Tannoy Definition D900

Where do you begin with a D900 ?
Visual…. Because its an imposing speaker. Comfortably imposing, the sort you want to walk to, touch, hug, feel under your hands. Its substantial, REAL wood look to it. Yes this pair is Cherry vineer, but exudes quality. The trapezoid shape makes it look smaller than it really is. Any speaker housing 2 x 12” drivers is NOT small in any way. This is a high class speaker. Slightly conservative, blending in with the Persian rug, fireplace and dimmed ligting. Standing back like the ultimate butler, ready to serve.

And then you press: Play…. Oh goodness, this is good.

A touch of wood, Big sound, enveloping you with music. It’s a mighty sound, slightly bigger than one would expect. No this is bigger than the sum of those 4 12” drivers. They somehow blend perfectly. I cannot hear the crossing from 12” woofer to 12” midrange. Maybe it’s because of the sizes ? And the transition to the dual concentric tweeter is flawless, but then Tannoy has been doing this for over 50 years.

Let’s start with the treble. Firsts remark is that it doesn’t draw attention to itself, it’s there, its detailed. Every sound comes out and hangs in the air. Does it lack anything ? No and Yes. For me, No,, it’s more than enough. It has the speed and clarity one expects from a horn loaded tweeter. But, Yes it isn’t the ultimate in tweeters. I have heard ribbons with quite more airiness. I have heard the speed of Diamond and Beryllium, and their bite more often than not. Eva Cassidy, although masterful can on some songs make you cringe…. Fortunately with the D900’s not. A big brass section doesn’t have you reaching for the volume control. You experience the full onslaught and feel the tension release afterwards. It’s a good experience.

Midrange. Well here you just cannot fault the Tannoy. Bring it on! Male voices are stunning. The growl of guitars menacing. Synthesizers alive and one can certainly even identify the signature sounds of Korg, Roland etc. The Blues makes these speakers live! Those growly voices, again bigger than normal, all around.

And then you pull out Yello – Race & Flag and a bit of OMD – English Electric

Pack away your B&W802’s. Big papa 800D has a worried look and even the mighty Kappa 9.2’s frown. What is this. The D900’s slam as if the drums are right here , 2ft from your ears. It’s shocking fast deep and powerful. Of course we are not driving with 50W here anymore, electrical power must now be converted into couch shifting sound waves.

So what is the D900? It’s a not a Grizzly Bear, no it’s more a Lion. Grace and power. For its price I don’t think anything could touch it. Certainly nothing short of $10 000 was so much fun! There are more accurate. There are more articulate. Even a few more good looking. But this is my pick for anything in the $10k class.