Follow up - I decided to try some Tannoy Turnberry SE Loudspeakers to finally audition some Tannoy's in my home and system. I figured this way I could hear the 'house' sound, and more importantly hear them with my vintage McIntosh equipment. I received them today, and having unpacked them, true to form they are beautiful cabinets. After an initial listening period, so far very impressive...
Tannoy vs. ATC
I'm looking at ATC SCM40 vs. Tannoy Kensington. Two very different speakers, I know. No.1, I need a speaker that can be placed close to the wall (less than 3 feet). I think both apply there (I didn't say it was ideal). Among other things, I like the Tannoy because I have a 40 w/ch tube amp, and the Tannoy is more "child friendly" (as far as tipping over and access to delicate drivers). The amps also have sentimental value and I would like to use them. If I buy the ATC I have to get other amplification, which I am willing to do because I love what they do (leave the child friendly part to me on this one...!). So, with the 40w/ch tube amp and the Tannoy (which may still require more power), or the ATC with 'competent' SS amplification (TBD), any recommendations on the two? Amps are vintage (and fully functional/restored) McIntosh, currently running Klipsch Chorus speakers (my temporary compromise to allow for Children...hard to push over or destroy!..which actually sound pretty good by the way, just not much in the way of imaging or accurate bass). I have NEVER heard Tannoy Prestige series, but I am going out on a limb based on all the web and print-based anecdotal evidence. Third choice - hold out for Canterbury? Also a factor in the decision, eventually I will be able to use more of the room for placement. My room is 20 x 13 feet. As far as preferences, I like heavy classical music, as well as softer music - classical guitar, choral, etc. (and listenability at low volume is important too). I have found that I do prefer accurate loudspeakers in general, and accurate bass is very important to me (organ music is a staple). I am willing to use a subwoofer. I'm hoping someone might have experience with a lot of this gear. Thanks.
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After a week of intermittent listening, there is a lot to like about the Tannoy's. I could sum up by saying that Pani's description above seems spot on to me. Some things I really like: First, as I listed in my original post I wanted something that was 'child friendly', worked well with my 40 w/ch vintage tube gear, and were easy to place in the room. Yes on all three accounts. Second, I like that the screens are very well built - while Tannoy recommends you listen without them, they are pretty transparent. They are the best built screens I have ever seen, and easy to remove (for the adult but not the kid). Third, as has been said many times, they work fine at low volumes. I think this says a lot about the overall engineering and design. Lastly and most importantly is the sound. Inner harmonics are fantastic, detail and soundstaging are very good, they are musical, and have a top to bottom (of the frequency spectrum) consistency that is rare in the loudspeakers I have had thus far. Also very important to me, they do not mind being pushed hard. All in all these speakers have a lot going for them. My tube gear never sounded better; I am intrigued by what a good solid state amp would do with them. I'm also interested to hear the Alnico versions - the Kensingtons still may be a final choice. I did mention concerns about the size of the Turnberry's. While they are shorter than I would prefer (I actually sit on the floor when doing critical listening), they are not by any stretch too small for the room - in fact, on some music they almost seem like they would prefer a larger room. One interesting thing is that these are the first pair of speakers I have had that have such a wide 'sweet spot.' You can sit anywhere in the room and still get a centralized stereo image from them. I do think they need stands though, as many have said. Overall, impressive speakers and definitely in the ball park for what I was looking for. |
jimmy2615, how do the Tannoy do with large scale orchestral? |
Jetexpro, they do very well. I'm listening to Vaughn Williams' "Sea Symphony" right now, with peaks on my radio shack spl meter upwards of 97 db. Instruments remain separated, the sound is uncongested, no strain (effortless, as Pani talks about above), regardless of the volume. At this point (these volumes) my room and possibly amplifier I think will become more of a factor in sound degradation than the speakers. I think also with a high powered SS amp the large scale classical might even be more impressive. |
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