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"New" Tannoy System 12s

I just bought a used pair of System 12 Mk. 1s.

I have 3 burning questions:

1. Does anyone know where I could find a manual?

2. Also, apparently I need help in how to bi-wire these guys.

3. My amp (really a surround sound receiver) is rated at 110 watts RMS/channel. Some folks have told me that I will not enjoy a balanced frequency response until I invest in a more powerful amp (250-400 watt). Their contention is that my puny amp will have issues moving that big heavy magnet, and the low end will suffer as a result. Any thoughts on this theory?

Thanks (in advance) for all comments!!
edavis68
kotta's avatar
kotta
638 posts
 
I'm far from an expert, but I can tell you not all "watts" are created equal. Secondly, a receiver is a compromise. (As one salesperson I talked w/ a very long ago called them "toasters".) You're not going to the best out or know what your Tannoy's are really capable of w/ a rec. I hope you don't end up on the Audiophile merry-go-around. But an amp will lead to other things...
islandmandan
848 posts
 
I don't know about your particular model, but most Tannoy DC drivers are at least rated at 90db sensitvity. My 1975 vintage 12" HPD's (though they are in custom cabs with custom crossovers), are driven beautifully by a VAC EL 34 tube amp at 35 Wpc. Even my Sophia Electric Baby amp, at 10Wpc, plays very nicely, at fairly high volume.

For tons of info and support, go to Hans Hilberink's Tannoy site(just Google it)

Enjoy,
Dan
edavis68 OP
4 posts
 
FYI:
Sensitivity: 96dB/2.83V/M
Impedance: 8 ohms
Recommended power: 50 to 300 watts RMS
Weight: 57 lbs
Post removed 
edavis68 OP
4 posts
 
To Thegrabber1:

I am like you, judging from your thread about Schubert, a classical music lover. I have a large collection of LPs (ca. 2000) and CDs (ca. 1000), 95% classical.

I am a true devotee of Tannoy dual concentric technology. I love how the true timbre of each instrument is so accurately reproduced, with no peaks for *easy on the ear listening*.

I have "moved up" over the years, beginning with a Tannoy System 6 (+ sub), to a DC 1000 (+ sub). I spend years directing original music in local recording studios, and the monitor I ALWAYS was most impressed with was the Tannoy System 10.

I have always been bothered by the ability to "dial up" the most pleasing base level on a source by source basis. I want to explore using speakers that reproduce music full-range - without the need of a sub. I see it as a matter of sound integrity. From what I've read, I targeted System 10s and System 12s as good candidates in this quest.

So far, these speakers are not reproducing my orchestral recordings as I hoped they would, that is, full-range. I listen to mainly Mahler, Bartok, Mozart, Brahms & lots of chamber works, largely instrumental (my instrument is the trumpet)

Does this completely answer your question?

:]
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