Definition is not really new series from Tannoy, at least if we are to stay at a linguistic plane. Predecessors of these speakers came in the first half of the nineties, in terms of definition D300, D500, D700 and the top model D900. These were similar to most of Tannoy`s more exclusive speaker series, characterized by being fitted with a Dual Concentric items, midrange-/woofer with a tweeter mounted centric.

The new definition series came in 2009, and consisted of a mountstanding model DC8, floorstanding model DC8T and top model DC10T, flanked by the center speaker DC6LCR, and Definition Subwoofer. In 2012 these were joined by a new top model named DC10A, which, according to spokespeople at Tannoy really is an evolution of the classic Kensington in a more modern chassis. No doubt that the design of the new definition has a different appeal than that powerful retro embossed Kensington cabinet. Possibly except in certain narrow circles within the British aristocracy.

The design of the new series is one of the most successful I have witnessed. The curved cross section is assisted by very great style, but restrained details. It has become many manufacturers resort to curved cross section of loudspeaker design and the acoustic potential of this choice is obvious - the ability to reduce standing waves is an obvious consequence. Not quite as obvious, perhaps, it is actually a fairly demanding exercise to get good visual design of such a concept. It requires restraint and sense of form, which far from all speaker manufacturers are in possession of. Bowers & Wilkins and Sonus Faber are brilliant exceptions, but a lot less prolific producers come just as well from the task by selecting a classic rectangular design.

But that is not Tannoy. Also, the surface treatment of the exquisite veneer is in a class by itself, with perfect high-gloss lacquers. The series is available in three different finishes - black, walnut and cherry. Test specimens kindly loaned by Stereofil was in Walnut.

DC10T has a Dual Concentric element consisting of a 10-inch mid-range driver and a 2.5-inch titanium tweeter with a neodymium powered magnet. In addition, a 10-inch woofer. Crossover frequencies are respectively 1,4 kHz and 200Hz.

Music on Tannoy DC10T

Testing of these top speakers from Tannoy was going to be a very special experience for me. They were put up in my "Main Stage", a plant whose main ingredients are a setup consisting of akurat Linn DS streamer, Linn Kinos preamplifier and processor and Chakra C6100 power amplifier, which is normally serving a couple of Linn Ninka`s with actively shared triamping. Now the Ninka was set aside. Initially I ran a few days with an older power amp Lk100. This worked brilliantly, despite of a moderate effect.

After each was active crossovers removed from the C6100, so that the power amplifier can operate DC10T.

One of the obvious strengths of DC10T is the explosive bass reproduction. Here are the dynamics, precision and depth to an extent I have never before experienced from a pair of speakers in my setup. The range from Iver Kleive's "Music from the invisible" on 2L, to "Don Juan's Wreckless Daughter" by Joni Mitchell is a magical synthesis of precise, basement-deep bass that increases the dynamic experience. On some recordings, I found that the bass was a little too present in my listening room. And although it was still a fantastic quality, can not be excluded that a DC8T might have worked just as well in this room. This is really quite unpredictable - match between speakers and listening room can hardly be predicted, it must be experienced.

Another parameter that is exceptional in DC10T, the extreme pin-point accuracy in sound. The ability to place instruments in the exact sound is overwhelming. My reference speakers from Linn has many excellent properties when they get active partition, but this type of precision is not one of the properties. Here is DC10T right and light in a completely different world. Serve one of 2L its transparent piano recordings, and you can almost imagine the fingers moving before they hit the keys.

Dynamic expression is the third of the peculiarities of Tannoy DC10T. I have previously suggested the macro dynamics Tannoy takes in stride the recordings that can serve it. But equally important is the clear micro dynamics, whoever makes it fun to listen to music, and that is all too often destroyed by compressed recordings to please the modern media. It's a bit difficult to speculate which recreates it with a speaker that creates this ability to convey micro dynamics. But nevertheless, we see increasingly that there are major differences from speaker to speaker on the subjectively perceived as the ability to convey micro dynamics.

Conclusion.

Tannoy DC10T is by far the absolute best speakers I've had in my setup. They have three obvious areas where they differ from most - dynamics, bass and precision in width and depth. It is very tempting to assume that especially the latter trait is related to Dual Concentric principle, but strictly speaking it is just assumptions on my part. Whatever the sum of these properties as a whole is magical. And that gave a huge letdown when the speakers were returned to the stereo file.

Norwegian distributor: Dynamikk AS
Main Dealer: Stereofil
Price: 59.995, -