Tannoy Revolution DC4, Revolution DC4 T, Revolution DC4LCR, Revolution DC6, Revolution DC6 T Owner's Manual

OWNERʼS MANUAL

02_ REVOLUTION MANUAL

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 03 CONNECTION IN SINGLE WIRE MODE 06

DRIVER TECHNOLOGY 03 CONNECTION IN BI WIRE MODE 06

WIDEBAND TECHNOLOGY 03 BI-AMPING 07

AMPLIFIER CHOICE 03 POSITIONING & FINE TUNING 07

CABLE CHOICE 04 GRILLES 07

UNPACKING 04

CARE OF CABINET 07

FLOOR STANDING MODELS 04 REVOLUTION DC HOME THEATRE 5.1 08-09

STAND MOUNTING MODELS 05 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 10-11

INSTALLATION 05 SET-UP DIAGRAMS 12-15

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 authorized
Tannoy dealer. All active and electronic components are guaranteed for a period of two years from the date of
purchase from an authorized Tannoy dealer. Misuse, overload, or accidental damage to Tannoy passive or active
and electronic components are not covered by this warranty.

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)

[phone] (International)

Fax: [phone] (National)

[phone] (International)

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.

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 register them on our website - 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 Revolution loudspeakers for many years to come.

DRIVER TECHNOLOGY

The Tannoy Dual Concentric™

Tannoy Dual Concentric™ drivers have been incorporated into the Revolution 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 two channel stereo or 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 exceptionally natural sound with an incredibly
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 to 54kHz or 35kHz, depending on model.

In addition, the extension of the frequency response, 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.

AMPLIFIER CHOICE

Consult the product specification pages within this manual 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 will cause damage to the speakers if done for any extended period.

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.

REVOLUTION MANUAL _03

04_ REVOLUTION MANUAL

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 10 amps, 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 each speaker. Remember that
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)

FLOOR STANDING MODELS

Revolution 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.

For optimum stability and sound quality, we recommend you fit the optional plinth to the loudspeaker. Fitting
instructions are included within the plinth pack.

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.

These models 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 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.

REVOLUTION MANUAL _05

06_ REVOLUTION MANUAL

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.

(See fig. 2)

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:

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. (See fig. 3)

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 bar 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.

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. (See fig. 4)

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)

POSITIONING AND FINE-TUNING

To get best results from your new Tannoy Revolution 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. For optimum
performance, we would recommend ideally maintaining a distance of at least 0.5 metres (20 inches) from the rear
wall, and 1 metre (39 inches) from the side. However, there is no absolute right or wrong as it is much down to
personal preference and the differing sizes and acoustic properties of the listening environment. The speakers
may be located close to the rear wall, in which case bass will be increased at the expense of definition, and stereo
soundstaging will be compromised. (See fig. 6)

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.

GRILLES

The Revolution 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

REVOLUTION MANUAL _07

08_ REVOLUTION MANUAL

REVOLUTION DC 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 fig.7)

THE SYSTEM

A fully operational 5.1 system consists of two main front loudspeakers, two rear effects speakers at the rear
(usually wall mounted) and a centre channel. The subwoofer provides the .1 part of the system.

Total design compatibility, ensuring all models share the same acoustical balance and dispersion characteristics,
means that it is essential that a Revolution A/V system is built around only Revolution Dual Concentric™ models
(it is not possible to mix in products with other driver types) as the acoustic integration of each has been optimised
only for use as a complete system.

In Home Theatre applications this acoustic benefit 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.

SCREENING

The large magnet assemblies on the loudspeaker drive units of the 4” Revolution models are fully screened to
eliminate colour-fringing effects when mounted close to CRT television monitors, but very sensitive models may
show some fringing. If that occurs, move the speaker further away from the television monitor.

However, the 6” models are unscreened, and should not be placed closer than 1 metre (3ft) from a CRT display.
Note that plasma and LCD displays are not affected by magnetic fields, so there is no restriction on placement.

FRONT SPEAKERS

The ultra wide dynamic range and power handling capability of Revolution 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 (or angled towards ear height). As with the main speakers the front baffle panel should be as near as
possible in line with the screen surface.

The Revolution LCR centre channel can be wired in single wire, bi-wire or bi-amp modes. Please refer to figs. 3,
4 & 5 for connection guidance bearing in mind that connection should be made to the dedicated centre channel
output on your A/V processor amplifier/s.

SUBWOOFER

As the subwoofer only produces low frequency, therefore monaural information, it is difficult 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.

REVOLUTION MANUAL _09

Revolution DC4 Revolution DC4 T Revolution DC4LCR

PERFORMANCE

Recommended amplifier power 20 – 100 20 – 125 20 – 125

(Watts RMS)

Continuous power handling 50 62 62

(Watts Peak RMS)

Peak power handling (Watts) 200 250 250

Sensitivity (2.83 Volts @ 1m) 87dB 87dB 87dB

Nominal Impedance (Ohms) 8 8 8

Frequency response (-6dB) 68Hz – 54kHz 54Hz – 54kHz 72Hz – 54kHz

Dispersion (degrees conical) 90 90 90

DRIVE UNITS

Dual Concentric™ high frequency 19mm (0.75”) Titanium dome 19mm (0.75”) Titanium dome 19mm (0.75”) Titanium dome

with Tulip WaveGuide

TM

with Tulip WaveGuide

TM

with Tulip WaveGuide

TM

Dual Concentric™ low frequency 100mm (4”) treated paper 100mm (4”) treated paper 100mm (4”) treated paper

pulp cone with pulp cone with pulp cone with

rubber surround. rubber surround. rubber surround.

33mm (1.33”) edge 33mm (1.33”) edge 33mm (1.33”) edge

wound voice coil wound voice coil wound voice coil

Bass Driver - 100mm (4”) treated paper 100mm (4”) treated paper

- pulp cone with pulp cone with

- rubber surround. rubber surround.

- 33mm (1.33”) edge 33mm (1.33”) edge

- wound voice coil wound voice coil

CROSSOVER

Crossover frequency 1.5kHz 1.5kHz 1.5kHz

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

CONSTRUCTION

Enclosure type Rear ported Rear ported Rear ported

Volume 3.43L (0.121 cu. ft.) 11.73L (0.414 cu. ft.) 3.95L (0.139 cu. ft.)

Dimensions (excl grille) H x W x D 270 x 152 x 162mm 850 x 152 x 162mm 152 x 307 x 162mm

(10.63 x 5.98 x 6.38”) (33.46 x 5.98 x 6.38”) (5.98 x 12.08 x 6.38”)

Dimensions (inc plinth) (H x W x D) - 850 x 196 x 202mm -

(33.46 x 7.70 x 7.95”)

Weight 3.7kg (8.2lbs) 9.1kg (20.1lbs) 5.2kg (11.4lbs)

Finish Light oak and Espresso Light oak and Espresso Light oak and Espresso

010_ REVOLUTION MANUAL

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

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

REVOLUTION MANUAL _011

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Revolution DC6 Revolution DC6 T

PERFORMANCE

Recommended amplifier power 20 – 150 20 – 175

(Watts RMS)

Continuous power handling 75 87

(Watts Peak RMS)

Peak power handling (Watts) 300 350

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

Nominal Impedance (Ohms) 8 8

Frequency response (-6dB) 46Hz – 35kHz 34Hz – 35kHz

Dispersion (degrees conical) 90 90

DRIVE UNITS

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

with Tulip WaveGuide

TM

with Tulip WaveGuide

TM

Dual Concentric™ low frequency 150mm (6”) treated paper 150mm (6”) treated paper

pulp cone with pulp cone with

rubber surround. rubber surround.

44mm (1.75”) edge 44mm (1.75”) edge

wound voice coil wound voice coil

Bass Driver - 150mm (6”) treated paper

- pulp cone with

- rubber surround.

- 44mm (1.75”)

- wound voice coil

CROSSOVER

Crossover frequency 1.8kHz 1.7kHz

Crossover Type Passive low loss Passive low loss

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

CONSTRUCTION

Enclosure type Rear ported Rear ported

Volume 10.8L (0.381 cu. ft.) 29.6L (1.045 cu. ft.)

Dimensions (excl grille) H x W x D 365 x 202 x 253mm 950 x 202 x 253mm

(14.37 x 7.95 x 9.98”) (37.40 x 7.95 x 9.98”)

Dimensions (inc plinth) H x W x D

- 950 x 256 x 292mm

(37.40 x 10.09 x 11.50”)

Weight 6.8kg (15.0lbs) 15.1kg (33.3lbs)

Finish Espresso Espresso

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

012_ REVOLUTION MANUAL

SET-UP DIAGRAMS

Fig.1 Unpacking

TIVE(-) TERMINAL

LOW FREQUEN
POSITIVE(+) TE

HIGH FREQUEN
POSITIVE(+) TE

Fig.3 Single Wire Mode

REVOLUTION MANUAL _013

SET-UP DIAGRAMS

Fig.2 DC Terminal Panel

HIGH FREQUENCY
NEGATIVE(-) TERMINAL

HIGH FREQUENCY
POSITIVE(+) TERMINAL

LOW FREQUENCY
POSITIVE(+) TERMINAL

LOW FREQUENCY
NEGATIVE(-) TERMINAL

LINKS IN PLACE

TO RIGHT
SPEAKER

L R

+ - + -

LF- HF- LF+ HF+

LF- HF- LF+ HF+

POWER AMPLIFIER

TO RIGHT
SPEAKER

LINKS IN PLACE

-+

L

POWER AMPLIFIER

+-

R

014_ REVOLUTION MANUAL

SET-UP DIAGRAMS

Fig.4 Bi-Wire Mode

LINKS REMOVED

-

+

-

+

SPEAKER

TO RIGHT

L

POWER AMPLIFIER

LOW FREQUENCY

POWER AMPLIFIER

HIGH FREQUENCY

L

+R--+

R

TO RIGHT
SPEAKER

LINKS REMOVED

SPEAKER

TO RIG HT

L

POWER AMPLIFIER

+R-+-

Fig.5 Bi-Amp Mode

TO RIGHT
SPEAKER

LINKS REMOVED

POWER AMPLIFIER

LINKS REMOVED

HIGH FREQUENCY
POWER AMPLIFIER

LOW FREQUENCY
POWER AMPLIFIER

L R

+ - + -

L R

+ - + -

L R

+ - + -

LF- HF- LF+ HF+

LF- HF- LF+ HF+

TO RIGHT
SPEAKER

TO RIGHT
SPEAKER

1 METRE

OR MORE

0.5 METRES OR MORE

1.5 TO 4.5 METRES

Fig.7 Recommended Positioning - Home Cinema

0.5 METRE

OR MORE

SUB

1.5 TO 4.5 METRES

1.0 METRE

OR MORE

REAR

REAR

LCR

1.5 to 4.5 Metres

Rear

Rear

REVOLUTION MANUAL _015

1 Metre or

more

SET-UP DIAGRAMS

Fig.6 Recommended Positioning - Stereo Pair

0.5 Metres or more

0.5 Metres

or more

Sub

LCR

1.5 to 4.5 Metres

or more

1.0 Metres

or more

Tannoy United Kingdom T: 00 44 (0) 1236 420199 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]
TC|Group International T: 00 45 8472 7000 E: [e-mail]
TC|Group Americas T: 00 1 [phone] E: [e-mail]

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

REVISION DATE: 10 Mar ‘10

6481 0517