Tannoy TURNBERRY GR, STIRLING GR, CANTERBURY GR User Manual

Owner’s Manual

Contents

5 The Prestige Dual Concentric™

Gold Reference

6 Tannoy - A Short History

8 Over 80 Years of Audio Innovation

18 Unpacking Instructions

20 Initial Positioning

22 Cable Choice

23 Amplifier Choice

24 Connection in Single Wire Mode

26 Connection in Bi-Wire Mode

28 Bi - Amp Mode

30 Connection of Earth or ‘Ground’ Lead

31 Grille Removal

32 Loudspeaker System Adjustment

34 Tannoy Dual Concentric Drive Unit

35 Running In

36 The High Frequency Section

37 The Low Frequency Section

38 The Magnetic Circuit

39 Alcomax Magnet

40 The Crossover Network

41 Care of the Cabinet

42 Tannoy Quality

43 Fault Finding

44 Warranty

46 Technical Specifications

3

4

The Prestige Dual Concentric™ Gold Reference

Thank you for investing in high performance
loudspeakers incorporating Tannoy’s world
renowned Dual Concentric driver technology.
First developed and patented by Tannoy’s Chief
Engineer, Ronnie H Rackham in 1947, the 15”
Monitor Black offered class leading performance
from a true full bandwidth point source transducer.
As the most accurate loudspeaker available,
initial usage was as a calibration instrument
for microphones, before finding favour as
monitors in the most famous recording studios
in the world, and with major radio and television
broadcasters. This heritage has underpinned
Tannoy’s global success in audiophile and
professional loudspeakers for over 65 years.

Over this period of time, evolution and
development of the Dual Concentric concept
has seen the technology continue as the preferred
choice of audiophiles, recording engineers and
musicians around the world. This has been as a result
of implementing new materials and developing

bespoke manufacturing processes. While today,
the designs benefit from advanced computer
aided design and software modelling, we have not
lost sight of the traditional values that form the
most musically rewarding loudspeakers available.

Building on the strengths of the drivers launched
in 2006 as part of the Prestige SE series, the Gold
Reference DC drivers benefit from technologies
developed from Tannoy’s Kingdom Royal flagship
speaker project. These include new HF compression
driver assemblies with Mylar™ roll surrounds
and new cone materials which blend traditional
paper pulp fibres with advanced synthetic micro­strands to give a dynamic bass performance with
a low colouration midrange. Along with a number
of other revisions across the series, the Gold
Reference Dual Concentric drivers and the Prestige
GR loudspeakers represent Tannoy’s most refined
and accomplished loudspeakers to date, while
remaining faithful to the original design principles.

5

Tannoy - A Short History

In the early days of broadcasting, radio sets
needed both low and high voltage DC power
that had to be supplied by batteries. The lead
acid batteries used in the radio sets of the time
needed regular recharging.

In London, in 1926, Guy R. Fountain perfected
a new type of electrical rectifier with the aim of
designing a charger more suitable for use in the
house. His rectifier consisted of two dissimilar
metals held in a special electrolyte solution.
One metal was Tantalum and the other an alloy
of Lead. So successful was this invention that
Guy Fountain founded a British Company called
Tannoy (a contraction of the words ‘Tantalum’
and ‘Alloy’). Tannoy began to diversify and
soon became internationally known and highly
regarded in all aspects of sound reproduction.

Moving coil loudspeakers with DC energised
magnets began Tannoy’s continued success
in terms of technology. A discrete two-way

6

loudspeaker system followed in 1933, and
shortly after a range of microphones and
loudspeakers capable of high power handling.

Tannoy has always been at the forefront of
the communications revolution, developing its
own equipment and production technology.
The company built a wealth of knowledge and
experience, which has proved invaluable in the
development of loudspeakers for a truly wide
range of applications.

Guy Fountain retired from the company in
1974 but the Tannoy Company continues
his philosophy dedicated to the accurate
and realistic reproduction of music for both
enthusiasts and professionals around the world.

Tannoy is now part of the TC Group, whose
goal is to design, produce and distribute the
best engineered, most recognised and respected
brands of audio products in the world.

7

Over 80 Years of Audio Innovation

Tannoy has been involved with audio related manufacturing in the
UK for more than 80 years. The company’s core business is, and
always has been, loudspeaker design and manufacturing. For nearly
40 years, the hub of this activity has been in Scotland where the
company’s headquarters and manufacturing facility are located.

Few companies’ products have such a profound
impact on our lives that their names enter the
dictionary as generic descriptions for their
inventions. The word Tannoy is synonymous
with sound, recognised not only as a proprietary
Brand name in the Oxford English Dictionary
but also defined as a word that is commonly
used within the English language:

to call (someone) by public address system.

Audio related manufacturing commenced at
Tannoy in the late 1920’s at a time when other
landmark industry events were beginning to

8

v. trans.,

take place. This era saw the first commercial
electrical recording by HMV and, soon
after that, the first release of records from
The Decca Record Company. At the same
time the company became interested in the
world of Public Address and early in 1930
Tannoy won a contract to supply the most
famous circus in Europe, Bertram Mills, with
a sound reinforcement system. From that time
onwards the company never looked back.

Introduction of the

15” Monitor Black and

12” version later with an

Alnico magnet system, where

uniquely the high frequency

compression driver horn flare was

continued by the shape of the bass

cone, giving previously unheard of

low colouration levels.

Introduction of

12in Monitor Silver -

the first Canterbury enclosure.

Monitor Gold series, with

slightly lower sensitivity to suit

smaller enclosures and with new

compression driver rear chamber

using an advanced thermoset

moulding, still used to this day.

Along with some of the existing

designs, the Monitor Gold

enclosures, Lancaster and IIILZ were

some of the most famous enclosures.

1947

1953

Upgraded to Monitor Silver,

with more open chassis and separate

crossover, initially in the famous

compound horn Autograph cabinet

and later corner GRF.

9

1955

1967

1958

Introduction of Monitor Red in 15”

and 12” variants, with a 10” model

appearing three years later. The ‘Red’

offered improved power handling

over the silver and were used in the

famous Monitor Red cabinets.

Pioneering use of Anisotropic

Barium Ferrite (ABF) magnets to

replace Alnico on the Mk. 2 HPD’s

bringing, amongst others, the

imposing Buckingham and Windsor

monitors.

Westminster Royal sees a return

to Alnico magnets, and a larger

high rigidity birch ply cabinet.

Canterbury 12 and 15 follow a

year later.

19 74

High Performance Dual (HPD)

series introduced, with a foam

low frequency surround, and

strengthening ribs on the rear of the

cone, a feature still used on our

new 15” Prestige drivers.

1978

1982

First Prestige range, featuring

Westminster, GRF Memory, Stirling

and Edinburgh, was set to conquer

the Japanese audiophile market.

10

1987

1992

Tulip Waveguide (TW) Prestige

series introduces, with Stirling,

Edinburgh, GRFM and Westminster,

using ferrite magnets. The

Westminster Royal and Canterbury

models continued to use Alnico

magnets.

Kingdom flagship introduced, with

18” bass driver, 12” SuperDual

and 1” SuperTweeterTM.

Smaller 15” bass/ 12” Dual version

a year later, and 12” bass combined

with 10” Dual model in 2000.

TM

ST100 and ST200 SuperTweeters

introduced, to complement wide

bandwith sources such as

SACD, and enhance the

Prestige listening experience.

Sandringham, Kensington and

Yorkminster HE models added, with

8, 10 and 12” drivers respectively.

1997

1998/9

HE (Hard Edge) versions of the

Prestige Dual Concentric driver

featuring twin-roll fabric surround.

2000

2003

2001

Return of the famous Autograph

(with HE cone surround).

Produced as a special limited

edition for selected markets.

Prestige upgraded to SE

(Special Edition) status, featuring

Westminster Royal, Canterbury,

Yorkminster Royal, Kensington, Turnberry

and Stirling. Featuring PCOCC

carefully chosen selection of audiophile

components, to deliver optimal tonality

and transparency.

TM

and a

GR (Gold Reference) Prestige models

introduced. Westminster Royal, Canterbury

and Kensington feature technology

pioneered with the Kingdom Royal, such

as optimally terminated Mylar compression

driver surrounds and cryogenic crossover,

while Turnberry and Stirling models feature

new computer optimised crossovers, backed

up by extensive listening tests. All models

display an unsurpassed quality of cabinet

work and trim detail.

2005

Autograph Mini, with 4” cone

introduced, the smallest Dual

Concentric ever but with a

surprisingly large presentation.

2006/7

2013

2010

Kingdom Royal flagship

loudspeaker launched, with 15”

bass, 12” Dual and 1” magnesium

SuperTweeter, building upon the

SE cable and crossover component

philosophy, but enhanced with

cryogenic treatment.

6481 0637/210813

12

Timeline

Pull Out

Heritage, tradition and timeless styling...

17

Unpacking Instructions

Examine all pieces of packing material and
inspect the carton for signs of external damage.
If there is evidence of excessive damage to
the packaging and resulting damage to the
loudspeaker inform the carrier and supplier
immediately. Always keep the packing in such
circumstances for subsequent examination.

Unfasten the bottom of the carton. Fold the
end leaves out of the way and remove the
packing tray to reveal the plinth and bottom
of the loudspeaker cabinet. Locate and remove
from the carton the accessories pack carefully.
Turn the carton and loudspeaker over so that
the cabinet now stands on the floor inside
the carton. Lift the carton upwards to reveal
the loudspeaker.

Tannoy strongly suggests that you store the
complete packaging set for possible future use.

18

Check the contents of the accessories pack for
the pair of loudspeakers as follows:

• Bi-wire links (x4)

• Carpet spikes (x8)

• Lock nuts (x8)

• Metal cups (x8)

• Tin of wood wax (x1)

• Grille key (x1)

19

Initial Positioning

Locate the loudspeakers so that the favourite

listening position is approximately 15° from

the axes of the cabinets. The axes of both

cabinets should intersect at a point slightly

in front of the listening position. Remember

that the proximity of the loudspeakers to

walls and corners will affect the sound. Some

experimentation will probably be needed

to fine-tune the stereo image depth and

low frequency sound quality. Close to wall

positions and room corners have the effect of

increasing very low frequency sound energy.

Reflective adjacent walls may upset the stereo

image by causing unwanted reflections.

In order to experience the best acoustic

performance and fully realise their exceptional

stereo image depth capabilities, the

loudspeakers should ideally be used at least 1m

from any sidewall or reflective surface and at

least 0.5 m away from a rear wall.

20

Inserts are provided in the base of the speakers
for down spikes that give maximum stability.
The spikes provided should be screwed into
the base of the loudspeakers. When the
loudspeaker is installed in its upright position,
the spikes should pass between the weave
of your carpet to contact the floor beneath.
Adjust the spikes for maximum stability then
tighten the lock nuts firmly, but without using
undue force.

For polished wooden floors and other delicate
surfaces, metal cups are provided to place under
the spikes.

1.0 M OR MORE

0.5 M OR MORE0.5 M OR MORE

2.0 M to 4.5 M

1.0 M OR MORE

21

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 wide
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 music reproduced by the
loudspeakers is so dependent on the physical
properties of the cables connecting them to
the amplifier. It also explains why bi-wiring is
the preferred connection method, so that low
frequency and high frequency signals do not
have to share the same cable.

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. Please consult your dealer
for further advice on choosing cables.

22

Amplifier Choice

Consult the product specification section
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
conditions (page 44).

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 can
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
pose less risk of 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.

Some users may have a preference for low
power valve (tube) amplifiers which are
below the recommended minimum amplifier
power. While this does not cause potential
for damage, consideration should be given
to musical preferences, maximum listening
levels and room size.

23

TO 'GROUND' OR

'EARTH' CONNECTION

ON AMPLIFIER (OPTIONAL)

LINKS IN PLACE

Connection in Single Wire Mode

TO RIGHT
SPEAKER

- + -

+

L R

POWER AMPLIFIER

Before proceeding, ensure amplifier is switched
off (applies to all methods of connection).

First link the HF+ terminal to the LF+ terminal
and HF- terminal to the LF- terminal, using the
links provided in the accessories pack.

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.

24

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.

25

LINKS REMOVED

Connection in Bi-Wire Mode

POWER AMPLIFIER

TO 'GROUND' OR

'EARTH' CONNECTION

ON AMPLIFIER (OPTIONAL)

TO RIGHT
SPEAKER

+ -

L

+ -

R

Please note in bi-wire mode that the link
cables should not be used. Best results will
be obtained with a specially designed bi-wire
speaker cable.

If your amplifier is not equipped with two sets
of output terminals, 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.

26

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.

27

LINKS REMOVED

Bi - Amp Mode

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.

-+L-+
R

HIGH FREQUENCY

POWER AMPLIFIER

LOW FREQUENCY

POWER AMPLIFIER

L-R

-

+

TO RIGHT

SPEAKER

+

SPEAKER
TO RIGHT

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.

It is important not to use the link cables on the
terminal panel, otherwise amplifier damage
may result.

28

29

Connection of Earth
or ‘Ground’ Lead

To optimise performance further, use a
shielded or screened loudspeaker cable in
order to reduce unwanted radio frequency
interference. 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 loudspeaker and amplifier earth terminals.

30

Grille Removal

Special acoustically transparent cloth is
used in the grilles. However, for ultimate
fidelity the enthusiast will find it is best to
use these loudspeakers with their grilles
removed during listening. Grille removal
is also necessary for access to the front
panel controls.

The front grille is removed using the key
provided. Turn the key in the key slot and
pull the bottom of the grille away from the
cabinet. The grille will drop down from its
upper location. Take care not to damage the
wooden lower part of the cabinet. To replace
the grille engage the top of the grille into the
slot in the cabinet and push the grill into the
recess and lock in position.

31

Loudspeaker System Adjustment

Each loudspeaker is fitted with two
controls located on the front baffle beneath
the detachable grille. These high current
switch blocks are labelled ROLL OFF and
ENERGY. They can be used to compensate
for the varied acoustic characteristics of
listening rooms. The controls should be
adjusted with the amplifier tone controls
in the ‘flat’ or uncompensated position.
Each loudspeaker should be adjusted
individually. Rotating the amplifier balance
control, to select first one loudspeaker and
then the other, most easily achieves this.

The Energy control has five positions. It
allows the output of the high frequency
compression drive unit to be increased or
decreased from the linear or ‘flat’ position
over a frequency band from approximately
1 kHz to 27 kHz.

The Roll Off control has five positions
(+2, level, -2, -4 and -6 dB per octave)

32

and provides adjustment at extreme high
frequencies from 5 kHz to 27 kHz.

The Energy control has a shelving effect
whereas the roll off control increases or
decreases the slope of the extreme high
frequency response.

The flattest, most linear response from
the loudspeaker will be obtained with
both controls set at the LEVEL position,
and this position should be used for initial
listening tests. If the overall quality
of the high frequency sound seems too
prominent the –1.5 or –3 positions for
the Energy control should be tried. If the
sound appears subdued in the treble region
+1.5 or +3 settings may be preferred.
Once the energy control setting has
been established the Roll Off control
can be adjusted to reduce or slightly
increase the extreme high frequency
content if necessary.

Remember the changes that can be made by
moving either control from one position to
another are subtle. They may not easily be
heard if the programme material has very
little content in the frequency band under
consideration. Choose a well-balanced
piece of music with a full spectrum of sound.
The correct setting will be found when the
loudspeakers are no longer evident and only
the musical performance is heard.

33

Tannoy Dual Concentric Drive Unit

One of the unique advantages of the Tannoy
Dual Concentric principle is that the low and
high frequency sound radiation is generated
on the same axis. The high frequency unit is
mounted behind and concentrically with the
low frequency unit. High frequency sound
radiates from the centre of the low frequency
unit through a carefully designed high
frequency exponential horn. Low and high
frequencies are therefore fully integrated
at source. It is this feature that gives the
Dual Concentric driver such unique sound
reproduction qualities.

There are other significant benefits. The
high frequency unit does not obstruct the
low frequency unit in any way (a unique
feature when compared with other so called
coaxial systems). Polar dispersion of sound is
symmetrical in both horizontal and vertical
planes. By careful crossover network design
the virtual acoustic sources of the high and

34

low frequency units can be made to occupy
the same point on the axis. Therefore the
total sound appears to emanate from a single
point source located slightly behind the
drive unit. This means that the loudspeakers,
when fed from a high quality stereo source,
can recreate a full and accurate stereo image.

Running In

Like all loudspeakers, the drive unit in your
Prestige GR speaker requires a while to reach
optimum performance as the stresses in the
materials relax, especially in the suspension
system. For this reason, it is beneficial
to run the system at fairly high levels at
normal room temperature for approximately
20 hours to achieve best results.

35

The High
Frequency Section

The high frequency driver consists of a wide
dynamic range compression unit giving
superb transient performance with a smooth
uncoloured response. The compression unit
feeds acoustic power through a multiple
phase compensating device to the throat of a
solid steel acoustic horn. This horn provides
an acoustic impedance transformation to
match the compression unit radiation into
the listening environment.

An aluminium / magnesium alloy diaphragm,
formed by a specially developed five-stage
process, produces a piston with a very high
stiffness to mass ratio. Optimum molecular
grain structure gives long-term durability.
Dome energy is terminated by a specially
developed Mylar vented surround. A very
low mass precision aluminium coil provides
the driving force for the diaphragm, with
fine multi-stranded copper lead out wires to
ensure reliability. A rear damped acoustic
cavity controls the compression driver
response and ensures further correct acoustic
impedance matching to the horn throat.

The response of the compression horn
driver extends more than two full octaves
below the crossover frequency to eliminate
colourations that can arise through operation
over the fundamental resonance region.

36

The Low
Frequency Section

The low frequency section of the
Dual Concentric driver has exceptional
power handling and dynamic range. The
low frequency cone piston is produced from
selected paper pulp with synthetic fibre
micro-strand additives. This is specially
treated to absorb internal resonance modes.

The twin roll fabric surround is also damped
and shaped correctly to terminate the moving
cone and provide optimum compliance and
linearity at large excursions. The cone piston
is driven by a high power motor system
consisting of a four-layer coil suspended
in a precision magnetic air gap. The coil
is wound with a special high temperature
adhesive system and individually cured to
ensure reliable operation at high peak power
inputs. The shape of the low frequency cone
is arranged to provide optimum dispersion
of audio frequencies at both the high
and low ends of the spectrum. The cone
flare continues the high frequency horn
profile to ensure a smooth transition at the
crossover point.

37

The Magnetic Circuit

An Alcomax 3 high energy magnet provides
flux generation for both high frequency and
low frequency driving motors. Precision air
gaps contain the magnetic flux surrounding
each coil. The high frequency air gap has a
unique shunt member to apportion the total
magnetic flux in the correct ratio between
low and high frequency units. This gives an
optimum acoustic balance. Precision machined,
low carbon steel pole pieces ensure unsaturated
operation, linear flux fields and a high heat
sinking capability. High power inputs can
therefore be handled with minimum change of
impedance due to temperature effects. A very
robust, high quality, precision pressure die cast
chassis locates the whole magnet assembly and
positions the moving parts with high accuracy.
The chassis is clamped to the front baffle by
10 mounting bolts. This provides long term
reliability without interfering with the acoustic
radiation from the individual sections.

38

Alcomax Magnet

Alcomax 3 is an unusually high energy
permanent magnet. The unusual iron / nickel
alloy is doped with cobalt, aluminium and
other rare metals to produce a magnetic
material with very special properties. Alcomax
3 has a high remanent magnetism and energy
product. In other words, it magnetises to a
high level and retains that unusual degree of
magnetisation. Alcomax 3 is also an electrical
conductor, so damps any non-linear eddy
current losses in the magnetic circuit giving
reduced midrange distortion. These properties
give the Dual Concentric drive unit using an
Alcomax 3 magnet an exceptionally clean
transient response and increased sensitivity.

39

The Crossover Network

During the design of the crossover network the
acoustic, mechanical and electrical interactions
of the high and low frequency sections have
been fully analysed. The crossover is therefore
an integral part of the design of the system. The
crossover network provides complex equalisation
in both amplitude and phase for each section and
fully integrates the response at the crossover point.
All components are high precision, low-loss and
thermally stable. Specially damped polypropylene
audiophile capacitors are used, together with
non-inductive thick film resistors and low loss
laminated core inductors. A unique shunt element
technique controls the motional impedance of the
high frequency unit.

All components in the crossover network are
hard wired to eliminate unwanted metal-to-metal
contact and ensure freedom from vibration.
The components are laid out to minimise inter
component coupling and are placed well away
from the driver magnetic field. Top quality

40

PCOCC™ 99.9999% purity copper wiring is
used throughout, with 99.99% purity silver link
wires on the crossover boards. High current
switch blocks with gold plated screw terminals
permit user adjustment of high frequency sound
radiation to suit differing listening environments.
Speaker terminals are WBT Nextgen™, mounted
on a specially designed non resonant acrylic panel.

Finally, the complete crossover assemblies are
deep cryogenically treated (DCT) to relieve
component, conductor and solder joint stresses
at crystal structure level for smoother, more
natural sound.

The complementary design of crossover and
drive units means that the loudspeaker system as
a whole behaves as a minimum phase system over
the audio band. Therefore the acoustic sources of
the high and low frequency sections are aligned
in time and space to ensure accurate reproduction
of stereo images.

Care of the Cabinet

The cabinet is finished to exacting standards
utilising carefully selected solid hardwood
mouldings and matching real wood veneers.
The wood should only be cleaned with
a dry cloth or with a light application of
quality non-silicone furniture polish such
as the specialist Tannoy wax supplied in
the accessory pack. Take care not to get
polish on the grille cloth or lacquered
front baffle.

In common with all solid wood furniture,
exposure to extremes of heat, cold and
varying humidity will cause the wood to
ease slightly. Therefore it is recommended
that the loudspeaker is protected from
environmental extremes to guard against
any such occurrence. Any wood will change
colour when subjected to the UV content of
ambient light and dry out over time, hence
the need to ‘feed’ the wood with the wax
provided periodically.

41

Tannoy Quality

An important part of Tannoy’s design
philosophy is to produce loudspeakers with
a level of performance beyond the most
exacting specifications of contemporary
source equipment.

Loudspeaker design is no longer a ‘black art’.
It is now possible to use computers to model
designs and predict results. Comprehensive
test equipment is used to pinpoint problems
with cabinets or drive units and anechoic
chambers help in producing accurate
measurements. Computer aided design
(CAD) and sophisticated test equipment
are used extensively at Tannoy but we
always remember that listening tests must
be the final judge, and considerable time is
expended in this pursuit.

Tannoy follows a policy of stringent quality
control procedures using sophisticated
measurement facilities. Strict quality control

42

is more easily achieved because all Prestige
loudspeakers are built in-house at the Tannoy
factory in Scotland. All drive units are designed
and manufactured by Tannoy. All incoming
parts are thoroughly tested to ensure that they
are within our demanding tolerances. For over
85 years Tannoy has strived to ensure that every
loudspeaker it makes exceeds both our exacting
standards and our customers’ high expectations.

Fault Finding

Tannoy loudspeakers are designed and
manufactured to be reliable. When a fault
occurs in a hi-fi system the effect is always
heard through the loudspeakers although
they may not be the source of the fault. It is
important to trace the cause of the problem
as accurately as possible.

A fault heard on one source (only CD or
tape for instance) is most unlikely to be a
loudspeaker problem. Loudspeakers do not
generate hum, hiss or rumble although high
quality, wide-bandwidth loudspeakers may
emphasise such problems.

43

Warranty

No maintenance of this Prestige GR

loudspeaker is necessary, except to periodically

wax polish the natural wood of the cabinet

- see under Cabinet Care.

Please register your new loudspeaker online at

www.tannoy.com.

All of our products have been produced and

tested with care and precision to give first

class service and exceptional reliability.

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.

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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 Limited, at the

address given opposite.

Customer Services
Tannoy Ltd.
Rosehall Industrial Estate
Coatbridge
North Lanarkshire
Scotland
ML5 4TF

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Website: www.support.tannoy.com

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.

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Technical Specifications

Performance

Recommended Amplifier Power

Continuous power handling

Peak power handling

Sensitivity

Nominal Impedance

Minimum Impedance

Frequency Response

Dispersion

Dual Concentric Drive Unit

Low Frequency

High Frequency

Crossover

Crossover Type

Crossover Frequency

Adjustments

20 to 250 watt per channel

125 watt RMS

500 watt

93 dB (2.83 volt @ 1 m)

8 ohm

5 ohm

29 Hz - 27 kHz (-6 dB)

90 degrees conical

250 mm (10”) with paper pulp cone and twin roll
impregnated fabric surround.
52 mm (2”) round wire voice coil

52 mm (2”) aluminium/magnesium alloy dome
with round voice coil

Bi-wired, hard-wired passive, low loss. Time compensated.
2nd order low pass. 2nd order high pass.
Deep cryogenically treated

1.1 kHz

+/-3 dB over 1.1 kHz to 27 kHz shelving
+ 2 dB to -6 dB per octave over 5 kHz to 27 kHz slope

Cabinet

Enclosure Type

Volume

Dimensions (H x W x D)

Construction

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Distributed port

105 litres (3.7 cu. ft.)

1100 x 406 x 338 mm (43.31 x 15.98 x 13.31”)

Particle board with high density birch ply baffle and
rear panel, 18 mm (10.71”) thickness. Internally cross
braced and heavily damped

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Tannoy Limited - product designed in the United Kingdom.

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

Dual Concentric, High Performance Dual (HPD), Tulip WaveGuide, SuperDual and SuperTweeter

are trademarks of Tannoy Limited.

All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.

Copyright © 2013 Tannoy Limited. All rights reserved.

6481 0624/210813

Tannoy.com