Tannoy Sensys R User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

CONTENTS PAGE

Introduction 2
Tannoy WideBand™ and Driver Technologies 3
Amplifier Choice 4
Stand Mounting Models 5
Connection in Bi-Wire Mode 6
Bass Tuning 7
Front Speakers 8
Set-Up Diagrams 9-14
Technical Specifications 15

WARRANTY

This equipment has been produced and tested with care and precision. All Tannoy
speaker systems are built to give first class service and carry a 5-year warranty.
Active subwoofers carry a 1-year warranty.

If the equipment proves to be defective within this period for any reason other than
accident, misuse, unauthorised modification or fair wear and tear, Tannoy will repair
any such defect or, at our option, replace it without charge for parts, labour or return
carriage. This warranty is given in addition to the customer's statutory rights.

If you suspect a problem with your loudspeakers please contact your local Tannoy
dealer who will be able to advise on appropriate action.

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 run­in 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 Sensys loudspeakers
for many years to come.

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TANNOY WIDEBAND™ TECHNOLOGY

Tannoy has incorporated its own WideBand™ technology into the design of all Sensys
loudspeakers. 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 rangie. The WideBand™ high frequency system creates an increased
immediacy, airiness and impact making music sound more natural and true to life.

Music contains transient information and rich harmonics beyond the range of human
hearing for pure tones. Even bass notes have leading edge transients reaching 30kHz.
Operating between the roll-off point of the exclusive Tannoy mid-bass driver unit and
51kHz, the Tannoy Sensys WideBand™ high frequency unit will accurately reproduce the
leading edge of individual notes allowing the listener to experience the entire bandwidth
information of instruments.

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 instruments.

TANNOY DRIVER TECHNOLOGY

The Sensys range utilises two different approaches to the driver array, Discrete and
Dual Concentric™.

DISCRETE

This main driver, built around an immensely strong cast chassis, is used in the entry-level
models in the range. Its rigid construction controls the energy created by its long throw
driver with consummate ease, a crucial factor in creating a drive unit capable not only
of high power delivery and tremendous bass output, but also of great subtlety and finesse.

The clean and open midrange performance is further enhanced through smooth transition
to the extended bandwidth performance of the exclusive Tannoy
frequency unit.

WideBand™

high

DUAL CONCENTRIC™

Tannoy Dual Concentric™ drivers have been incorporated into the top of the range Sensys
models. 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, whether in two channel stereo or multi
channel home cinema mode, 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 an incredibly wide imaging 'sweet spot' that creates an expansive soundstage with
remarkably focussed placement of vocals and instrumentation.

This class leading performance is further enhanced by the inclusion of a pod mounted
Tannoy SuperTweeter™ to extend the frequency bandwidth to over 50kHz. Greater precision,
tighter imaging and increased presence are assured throughout the entire audible frequency
band; even with normal Red Book Standard 20kHz limited CD software.

With such airy and spacious reproduction Sensys engages the senses in a way perhaps
only previously experienced at a live performance.

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AMPLIFIER CHOICE

Consult the enclosed product specification sheet 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 each
speaker. Remember, cable construction can affect the sound quality so be prepared to
experiment to find a cable that suits your ear and audio system.

TERMINAL PANEL DESIGNS

In the discrete models there is a robust bi-wiring terminal panel designed to take substantial
high quality loudspeaker cable. (See fig. 2)

An exclusive five way terminal panel has been designed for the Sensys Dual Concentric™
models 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. 6)

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

Sensys 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 metal feet. 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.

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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
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.

WALL MOUNTED REAR CHANNEL SPEAKERS

The Sensys R and Sensys DC1 have been designed to act as rear speakers in a multi
channel system configured for home cinema applications. Both models are provided with
threaded inserts in their rear panels to accommodate the fixing hardware for an Omni­Mount type speaker wall bracket. This widely available design of bracket allows the speaker
to be angled to provide the best acoustic performance from the rear soundstage.

(See fig. 13)

WARNING: IT IS ESSENTIAL TO SELECT THE CORRECT TYPE OF SCREWS AND FIXINGS
TO SUIT THE CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL OF THE WALL ONTO WHICH THE SPEAKER
IS TO BE MOUNTED. ENSURE THAT THE OMNI-MOUNT HANGING BRACKET IS FIXED
TO THE WALL IN A SECURE MANNER; FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE
OR INJURY SHOULD THE SPEAKER BECOME DETACHED IN USE. SEEK PROFESSIONAL
ADVICE IF YOU ARE UNSURE WHICH WALL FIXING IS BEST SUITED TO YOUR PROPOSED
MOUNTING LOCATION.

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 in both Sensys Discrete and Dual Concentric™ models 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 Bi­wire mode. (See figs. 3 & 7)

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.

WideBand™

high frequency unit roughly at ear

5