Tannoy DEFINITION User Manual

OWNERʼS MANUAL

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 03 CONNECTION IN SINGLE WIRE MODE 05

TECHNOLOGY 03 CONNECTION IN BI-WIRE MODE 05

AMPLIFIER CHOICE 04 BI-AMPING 06

CABLE CHOICE 04 CONNECTION OF EARTH OR 'GROUND' LEAD 06

UNPACKING 04 POSITIONING AND FINE-TUNING 06

TERMINAL PANEL 04 GRILLES 06

FLOOR STANDING MODELS 04 CARE OF CABINET 06

STAND MOUNTING MODELS 04 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 07

INSTALLATION 05 SET-UP DIAGRAMS 08-011

WARRANTY

No maintenance of the Revolution loudspeaker is necessary.

Please register your Tannoy product online at www.tannoy.com.

All of our products have been produced and tested with care and precision to give first-class service.

All passive components are guaranteed for a period of five years from the date of purchase from an authorised
Tannoy dealer subject to the absence or evidence of misuse, overload, or accidental damage.

All active and electronic components are guaranteed for a period of one year from the date of purchase from an
authorised Tannoy dealer subject to the absence of, or evidence of, misuse, overload or accidental damage.

If at any time during this warranty period the equipment proves to be defective for any reason other than accident,
misuse, neglect, unauthorised modification or fair wear and tear, we will repair any such manufacturing defect or,
at our option, replace it without charge for labour, parts or return carriage.

If you suspect a problem with a Tannoy product then, in the first instance, discuss it with your Tannoy dealer. If
you require further assistance then we ask that you deal directly with your local Tannoy distributor. If you cannot
locate your distributor please contact Customer Services, Tannoy Ltd at the address given below.

Customer Services, Tannoy Ltd., Rosehall Industrial Estate, Coatbridge, Strathclyde ML5 4TF, Scotland

Telephone: [phone] (National)

Fax: [phone] (National)

E-mail: [e-mail]

Do not ship any product to Tannoy without previous authorisation.

Our policy commits us to incorporating improvements to our products through continuous research
and development. Please confirm current specifications for critical applications with your supplier.

02_ DEFINITION MANUAL

[phone] (International)

[phone] (International)

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for selecting Tannoy loudspeakers developed in the UK by our dedicated team of design engineers. They
are the choice of discriminating music lovers the world over. Musical excellence is designed into our loudspeakers
from the start. Careful selection of the very best components combined with strict quality control procedures in the
production process ensures this level of excellence is maintained.

To gain maximum performance from your loudspeakers, please take time to read this owner's manual in full before
installation. Once you have set up your new loudspeakers please complete and return the registration document ­this does not limit your legal rights.

Loudspeakers are electromechanical devices that 'run-in' through use; performance will therefore improve after an
initial period of 24hrs use. Once they have been further run-in over a longer period, there will be clear enhancement of
the stereo imaging, mid-band quality and bass performance characteristics.

We are confident that you will continue to enjoy your new Tannoy Definition loudspeakers for
many years to come.

TECHNOLOGY
Dual Concentric™

Tannoy Dual Concentric™ drivers have been incorporated into the Definition loudspeakers. Intensive research and
development has produced an all-new version of this proven technology that builds upon the legendary performance
of this exclusive Tannoy driver design.

The time coherent, point source and constant directivity nature of the dispersion characteristics inherent in the Dual
makes it an accepted industry standard in studio monitoring. By exceeding the rigorous demands of the recording and
mastering environment Tannoy can ensure that playback performance in the home for multi channel home cinema, is
strictly controlled to accurately reflect the sound engineers artistry. In nature all sounds emanate from a single point in
space.
The high frequency unit of the Dual, centrally mounted in the throat of the main mid/bass driver, is so positioned as to
acoustically replicate this single point source; delivering an incredibly natural sound with a very wide imaging ʻsweet
spotʼ that creates an expansive soundstage with remarkably focused placement of images.

Wideband™ Technology

Tannoy has incorporated its own WideBand™ technology into the design of these drivers. Not only does this
exceptional in-house technology resolve fine detail of high frequency information but it also effectively enhances the
listening experience throughout the whole frequency range. The WideBand™ high frequency system creates an
increased immediacy, airiness and impact, making music and movie sound more natural and true to life.

Sounds contain transient information and rich harmonics beyond the range of human hearing for pure tones. Even
low frequencies have leading edge transients reaching 30kHz. Tannoy WideBand™ high frequency units will
accurately reproduce the leading edge of individual sounds allowing the listener to experience the entire bandwidth,
by extending the frequency response well beyond that of conventional loudspeakers.

In addition, the extension of the frequency response, by fully two octaves, corrects time and phase response within
the bandwidth of normal human hearing. Taking these acoustical phase anomalies beyond the audible range adds
realism to the soundstage through improvements in imaging and the placement of sounds.

Audiophile Crossover

High-end components and a simple, straight philosophy combine to create a crossover with an ultra-clean signal
path. Low loss laminated core inductors ensure optimum LF performance while the HF network audiophile-grade
polypropylene capacitors are acoustically damped using Tannoy DMT
resistors are used in the high frequency feed. The Definition crossover sets the bench-mark for signal integrity,
reproducing music with all the articulation and intelligibility of the original performance.

TM

technology. Non inductive metal film

Deep Cryogenic Treatment

The entire crossover assembly is subject to revolutionary Deep Cryogenic Treatment (DCT), achieving unparalleled
gains in resolution and creating a more natural, cohesive sound. Using a proprietary process, the Definition crossover
is super-cooled to -190 degrees C and returned to room temperature over a controlled period. This permanently
reduces internal stresses in the microstructure of the crossoverʼs component materials, leading to better signal
transfer and superior resolution of fine detail. One of the largest benefits is to the solder joints, which are traditionally
an area of poor crystalline structure.

DEFINITION MANUAL _03

AMPLIFIER CHOICE

Consult the product specification as this clearly shows the acceptable power range for amplifier matching to your
speakers. The high peak power handling of Tannoy loudspeakers permits responsible use with more powerful
amplifiers - please read the Warranty.

As with all loudspeaker systems, the power handling is a function of voice coil thermal capacity. Care should be
taken to avoid overdriving any amplifier, as this will cause output overload resulting in 'clipping' or distortion within
the output signal. This, if done for any extended period, will cause damage to the speakers.

Generally an amplifier of higher power that is running hard, but free of distortion, will do less damage to the
loudspeaker than a lower power amplifier continually clipping. Remember also that a high powered amplifier
running at less than 90% of output power generally sounds a great deal better than a lower powered example
struggling to achieve 100%. An amplifier with insufficient drive capability will not allow the full performance of the
loudspeakers to be realised.

CABLE CHOICE

Always use the best quality of cable available within your budget. High quality audio signals passing from the
amplifier to the loudspeaker are unusual in their demands on the cable. Wide dynamic range and frequency
bandwidth information has to coexist with the ability to transmit peak currents of at least 10amps, without
incurring any loss or signal impairment. This explains why the sound quality of the information reproduced by
the loudspeakers is so dependant on the physical properties of the cables connecting them to the amplifier.

We would recommend that you always keep the cable runs the same length for left and right speakers.
Remember, cable construction can affect the sound quality so be prepared to experiment to find a cable that
suits your ear and audio system.

UNPACKING

To unpack the loudspeakers from their boxes remove tape from the top then fold the flaps right back before
inverting the carton and contents. Lift the carton clear of the contents then remove all inner packaging.

It is strongly recommended that you store all the packaging to allow protected transportation in future. (See fig.1)

TERMINAL PANEL

An exclusive five way terminal panel has been designed for the Definition range to optimise performance further
by take advantage of the driver earthing facility. Use a shielded or screened loudspeaker cable; connecting the
screening termination to the earth or 'ground' (green) terminal on the loudspeaker and to the ground or earth
connection on the amplifier. Alternatively if you are not using a screened loudspeaker cable but wish to utilise the
earthing facility, run a single cable between the earth or 'ground' (green) terminal on the loudspeaker to the earth
(ground) connection on the amplifier. (See fig.2)

FLOOR STANDING MODELS

Definition floor-standing models perform best with carpet piercing spikes fitted. These are supplied, along with
lock nuts, and should be inserted into the threaded holes in the base of the cabinet. Level the speaker and then
tighten the lock nuts firmly but without using undue force. Spike locating cups are provided in the accessory pack
and these may be used to protect sensitive floor surfaces.

Warning:

Ensure that the spikes are levelled and that the lock nuts are tightened firmly. The spikes should be
pushed through the carpet to locate into the flooring surface by applying pressure to the top of the
cabinet.

If using on a sensitive floor surface place the protective cups under the levelled spikes.
Failure to do so could render the speaker unsteady and result in damage or injury should it be
knocked over.

STAND MOUNTING MODELS

Stand mounting or bookshelf speakers should be located securely on stands or a shelf in an appropriate position
to place the Dual Concentric™ driver high frequency unit roughly at ear height when seated in the chosen
listening position. Positioning recommendations for stand-mounted speakers can be found under the section
entitled Positioning and fine-tuning. For the centre speakers, locate on the plinth provided.

04_ DEFINITION MANUAL

INSTALLATION

To avoid potential damage to your loudspeaker, ensure that the amplifier is switched OFF prior to
connecting or disconnecting any cables. Before switching on double check that all connections are
secure and that polarity is correct.

CONNECTION IN SINGLE WIRE MODE

The terminal panels have captive link bars fitted as standard to link the positive and negative HF and LF terminals
respectively. These must be removed to bi-wire the speakers - see section entitled Connection in Bi-wire mode.

For optimum performance in single wire mode, loudspeaker cable connections from the amplifier should be made
to the high frequency (HF) terminals of the loudspeaker: (See fig. 3)

The positive (plus) terminal on the amplifier left channel (marked + or coloured red) must be connected to the
positive HF terminal on the left speaker. The left speaker is the one on the left as you look at the stereo pair
from your listening position.

The negative (minus) terminal on the amplifier left channel (marked - or coloured black) must be connected to
the negative HF terminal on the left speaker.

Repeat this connection process for the right speaker. Remember that the positive (+ or red) on the amplifier
must be connected to the positive (+ or red) on the speaker and the negative (- or black) to negative.

Select a signal source, such as a CD player; switch on the amplifier and slowly turn up the volume control to
check that both loudspeakers are reproducing bass and treble information.

CONNECTION IN BI-WIRE MODE

Please note in bi-wire mode that the link bars must be removed. Unscrew the knurled nuts on both the positive
and negative HF and LF terminals and remove the link bars and then replace the colour coded nuts, as they will
be required to clamp the bi-wire cables in place. Retain the link bars in a safe place for possible future use.

(See fig. 4)

Be sure that the amplifier is switched off and then prepare the two sets of cabling for each 'side' of the system
separately. Measure and cut four lengths of cable, two per speaker.

Label two of the cable lengths Left LF and Left HF (low frequency and high frequency) then repeat this process
for the right pair.

If your amplifier is not equipped with separate output terminals for bass and treble information then, at the
amplifier end of the cables, twist the Left LF+ (positive) and the Left HF+ (positive) together. Connect these to
the amplifier Left channel positive terminal marked + (plus) or coloured red.

Twist the Left LF- (negative) and the HF- (negative) cables together and connect them to the amplifier Left
channel negative terminal marked - (minus) or coloured black.

At the loudspeaker end connect the cables labelled Left LF+ and Left LF- to the left hand loudspeaker LF
terminals, ensuring that you note the polarity markings on the cable sheathing.

Then proceed to connect the Left HF+ and Left HF- to the HF terminals on the same loudspeaker.

Repeat this process to connect the right hand loudspeaker to the amplifier right channel output, once again
ensuring that polarity is correct throughout.

Switch the amplifier on with the volume control set at its lowest setting. Select a favourite source and slowly
turn up the volume to a low level. Check that bass and treble information is being reproduced from both
speakers - if not, switch off the amplifier and recheck the connections.

DEFINITION MANUAL _05

BI-AMPING

Bi-Amping extends the principle of bi-wiring one stage further. In this connection option separate power amplifiers
are used for bass and treble signals in each loudspeaker. Four mono (or two stereo) amplifiers of the same type
are required for a stereo pair of loudspeakers. Ensure that the cable links between the loudspeaker terminals are
removed and that correct polarity is maintained throughout.

If two stereo amplifiers are used, it is recommended that one amplifier supply bass information to left and right
loudspeakers and the other, the treble information. (See fig. 5)

CONNECTION OF EARTH OR 'GROUND' LEAD

Use of a shielded or screened loudspeaker cable will offer further performance advantages when used with the
five-way terminal panel. The screening termination should be connected to the earth or ground (green) terminal
on the loudspeaker and to the ground or earth connection on the amplifier. Alternatively if you are not using a
screened loudspeaker cable but wish to utilise the earthing facility, run a single cable between the earth or
'ground' (green) terminal on the loudspeaker to the earth (ground) connection on the amplifier.

Avoid potential damage to your amplifier - ensure that all connections are secure and the polarity is correct in all
wiring. (Method illustrated on all terminal panel sketches)

POSITIONING AND FINE-TUNING

To get best results from your new Tannoy Definition loudspeakers it is worthwhile spending a little time finding the
optimum set-up configuration.

Begin by angling the speakers towards your chosen listening position, usually this is on the centre line of the
room, so that when seated you can just see the inner side panel of each speaker. The front of the loudspeaker
should not be obstructed in any way. The loudspeakers should be located between 1.5 to 4.5 metres (5ft to 15ft)
apart - with the listening position set slightly further away than the speakers are apart. Avoid positioning the
loudspeakers in corners of the room, as this will have a negative effect on performance. Ideally, maintain a
distance of at least 0.5 metres (20 inches) from the rear wall, and 1 metre (39 inches) from the side.

With the speaker in its listening position, rock the loudspeaker gently from side to side so that the spikes find their
way through the weave of the carpet and on to the solid surface below. Once fine adjustments have been made to
the spikes, to level the loudspeaker and ensure stability, tighten the lock nuts firmly but without using undue force

(See fig. 6).

GRILLES

The main Definition grille has been designed to provide acoustic transparency. However, for ultimate fidelity the
enthusiast will appreciate the slight improvement in clarity and detail that is achieved by removing the grilles
during listening.

CARE OF CABINET

The cabinets should only be cleaned with a dry cloth or with a light application of quality non-silicone
furniture polish.

06_ DEFINITION MANUAL

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

DC8 DC8 T DC10 T

PERFORMANCE

Recommended amplifier power 30 – 175 30 – 200 30 – 250

(Watts RMS)

Continuous power handling 87 100 125

(Watts RMS)

Peak power handling (Watts) 350 400 500

Sensitivity (2.83 Volts @ 1m) 88dB 89dB 92dB

Nominal Impedance (Ohms) 8 8 8

Frequency response (-6dB) 42Hz – 35kHz 33Hz – 35kHz 30Hz – 35kHz

Dispersion (degrees conical) 90 90 90

DRIVE UNITS

Dual Concentric™ high frequency 25mm (1”) Titanium dome 25mm (1”) Titanium dome 25mm (1”) Titanium dome

with Tulip WaveGuide

Dual Concentric™ low frequency 200mm (8”) treated paper 200mm (8”) treated paper 250mm (10”) treated paper

pulp cone with rubber pulp cone with rubber pulp cone with twin roll

surround. surround. impregnated fabric surround.

44mm (1.75”) edge 44mm (1.75”) edge 44mm (1.75”) edge

wound voice coil wound voice coil wound voice coil

Bass Driver - 200mm (8”) treated paper 250mm (10”) treated paper

- pulp cone with rubber pulp cone with twin roll

- surround. impregnated fabric surround.

- 44mm (1.75”) edge 44mm (1.75”) edge

- wound voice coil wound voice coil

TM

with Tulip WaveGuide

TM

with Tulip WaveGuide

TM

CROSSOVER

Crossover frequency 1.5kHz 1.5kHz 200Hz, 1.4kHz

Crossover Type Passive low loss Passive low loss Passive low loss

2nd order LF, 1st order HF 2nd order LF, 1st order HF 2nd order LF, 1st order HF

Deep Cryogenically Treated Deep Cryogenically Treated Deep Cryogenically Treated

CONSTRUCTION

Enclosure type Rear ported Rear ported Rear ported

Volume 19L (0.67 cu. ft.) 43L (1.52 cu. ft.) 76L (2.68 cu. ft.)

Dimensions (H x W x D) 470 x 271 x 238mm 1025 x 271 x 238mm 1125 x 339 x 330mm

excl grille (18.5 x 10.7 x 9.4”) (40.4 x 10.7 x 9.4”) (44.3 x 13.4 x 13”)

Finish High gloss black High gloss black High gloss black

High gloss cherry High gloss cherry High gloss cherry

High gloss dark walnut High gloss dark walnut High gloss dark walnut

.

DEFINITION MANUAL _07

SET-UP DIAGRAMS

Fig.1 Unpacking

08_ DEFINITION MANUAL

SET-UP DIAGRAMS

HIGH FREQUENCY

NEGATIVE(-) TERMINAL

LOW FREQUENCY

NEGATIVE(-) TERMINAL

LOW FREQUENCY
POSITIVE(+) TERMINAL

'EARTH' OR 'GROUND' TERMINAL

HIGH FREQUENCY
POSITIVE(+) TERMINAL

R

-+

L

+-

POWER AMPLIFIER

SPEAKER

TO RIGHT

'EARTH' CONNECTION

TO 'GROUND' OR

ON AMPLIFIER (OPTIONAL)

LINKS IN PLACE

Fig.2 DC Terminal Panel

Fig.3 Single Wire Mode

DEFINITION MANUAL _09

LINKS REMOVED

SPEAKER

TO RIGHT

R

+-

-R+

L

HIGH FREQUENCY

POWER AMPLIFIER

LOW FREQUENCY

POWER AMPLIFIER

L

TO RIGHT
SPEAKER

+

-

+

-

ON HIGH FREQUENCY

TO 'GROUND' OR
'EARTH' CONNECTION

AMPLIFIER (OPTIONAL)

LINKS REMOVED

-+-R+

POWER AMPLIFIER

L

TO RIGHT
SPEAKER

ON AMPLIFIER (OPTIONAL)

TO 'GROUND' OR
'EARTH' CONNECTION

SET-UP DIAGRAMS

Fig.4 Bi-Wire Mode

Fig.5 Bi-Amp Mode

010_ DEFINITION MANUAL

SET-UP DIAGRAMS

1 METRE

OR MORE

0.5 METRES OR MORE

1.5 TO 4.5 METRES

Fig.6 Recommended Positioning - Stereo Pair

DEFINITION MANUAL _011

REVISION DATE: 11 Nov ‘08

Tannoy United Kingdom T: 00 44 (0) 1236 420199 E: [e-mail]
Tannoy North America T: 00 1 [phone] E: [e-mail]
Tannoy Deutschland T: 00 49 (180) 1111 881 E: [e-mail]
Tannoy France T: 00 33 (0)1 7036 7473 E: [e-mail]

Tannoy adopts a policy of continuous improvement and product specification is subject to change.

6481 0540