STAND MOUNTING MODELS 04 CENTRE CHANNEL SPEAKER 07
INSTALLATION 05 REAR EFFECTS SPEAKERS 07
CONNECTION IN SINGLE WIRE MODE 05 SUBWOOFER 07
CONNECTION IN BI-WIRE MODE 05 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 08-09
BI-AMPING 06 SET-UP DIAGRAMS 010-012
WARRANTY
No maintenance of the Revolution XT 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 rst-class service.
All passive components are guaranteed for a period of 5 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 2 years 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 modication 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, in the rst 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 Tannoy Customer Services, at the address given below.
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 conrm current specications for critical applications with your supplier.
02_ REVOLUTION XT MANUAL
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 24 hrs 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 Revolution XT loudspeakers for many
years to come.
DRIVER TECHNOLOGY
The Tannoy Dual Concentric™
Tannoy Dual Concentric drivers have been incorporated into the Revolution XT 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. This new driver, offers enhanced dispersion – creating an
even more uniform spread of sound around the listening environment. At the same time the introduction of the
Omnimagnet™ conguration allows the high frequency unit to be placed even closer to the acoustic centre of the
low frequency unit further improving time alignment between the two drive units.
The time coherent, point source and constant directivity nature of the dispersion characteristics inherent in the
Dual Concentric 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 reect the sound engineer’s
artistry. In nature all sounds emanate from a single point in space.
The high frequency unit of the Dual Concentric, 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 which is further enhanced by the newly developed Torus Ogive Waveguide™,
creating 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 ne 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 30 kHz. 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.
REVOLUTION XT MANUAL_03
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.
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. (See Fig.1)
FLOOR STANDING MODELS
Revolution XT oor-standing models perform best with carpet piercing spikes tted. 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 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.
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 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 ne-tuning.
The Revolution XT Mini 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.
04_ REVOLUTION XT MANUAL
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.
CONNECTION IN SINGLE WIRE MODE
For single wire mode, leave the link plates between the LF and HF terminals in place. (See Fig. 2)
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.
• 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.
CONNECTION IN BI-WIRE MODE
Please note in bi-wire mode that the link plates must not be used. (See Fig. 3)
• 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.
• 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.
REVOLUTION XT MANUAL_05
BI-AMPING
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 plates 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 Fig. 4)
POSITIONING AND FINE TUNING
To get best results from your new Tannoy Revolution XT 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”) from the rear wall, and 1 metre (39”) from the side. (See Fig. 5)
GRILLES
The Revolution XT grille has 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. It is held in place by concealed magnets, to promote a neat visual appearance when removed.
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_ REVOLUTION XT MANUAL
REVOLUTION XT 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. 6)
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.
In home Theatre applications the matched dispersion of all Revolution XT 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.
WARNING, STRONG MAGNETIC FIELDS
The powerful magnet system in Revolution XT 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 Revolution XT 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.
The Revolution XT C can be wired in single wire, bi-wire or bi-amp modes. Please refer to gs. 2, 3 & 4 for
connection guidance bearing in mind that connection should be made to the dedicated centre channel output on
your A/V processor amplier/s.
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 and 0.5 metres (20”) from the rear wall.
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.