CEDIA Expo 2012 is underway in Indianapolis and the folks at Tannoy didn't waste any time making a huge splash on Wednesday with their new Definition True Point Source loudspeakers. Tannoy has been making high end loudspeakers for eighty-four years and the Definition DC10A dual concentric loudspeaker with an alnico magnet system looks and sounds like a real winner. The Definition True Point series are the convergence of Tannoy's Prestige and Definition loudspeakers; modern, sleek, and blessed with uber high-end drivers with the ability to impart enormous drama when listening to your favorite music.
Tannoy's signature birch-ply cabinets combined with cryogenically-treated crossver components highlight the high-end roots of these new loudspeakers. Tannoy is about engaging and coherent sound; rich, dynamic, and always natural sounding. Ever listen to Back in Black on a pair of Tannoy Westminster loudspeakers? Mammamia!
Listening to jazz on the Westminster Royal Special Edition loudspeakers ($35,000) is downright humbling. The scale and organic purity of these massive loudspeakers is enough to you blush.
Further refined with modern materials and high-tech engineering, the DC10A driver uses the latest iteration of Tannoy's aluminium alloy tweeter with PepperPot WaveGuideTM. Mid and low frequency reproduction is handled by a multi-fibre cone specified and tuned to realise the smoothness and musicality inherent of the Alnico magnet system. Each driver is hand assembled by Tannoy engineers before mounting into the cabinet with Tannoy's patented Differential Material Technology (DMTTM). This results in unsurpassed rigidity of the driver/enclosure coupling and optimum performance of the DC10A's unique Dual Concentric driver.
The Definition DC10A also utilize Tannoy's signature ply-wood laminate construction and are built to last. The sculpted cabinet is rear ported and constructed from the finest birch wood.
The internal guts of the loudspeaker are no less impressive;Internal wiring is minimal crystal boundary PCOCC cable throughout and the terminal block features substantial WBT NextgenTM 24k gold plated high purity copper binding posts. Tannoy's unique fifth speaker terminal is also incorporated, giving users the option to electrically ground the driver chassis to reduce potentially signal-degrading RF interference in the audio system.
The new DC10A plinth is a heavyweight all-metal design, with innovative top-adjustable floor spikes, designed to give exceptional acoustic rigidity and physical stability. Each cabinet is engineered with a Mass Loading Cavity (MLC) in the lower section. This can be filled with a range of particle ballast materials to further tighten LF response and enhance subtle nuances in the articulation of bass instruments.
The DC10A are a relatively easy load; 93db, 8 ohms, and while Tannoy suggests that you can drive them with 30 watts, I would suggest from personal experience that those 30 watts better be backed by some serious iron. Tubes sound great with these loudspeakers but I wouldn't recommend using an eight watt SET amp because you will never hear what these giants can do.
The loudspeakers measure 44"H x 13"W x 17"D (that means they are large) and weigh 94 pounds each. A true two-person set-up job for sure. They are rated down to 22 Hz and capable of some rather potent bass response if you use the right amplifier and your room is up to the task.
There is no pricing available yet.
Tannoy also unveiled three other models in the new Definition True Point Source range including the Definition 8T tower, Definition 8BS bookshelf, and the monster Definition subwoofer.
The Definition subwoofer utilizes 2 11.8" long-throw metal dome drivers driven by a 1,000 watt Class D amplifier. The cabinet uses 1" thick ply and is a sealed design. There were no specs available, but this subwoofer had REL-Killer stamped all over it. Impressively built and not for small rooms.
The DC10A was the star of the group, but don't underestimate the smaller siblings as Tannoy has been known to hide some serious gems lower down in its product mix.
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