WANTED - Tannoy Speakers 10" or 12"

[786]

Hi, I am looking for either Tannoy TD10 or a set of Chatsworth with Gold monitors or similar speakers. Ideally 10 or 12" Tannoys, as I am limited on space. Please message me if you have anything, I am flexible on cosmetics etc for the right set and deal.

Many thanks & have a great new year

[walpurgis]

Have you heard these two Tannoys Shaid? They sound very different. You might mention your budget. It would give people an idea of what you are aiming for.

Happy New Year!

[786]

Hi Geoff, I have heard the dimensions and only familiar by reputation with the monitor golds, the Chatsworth cabinets or similar tall & slim (comparatively) would suit me best. Budget, I enjoy Hifi as a hobby, so don't want to go crazy. I have sold some gear to raise funds for these speakers.

[walpurgis]

The Chatsworths have what some may describe as a more old fashioned sound. I've not heard any of the TD series for a long time, but recall not being that impressed. I'd have the Chatsworths myself anyday. With a few simple upgrades to bring them up to date they can sound lovely. Be aware that some versions (there are five) of the Chatsworth have foam cone surrounds that eventually crumble away and need replacing. Not the end of the world, but an outlay (I do my own Tannoy surrounds).

[786]

Thats encouraging to know that even with the foam surrounds they can be rejuvenated. Can you recommend any good reading on the recommended upgrades etc to make them sing? Thanks in advance and Happy new year to all

[walpurgis]

Where to start? I'd do an advanced search on here for Tannoy threads and posts (you'll probably find mine). There's loads of stuff on Tannoy mods and repairs on the net. Just Google.

Paul at RFC (trade here), is a good bloke to speak to should you ever want to upgrade or modify Tannoys and there's Lockwood Audio, the Tannoy specialist.

I did a quick write up on the Tannoys I've owned a while back. It's an honest opinion, for what it's worth:

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showt...annoy+Cheviots

[786]

Thank you Geoff, this exchange has been a definite 'boon.'

I will definitely broaden my search to look at some of those you have mentioned positively.

[danilo]

Hmmm.
Strongly! suggest avoiding the Tannoy 10's, Golds included.
These were/have proven to be Markedly inferior sounding than their larger brothers.
Simple piston size as one factor.. reduced dynamics / bass for a start.
Plus the fact that the Lf cone voice coil is of 2.5" diameter ( 12's and 15's are of 2" diameter) BUT the machined ali throat of the Hf comp driver is 2" !
Consequently there is a serious Missmatch/ air gap.. at that critical juncture... leading to very strange /odd /unpleasant audible effects.
Later /current versions have thickened the metal edge of the Hf trumpet as a Bodged 'fix'... a bit better imo but not nearly 'good enough'
Don't be overly concerned with the Box (beyond basic requirements of volume and rigidity) As enclosures only really contribute below 200hz.
I've heard Golds in Half Barrels.. Yess :-) that were more pleasing than GRF's.. true.

[786]

Thank you Danilo, based on the valuable experiences yourself and Geoff have shared, the sweet spot for me is one of the classic 12" Tannoys, the 15" are simply too large for my space. The more modern Dimensions, I do have a liking for, the aesthetic (lets face it, its important) is very pleasing, but the modern DC with a super tweeter I found performed well. So classic 12" or a larger Dimension seems to be where I am heading. The challenge now is trying to find a pair. I have a pair of Mark & Daniels Sapphire at present, they are the longest serving speakers I have ever owned, 2 years, simply incredible, but that damned itch keeps coming back, box swap, box swap... I can hear the sound of the conveyor belt starting up again, channeling deliveries through the front door, into my study and then on to destinations unknown.....

[walpurgis]

Hmmm.
Strongly! suggest avoiding the Tannoy 10's, Golds included.
These were/have proven to be Markedly inferior sounding than their larger brothers.
Simple piston size as one factor.. reduced dynamics / bass for a start.
Plus the fact that the Lf cone voice coil is of 2.5" diameter ( 12's and 15's are of 2" diameter) BUT the machined ali throat of the Hf comp driver is 2" !
Consequently there is a serious Missmatch/ air gap.. at that critical juncture... leading to very strange /odd /unpleasant audible effects.
Later /current versions have thickened the metal edge of the Hf trumpet as a Bodged 'fix'... a bit better imo but not nearly 'good enough'
Don't be overly concerned with the Box (beyond basic requirements of volume and rigidity) As enclosures only really contribute below 200hz.
I've heard Golds in Half Barrels.. Yess :-) that were more pleasing than GRF's.. true.

Your observations about the 10" Tannoys apply to the IIILZ which had the 2 1/2" bass coil. The later HPD 295A was basically a ten inch chassis version of the 12" Monitor Gold and sounded very nice. It had the same tweeter horn as the 12" models and a two inch bass coil. It also has the more desirable rubber cone surround that does not perish. Later ceramic magnet ten inch 'pepperpot' drivers are very good too as in the SRM 10B. In normal domestic surroundings, there's no shortage of bass from these smaller units, with the exception of the IIILZ, which is rather limited.