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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. 
jimmy2615
jimmy2615 OP
417 posts
 
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. 
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,924 posts
 
Good stuff!
jimmy2615 OP
417 posts
 
After re-reading some of my comments here I wanted to correct a couple things that were probably not exactly what I wanted to say.  First, I mentioned I have to sit on the ground with the Tannoy's.  To clarify, if I want my ears to be level with the speakers I can sit on the floor without slouching to do that.  Sitting in my chair, my ears are about a foot above the tweeters.  The sound is fine sitting in the chair.  At ear level you get a bit more detail, but I did not want to suggest that these are unlistenable in other positions.  Second, I mentioned in the original post that the Klipsch's don't image well.  That's probably not fair (and I'm surprised some Klipsch fans haven't jumped on me for that) - they do pretty well if set up well.  What I was trying to get at is that I don't think the 3 drivers integrate as well as some other speakers somewhat contributing to the overall image, and in my set up they did not image all that great.  But they can.  Lastly, back to the Tannoy's, I may have suggested that my vintage gear was perhaps satisfactory with these speakers, like it was a compromise.  Of course I can not know the truth until I try some other gear, but otherwise I think the match between the old McIntosh and the Tannoys is really quite good.  This is a great system and at this point I am starting to look just at tube rolling to see about possible improvements.
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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
Jimmy, I've enjoyed reading your experiences with the Turnberrys. I thought I'd add my two cents, as I've been using a pair of custom 12" HPD (ca 1975 Dual Concentrics), that have custom crossovers and have been converted to hard edge surrounds, as per the current Prestige drivers are.

I have driven them with a multitude of different amps, and my current favorites are a 500 Wpc class d amp, and a 9 Wpc SET 300B that the Tannoys sound delicious with. With either amp, the sound is very enjoyable, the class d delivers better bass, which you would expect given the disparity in power available. The SET is actually quite good at delivering excellent bass, as it has massive power supplies.

Having two such disparate amp topologies to choose from is something I enjoy being able to do, and I don't doubt that I will live happily this way for the unforseeable future.

Good luck to you, I don't think you can go wrong with the direction you are heading.

Regards,
Dan





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