Speaker query?

[DaveL]

Some time ago in the dim and distant past I acquired a pair of speakers from the estate of a deceased relative. It was my intention at the time to put together a system based around these but they got put in the loft and other priorities intervened.
Recently I was "informed" by she who must be obeyed that it was time to either do something with them or move them on so having struggled to get them out of the loft I was wondering if any of you knowledgeable folk could help me out with a few questions I have about them and suggest the best course of action as to what to do with them

The cabinets appear to have been made (Label on rear) by Brahm's Manufacturing Co Rochester England
They are floor standing measuring H-850mm W-480mm D-400mm
The speakers themselves are labeled - Tannoy Dual Concentric Integrated Loudspeaker System - Rating 60w 8ohms - Sensitivity 1 Watt produces 90db @ 1mtr
On the rear crossover(?) they are marked T185 008806 & the other T185 010152
From what I have read so far I think the speakers may be called Dorset(?) and are late 70's vintage?

So ..... My question is - Do I keep them and buy/add components to make a complete system?
Would it be possible to connect them up to my TV as herself quite likes the look of the cabinets?
Should I forget about keeping them, sell them and look for other items?

Any help/advice/pointers very much appreciated.

DaveL

[walpurgis]

A photo or two would be useful. The Dorset was a Tannoy speaker model, but Brahms had nothing to do with this as far as I know. It's possible they are bespoke cabinets built by Brahms, but based on a Tannoy model and using Tannoy parts. They could have some value and be well worth using.

[DaveL]

Many thank's for the reply.
I'll rustle up some pictures.

DaveL

[DaveL]

Hopefully these are visible ?


20200701_190139.jpg20200701_190344.jpg20200701_190353.jpg20200701_190534.jpg20200701_190600.jpg

[DaveL]

A couple more


20200701_190729.jpg20200701_190850.jpg


DaveL

[walpurgis]

It looks to me that somebody has modified Brahms cabinets to accept the drive units from Tannoy Dorset speakers. I'd expect them to sound decent, but they may benefit from extra internal bracing, depending on whether any is present. They'd certainly be worth using I think. Assuming everything is functional, they have some value.

[Macca]

Drivers look to be in good condition. If so I'd keep them, you'd be looking at about 5 grand to replace with a similar new loudspeaker. Get a decent amplifier for them, should sound wonderful.

[DaveL]

Drivers look to be in good condition. If so I'd keep them, you'd be looking at about 5 grand to replace with a similar new loudspeaker. Get a decent amplifier for them, should sound wonderful.

5k!! Seriously???
What's so special about them? Being a Luddite I just thought they'd just be run of the mill speakers?
If that's the case I'd assume that matching them up with other compatible components Amp/Tuner/Turntable etc is going to start getting rather expensive.
Any suggestion's for a suitable Amp if I decide to go down that route?

[walpurgis]

What's so special about them?

The upper driver is a proper Tannoy 'pepperpot' dual concentric unit. The nearest modern equivalent is the drive unit in the Tannoy Kensington speaker and you would pay a good few thousand for a set. However, the value of Dorsets is realistically somewhere between £400 and £800 and these are not original. A NAD 3020 would drive them just fine and sound good with them.

[struth]

yup i'd think the value is in the pepperpots.. sold seperate you'd get decent money.