if she's ok with that?
Like I said, I'll sort out the wine and I'll ask Del to make some home-made focaccia, to bring up with me :)
Does that sound like a plan-arooney? :cheers:
Marco.
wee tee cee
02-05-2016, 17:39
Jings and cribens....sounds like a plan. Let me know when you are up this neck of the woods. Let Lou and Del commiserate.
Lol... Excellento! I'll let you know :cool:
Marco.
montesquieu
02-05-2016, 19:57
Sad day ... I only visitied there once even though it was maybe about 4 miles from where I was born and grew up (my parents still live in that part of the world). I bought a pair of Tannoys - Venuses, I couldn't afford DCs at that point - with pretty much my first salary (actually, with my first credit card which followed hard on my first salary), mail order from London. The cabinets arrived bashed and after some discussion with the shop, the factory eventually replaced the cabinets.
My HPD315s were made at the original site at West Norwood (where, weirdy, my now wife lived for about 5 years while a post-grad student at the LSE, long before I knew her).
End of an era for sure ... I suspect in any case they aren't doing much in the UK high-end market any more. These big brand boys don't really care about the overall size of the market, they care about market share and geographical coverage which with big marketing budgets they can drive far better than the little guys. Quality is what suffers. Thought who knows maybe cheaper labour costs will enable them to spend a bit more on their crossovers!
montesquieu
02-05-2016, 19:59
Lol... Excellento! I'll let you know :cool:
Marco.
Don;'t forget Marco you are welcome to drop by here if in the M3/M4/M25 triangle at any point
Cheers, Tom, and appreciated. I intend to 'do the rounds' a bit this year, so will defo take you up on that :cool:
Marco.
Floyddroid
02-05-2016, 20:15
A massive blow.
StanleyB
02-05-2016, 21:00
I was surprised that none of the political parties seemed interested in the loss of a great Scottish brand.
montesquieu
02-05-2016, 21:05
I was surprised that none of the political parties seemed interested in the loss of a great Scottish brand.
SNP only just announced a faintly whiffy £10bn trade deal with the Chinese that they've been trying to keep quiet about in the run-up to the election, they won't be wanting to rock the boat.
Why would they even want to do that ?
Chinas' major market is selling 'stuff' to Europe. Not North America.. surprise surprise.
The UK has few remaining resources to sell for too Cheap.
What possible advantage in encouraging yet more influx from Chine ?
Reputedly 60% of the UK economy is Local consumption derived, with Financials (money shenanigans) making up the bulk of the rest.
Not exactly a 21st century world market powerhouse.
Or are there sales of obsolete / junk Submarines in the offing ;)
tannoy man
22-05-2016, 17:58
It never ceases to amaze me how these companies can design all of their stuff in the UK, make it all in China and then ship it back to the UK, sell it and make the huge profits that they so obviously do. Audiolab do it, KEF do it, Quad do it, Icon Audio do it, just how many businesses outside of Hi-Fi do this...? How long will it be before the Chinese wake up and realise they are being taken for an extremely vast ride...?? How can the Chinese sell themselves so low...?? I just don't understand.
Its very expensive to employ people in the UK, Its very expensive to run a large factory in the UK, I speak as an employer in the present and an ex employee in a factory which closed and moved to Poland. Energy costs were £12 million a quarter.
montesquieu
22-05-2016, 18:15
Its very expensive to employ people in the UK, Its very expensive to run a large factory in the UK, I speak as an employer in the present and an ex employee in a factory which closed and moved to Poland. Energy costs were £12 million a quarter.
Add in the fact that their largest market is not the UK, indeed may not even be to Europe ... So shipping stuff around is unlikely to be a factor in the decision indeed if most units now go to Asia moving production may be a bonus.
stuff costs less in these places. So you don't need to earn as much to have the same standard of living. In a global market it makes sense for big companies to put as much of the operation as possible where wages are lowest but the skill set is still -arguably - as good.
Only a matter of time before my job goes to Poland/India. Should be interesting, I've almost forgotten what it was like to sign on. A bit shit IIRC.
tannoy man
22-05-2016, 18:26
It's not all doom and gloom, I'm 29 and started Radford Revival when I was 24!
Personally Will, Im very impressed you did, and Congratulations are in order.
The very fact that the Amp I use, is still being manufactured to such high standards and in its original form, warms the cockles of my heart.
I wish you every success. Do people realise, these amps will still be sounding fantastic in 40 years. A lifetime of JOY for less than 3 grand. Bargain.
tannoy man
22-05-2016, 18:44
Add in the fact that their largest market is not the UK, indeed may not even be to Europe ... So shipping stuff around is unlikely to be a factor in the decision indeed if most units now go to Asia moving production may be a bonus.
Agreed, and no pensions paid by employers in China.
Virtual-Symmetry
22-05-2016, 18:50
Be nothing left in this country soon,
I think Tom, your point about Tannoys' main market is one of perhaps half a dozen significant factors in the decision to move the plant to Asia. For some while now, probably 80% of consumption of the legacy-Prestige series has been from the Asian market and their appetite for all things UK vintage in speaker-land. It makes perfect sense for a Chinese owned company (which it has been for a few years despite some of the more surprising denials posted in the press within that time!) to shift production closer to the dominant market.
Adam's point about living room sizes is also true for one or two designs, along with Marco's point on WAF factors (some good observations by the way Marco). Room sizes for SOME large Tannoys does need to be large (Westminsters, and Kingdom Royals) as they need more room to breathe due to the design and size than smaller speakers, but it is also true that the vintage Tannoys especially, do the micro-dynamics thing better than most, and don't need to be played all that loud, so even modestly sized modern houses can accommodate something like the Lockwood designs (Academies for example) and dare I mention some of my own designs (RFC Canterburys in particular). That said, look to the Far East, especially Hong Kong and many there shoe-horn in Westies into surprisingly small apartments. Do they get the best from them? Probably not, but it brings us back to the micro-dynamic performance and efficiency. These two things are sadly lacking in many modern speaker designs.
I know that I would never swap my own for anything else and although the market in the UK is small for such speakers, not all is lost by any means and it is by no means "the end of Tannoy" in the UK. Lockwood audio is still able to refurbish drive units to as-new standards, magnets can still be re-energised, and one or two businesses, including my own can still provide anyone who wants them with some pretty decent cabinet and crossover designs to get the very best from the Vintage drive units. In some ways this remains the best way to go compared with trying to land one of the larger Prestige series as personally, I think that the Vintage drive units, appropriately refurbished and sat in well designed cabinets still have the edge on most of the Prestige line and even if buying a bespoke pair, they'll still stand you a lot less cost than the latter.
That leaves the lifestyle speaker range. The DC series were popular for a while but again seem to have done poorly in the UK. The smaller bookshelf models are truly excellent speakers for the money and those have been made in China for some time, so no changes there.
Interesting times, but the saddest thing for me is the loss of the brand and the loss of employment for the 70 odd people who relied on that employment to feed their familes. The legacy of the UK designs will live on and no-one can take that away from Tannoy or the people that contributed to it. It's just a shame that the next generation won't be able to say the same thing about models made from this point on.
An almost never mentioned Tannoy I really seriously liked was the Tannoy Jupiter. I had a mate with a pair. They killed the Mission 710s I had at the time.
Just love to hear a pair again in tip top condition to see what I'd think of them now. The memory is of a rich, weighty euphonic sound great with reggae and rock.
There's a chance memory is making much more of them than perhaps they deserve. But at the time I seriously wanted a pair.
We're not in the same league as say Tom's Tannoys here, but for a speaker of its size it was fab.
Just reminiscing here you understand: wink:
The difference between a speaker designed to sound satisfying and one designed to sound 'explicit', perhaps?
I think so. I am a bit of a sucker for weighty, exaggerated bass if I am honest about it and the Jupiter's certainly did that well for the box size. Hence them being great with reggae.
Not the last word in resolution, though, by any means.
And nor a mind fuck speaker like my current efforts, that are a pretty intense listen.
Nope. The Jupiter's just sounded good. To me.
I think so. I am a bit of a sucker for weighty, exaggerated bass if I am honest about it .
Me too. I've been offered counselling but declined.
Very wise. Pussy bass is a no no. It is the bass councillor's that are insane. Not you.
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