CONNECTION 7.1, 7.2 & 7C 05 SET UP DIAGRAMS 010-012
CONNECTION 7.4 05 NOTES 013-014
WARRANTY
No maintenance of the Mercury 7 loudspeaker is necessary.
As part of the MUSIC Group, Tannoy is committed to providing the highest quality products, service and user
experience for our customers. One element of this commitment is our after sales support which now incorporates
our extended Limited Warranty. In the event of any concern that is not addressed by this extended Limited
Warranty we would ask you to contact us at care@music-group.com
For full warranty details including the extended Limited Warranty, please visit http://www.music-group.com/
warranty.aspx and register your purchase online at www.music-group.com or www.tannoy.com
02_MERCURY 7 MANUAL
Page 3
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.
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 condent that you will continue to enjoy your new Tannoy Mercury 7 loudspeakers for many years to come.
AMPLIFIER CHOICE
Consult the product specication as this clearly shows the acceptable power range for amplier matching to your
speakers. The high peak power handling of Tannoy loudspeakers permits responsible use with more powerful
ampliers - 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 amplier, 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.
Mercury 7
Generally an amplier of higher power that is running hard, but free of distortion, will do less damage to the
loudspeaker than a lower power amplier continually clipping. Remember also that a high powered amplier
running at less than 90% of output power generally sounds a great deal better than a lower powered example
struggling to achieve 100%. An amplier with insufcient 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
amplier 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 10 amps, without
incurring any loss or signal impairment. This explains why the sound quality of the information reproduced by the
loudspeakers is so dependent on the physical properties of the cables connecting them to the amplier.
We would recommend that you always keep the cable runs as short as possible and the same length for each
speaker. Remember that cable construction can affect the sound quality so be prepared to experiment to nd 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 aps 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.
MERCURY 7 MANUAL_03
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FITTING OF ACCESSORIES
Check the following accessories are present in the carton, according to model:
• 7.1: Foam port bung x 1, self-adhesive feet x 4
• 7.2: Foam port bung x 1, self-adhesive feet x 4
• 7.4: Foam port bung x 2, plinth sections x 2, plinth mounting screws x 4,
carpet spikes x 4, locking nuts x 4, spike locating cups x 4
• 7C: Self-adhesive feet x 4
7.1, 7.2 & 7C SELF ADHESIVE FEET
The supplied self-adhesive feet may be tted to the underside of the loudspeaker to prevent slipping and avoid
damage to surfaces.
7.1, 7.2 & 7.4 FOAM PORT BUNG FITMENT
If the loudspeaker is positioned closer than the recommended 0.5 m (20 inches) distance from the rear wall,
excessive bass reinforcement can sometimes occur. This can be counteracted by placing the foam bungs supplied
in the rearward ring port. In the case of the 7.4, which has 2 rear ports, a further degree of tuning is possible by
using either one or both foam bungs. The 7C model is largely insensitive to boundary reinforcement issues such
as this, due to the bass management provided within the AV receiver.
7.4 FLOOR STANDING MODELS
The Mercury oor standing model performs best with the plinth and carpet piercing spikes tted, giving optimum
stability and sound quality. First t the plinth sections to the underside of the loudspeaker with the 4 screws
provided, taking care not to over tighten. The spikes provided, along with lock nuts, should be inserted into the
threaded holes in the underside of the plinth. Level the speaker and then tighten the lock nuts rmly but without
using undue force. Spike locating cups are provided in the accessory pack and these may be used to protect
sensitive oor surfaces. (See g. 1)
WARNING:
Ensure that the spikes are levelled and that the lock nuts are tightened rmly. The spikes should be pushed
through the carpet to locate into the ooring surface by applying pressure to the top of the cabinet. If using on
a sensitive oor 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 tweeter 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.
The Mercury 7.1 may also be wall mounted with a suitable bracket, using two inserts on the rear of the loudspeaker,
with standard 60mm spacing. The thread in the inserts is M5. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure the
chosen bracket is used within its load rating, and the bracket is securely mounted to the wall with suitable hardware.
INSTALLATION
To avoid potential damage to your loudspeaker, ensure that the amplier 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.
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CONNECTION 7.1, 7.2 & 7C
• The positive (plus) terminal on the amplier 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 amplier 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 amplier
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 amplier and slowly turn up the volume control to
check that both loudspeakers are reproducing bass and treble information. (See g. 2)
CONNECTION 7.4
Single Wire mode
For single wire mode it is necessary to retain the link bars between the LF and HF terminals. (See g. 3)
For optimum performance in single wire mode, loudspeaker cable connections from the amplier should be made
to the high frequency (HF) terminals of the loudspeaker.
Mercury 7
• The positive (plus) terminal on the amplier 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 amplier 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 amplier
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 amplier and slowly turn up the volume control to
check that both loudspeakers are reproducing bass and treble information.
Bi-Wire mode:
Please note in bi-wire mode that the link bars must not be used. (See g. 4)
• Be sure that the amplier 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 amplier is not equipped with separate output terminals for bass and treble information then, at the
amplier end of the cables, twist the Left LF+ (positive) and the Left HF+ (positive) together. Connect these to
the amplier 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 amplier 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.
MERCURY 7 MANUAL_05
Page 6
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 amplier right channel output, once again
ensuring that polarity is correct throughout.
• Switch the amplier 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 amplier and recheck the connections.
Bi-Amp Mode:
Bi-Amping extends the principle of bi-wiring one stage further. In this connection option separate power ampliers
are used for bass and treble signals in each loudspeaker. Four mono (or two stereo) ampliers of the same type
are required for a stereo pair of loudspeakers. Ensure that the link bars between the loudspeaker terminals are
removed and that correct polarity is maintained throughout.
If two stereo ampliers are used, it is recommended that one amplier supply bass information to left and right
loudspeakers and the other, the treble information. (See g. 5)
POSITIONING AND FINE-TUNING
To get best results from your new Tannoy Mercury 7 loudspeakers it is worthwhile spending a little time nding the
optimum setup conguration.
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 (5 ft to 15 ft) 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. (See g. 6)
With the speaker in its listening position, rock the loudspeaker gently from side to side so that the spikes nd their
way through the weave of the carpet and on to the solid surface below. Once ne adjustments have been made to
the spikes, to level the loudspeaker and ensure stability, tighten the lock nuts rmly but without using undue force.
HOME THEATRE 5.1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
Unlike other forms of encoded surround audio, 5.1 offers full bandwidth capability for the surround and centre
channels, with the ability to treat the subwoofer as a single discreet channel for special effects playback or, for
music applications, as a dedicated low frequency instrument channel. This places new demands on the surround
and centre channel loudspeakers in both the mixing environment and the playback environment.
The 5.1 format allows the mix engineer in the recording studio to assign audio information to one or more discreet
channels of playback; providing very vivid and exacting localisation for the apparent sound sources in the
listening environment. To reliably recreate that accurate localisation during playback, the selection and location of
loudspeakers becomes the single most critical issue next to the talent of the mix engineer in the studio. (See g. 6)
THE SYSTEM
A 5.1 system consists of two main front loudspeakers, two rear effects speakers at the rear (often wall mounted)
and a centre channel. The subwoofer provides the .1 part of the system.
In home Theatre applications the matched dispersion of all Mercury 7 models provides a very focussed
soundstage retaining natural voicing and ensuring that aural effects and speech localisation ‘pan’ from left to right
and front to rear seamlessly.
06_ MERCURY 7 MANUAL
Page 7
WARNING, STRONG MAGNETIC FIELDS
The powerful magnet system in Mercury 7 models will cause picture distortion with conventional CRT televisions
and monitors, and should not be used in close proximity. There are no issues with plasma, LCD or LED televisions
or monitors.
FRONT SPEAKERS
The ultra-wide dynamic range and power handling capability of Mercury 7 loudspeakers will provide a stunning home
cinema experience. The speakers should be positioned on either side of the TV or projection screen and then placed
in line with the screen surface.
CENTRE CHANNEL SPEAKER
In all cases the centre channel speaker should be positioned as near to the TV screen as possible. The viewing
position when seated determines the ideal mounting height, but in all cases this should be as close as possible to
ear height. As with the main speakers the front bafe panel should be as near as possible in line with the screen
surface.
REAR EFFECTS SPEAKERS
The integrity of the special effects soundstage created by the source material will be compromised if the speakers
are installed on the sidewalls, for that reason they should always be placed behind the main viewing position.
Placement should mirror as near as possible the location of the front pair.
Mercury 7
SUBWOOFER
As the subwoofer only produces low frequency, therefore monaural information, it is difcult to detect its location
by ear. It could as a result be situated anywhere in the room, but optimum performance will be gained by locating
the subwoofer between the main stereo pair of speakers. Bass output will increase when placed next to a wall or in
a corner so use the subwoofer volume control to balance the output with the rest of the system.
Please refer to the manual supplied with the subwoofer for advice on installation and set-up.
GRILLES
The Mercury 7 grilles have been designed to provide acoustic transparency. However, for ultimate delity 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.