The Tannoy D700 Definition, with its fairly high sensitivity, does not demand a “megawatt-range” amplifier for output power in watts. Its load characteristic (reactive) and its low minimum impedance (3 ohms) do, however, demand an amp that can deliver lots of currrent – both sustained and for peaks – in terms of amperes. When first acquired, the Audiolab amplifiers (8000A and 8000P) used to regularly complain and shut down their current limiting circuitry to communicate their dissatisfaction to me…
Having now owned this pair of Tannoy D700 Definition’s since early 1995, the seven year exposure to them has, if anything, reinforced the decision to buy them.
Like many people, I’ve occasionally fantasized about other speakers, but never found a pair for which I would be prepared to ditch the Tannoys.
My musical tastes cover a fairly eclectic range (from classical, via jazz & new age, to 50’s/60’s rock ‘n roll) and my collection of music includes around 500 LP’s, 250 cassettes and 600+ CD’s. I also spend a fair amount of my free time listening to music (mainly as a refuge from television, which I am happy to leave to the rest of the family).
Having set the stage, the performance of the D700’s (in the context of the system outlined below and the listening room) is probably best communicated via the use of “bullet points”:
* Bass extension: They “go low” without the “one-note samba” effect
* Bass reproduction: Clear and with good transient handling (fast)
* Mid-range: Clear and detailed while retaining a natural warmth
* Treble: Very clear and detailed – on some CD’s can be a bit bright
* Integration between drivers: Almost impossible to detect (to my ears)
* Overall “sonic signature”: Natural to neutral with a slightly warm mid
* Sound at volume extremes: Very little shift in tonal balance between soft & loud
* Very high levels: Still “tolerable” despite breaking windows, etc
* Imaging: Very stable images – fixed in space, depth and height
* Staging: Broad soundstage – extends well beyong both speakers
Ditching the “buzzword feedback”, some subjective comments:
* Orchestral pieces portrayed as if the orchestra was “there” in the room
* Classical music with wide dynamic range is well reproduced – loud & soft
* Jazz is just magic! (as is new age from Windham Hill and Narada)
* Rock ‘n Roll does just that – it rocks and it rolls
* Female vocals are probably strongest point – Annia Lennox is sublime
* Male vocals: very good with operatic and all others
The Tannoy D700 Definition comes close to being my ideal speaker – performing well across my range of musical tastes.
I would strongly recommend that, if there is a pair on demo nearby, take the time to give the D700’s a listen – its an “ear-opener”….
After 6 years of living with a pair of D700’s, I thought I’d share some
thoughts on these speakers…
Firstly, let me say that I have absolutely no regrets about buying these
D700’s – they have met and exceeded my expectations in every aspect.
As a long term KEF owner (Cadenza’s bought in 1970), my first experience
with Tannoy was the purchase of a pair of Tannoy 613 floorstanders. These
were partnered with an Audiolab 8000A and a Rotel RCD965BX (with Trichord
Clock 2 upgrade).
The 613’s, although a bit light in true low frequency extension, provided an
excellent introduction to the “dual concentric” philosophy adopted so long
ago by Tannoy. The 613’s were equipped with a 6.5″ Dual Concentric, a 6.5″
Active LF driver plus a 6.5″ passive radiator (ABR).
I then auditioned the Tannoy D700 Definition’s a year later and fell in lust with them at
first sight…
An opportunity presented itself in late 1994 and I managed to acquire the
D700’s in Walnut.
I also added an Audiolab 8000P plus a Theta Data Basic CDT and a Theta
Progeny a DAC to add to my Linn LP12/Ittok/Valhalla/AT-OC5 combo. The
D700’s were, at this stage, bi-amped – using the 8000A as pre-amp and for HF
power amp drive, with the 8000P dedicated to LF drive. The system sounded
pretty good, but the Audiolab’s used to battle a bit – their
current-limiting circuitry got quite a bit of exercise…
At about this time, some enterprising burglars indulged in some affirmative
redistribution of wealth by breaking into the house and removing the Theta
CDT/DAC, the Audiolab bits plus a Nakamichi Cassette Deck 1.5 (which I still
miss…).
The burglars left behind the D700’s (too big and heavy to take with them…)
and the Linn LP12 (no demand…).
Insurance occasionally justifies its monthly costs… So, managed to add a
bit from another windfall and acquired the following setup:
a. Theta Data Basic II CDT / Theta DSPro Prime IIa DAC
b. Classe’ CP-50 pre-amp (with PHCP-50 phono stage) / Classe’ CA-100
power amp
c. Yamaha KX690 Cassette Deck (replacing the Nakamichi… well, not
quite…)
add to the above those items not taken:
a. Linn LP12
b. D700’s
c. Wires (Cable Talk throughout – balanced between DAC & pre-amp and
between pre-amp and power amp)
All in all this system works well together…
The Classe’ combo tends towards a “restrained and very neutral” sound which
nicely balances the D700’s “in ya face” attitude.
The Theta digital front end provides a very musical source, as does the LP12
IMPRESSIONS:
a. Sound-staging & Imaging: Very clear, deep and stable –
3-dimensional with Chesky Test Track (Resolution/Imaging)
b. Top-end: Very clear, sweet and extended – percussion is very REAL!
c. Mid-range: Slightly de-emphasised but clean and crisp
d. Low Frequencies: Awe-inspiring depth, speed, clarity – LF
transients can scare the hell outta ya…
e. Driver integration: 10″ HPD plus 10″ LF driver work well together
using a fairly simple cross-over design
f. Dynamics: Overall “sonic signature” stays much the same
irrespective of SPL – any deviation more due to room..
g. Musical Compatibility: Performs equally well with virtually all
musical genres
h. Overall Assessment: The best buy I’ve ever made in audio…
The only potentially negative aspect was my good wife’s response when she
got home after I’d received and installed them…
WHAT??? SARCOPHAGI IN MY LOUNGE???
Well, I soon managed to put that misconception to bed…
