Tannoy Revolution DC6T for Roksan Kandy k2 amp - comments please

[pp]

Hi

This is my first post, so be nice please!

I am taken with the various reviews of the Tannoy Revolution DC6T speakers, but having trawled the forums here can't find many comments from people who use them with the Roksan.

I got the Roksan recently, to replace a aging Cyrus set up, and love it. Was originally running it with some B&W 648s, which sounded good, but when my kids duffed both tweeters in, I switched over to my back up MA BR5s. Strangely I am enjoying the new sound (more forward in the mid tones, more scale and more focussed bass).

However, I know I am not getting the best out of my amp, and have an opportunity to spend a modest amount of money on some new speakers.

Finding it very difficult to find a dealer to arrange a demo of the Tannoys, let alone a home test.

Would welcome thoughts from anyone who has experience with tannoys, particularly with the Roksan. Have heard the odd comment about excess brightness, which I would definately want to avoid....

Thanks

 

[bigmoose]

Hi there,

If you live close to Edinburgh, there is an excellent dealer there that might lend you some Tannoy speakers for home audition - They let me have a pair of DC8 for home audition for a week.

I have no experience of the DC6T but I guess they must be very similar. The dual concentric are a massive plus, as it will increase the size of the sweet spot. I compared with the B&W PM1s and found the Tannoys spread the sound around the room better, which makes for better listening whatever my position in the room. I have no complain about brightness, but I found some speakers sound different depending on the room. I tested a pair of PMC 22 which sounded superb in the showroom, but bright in my lounge.

The Tannoys might sound more laid back compared to other speakers (Namely the PMC, B&W and Spendor I compared to), and in my opinion, should be associated with quite a dynamic amp. However, they have a certain charm that will grow on you - Just make sure you listen at home, and if possible, keep them for few days.

Hope this helps.

 

[Memphismusic]

Hi PP,

I have recently owned both the DC6T's and the K2 amp used with the Audiolab 8200CD - What could go wrong, it's meant to be the (near) perfect system for the money - As they say.

DC6T's - Superb build, looks, design - Fantasticly controlled bass, but wow that treble and mid-range high pitch sound, especially with some vocals gave me a headache!

I really wanted to live with them, but in the end couldn't.

I went down the route of changing all my cables to try and take the brightness off - no real effect.

Please listen to them first before purchasing - they may work in your room - I managed to borrow the demo set from Richer sounds Leeds for a week and then ordered them new and returned the demo set.

Even though i home demo'd - it still didn't give me time to notice the brightness, probably because the bass, detail and attack was so good. I put up with them for 5 months before they had to go.

K2 Amp

This is a powerful amp and did like it - the wife didn't as the control made the volume too loud or too quite, as we use it for Blue-ray and Sky TV too.

I would recommend carefully matching the K2 with speakers - I bought some B&W 684 and the sound was changed straight away - no more brightness.

 

[pp]

Thanks for the helpful replies.

As to local dealers, I only have one, and he doesn't stock tannoy. Nearest richer sounds is too far way unfortunately.

Interesting to hear about the brightness memphismusic. May well have been one of your other post that put the doubt in my mind...

I meant to say in my original post that I had the B&W 685s with the Roksan originally, and really did like the sound, but have little kids who can't help ruining the delicate tweeters! Whaterever speakers I get next need well protected tweeters (have read that the tannoy tweeters are well recessed).

In terms of sound quality (resolution, scale, dynamic range), are the Tannoys a step up from the 685s?

Have to say, although the MA BR5s are (to my ears) a fair distance behind the 685s in sound quality, I love the scale and authority even a small floorstander gives.

 

[plastic penguin]

Hi

This is my first post, so be nice please!

I am taken with the various reviews of the Tannoy Revolution DC6T speakers, but having trawled the forums here can't find many comments from people who use them with the Roksan.

I got the Roksan recently, to replace a aging Cyrus set up, and love it. Was originally running it with some B&W 648s, which sounded good, but when my kids duffed both tweeters in, I switched over to my back up MA BR5s. Strangely I am enjoying the new sound (more forward in the mid tones, more scale and more focussed bass).

However, I know I am not getting the best out of my amp, and have an opportunity to spend a modest amount of money on some new speakers.

Finding it very difficult to find a dealer to arrange a demo of the Tannoys, let alone a home test.

Would welcome thoughts from anyone who has experience with tannoys, particularly with the Roksan. Have heard the odd comment about excess brightness, which I would definately want to avoid....

Thanks

Following various comments on the Tannoys, I'd suggest the Kandy would be a very good match. The Roksan has good presence and attack, allied to a fairly smooth tonal quality.

 

[pp]

Thanks plastic penguin! Decisions, decisions!!!

 

[matthewpiano]

Would also be worth trying the Wharfedale Jade range with the Roksan. I suspect (having heard Jades and K2 amp seperately) that they would make a nice match.

 

[Memphismusic]

Hi,

I had 685's before the DC6T's and the B&W's sounded great, but i wanted floor standers.

On intially changing to the DC6T's I thought they were better - But after a few weeks found that the DC6T's made a smooth vocal very harsh. A bright guitar solo painful. Playing a re-mastered concert DVD through them on an expensive Pioneer blu-ray produced harshness i have never heard before in my life.

Having such a good amp like the Roksan (all that power and forward sound) in my mind only made that problem worse - for me.

I have yet to read from anyone owning the Tannoys rave about them - which is surprising.

I guess I just want to enjoy my music, as well as own a nice Hi-fi - I listen to Soul, Blues, Pop, Rock, Jazz etc from John Lee Hooker to Amy Whinehouse, so i think i should know how a piece of music should sound like after owning dozens of amps and speakers and 500+ CD's over the last 35 years.

P.S - B&W MAKE TWEETER COVERS THAT ARE MAGNETIC/STICK ON TO PROTECT YOUR TWEETERS - I only purchased my 684's on the condition that Super-Fi in Leeds gave me a set as part of the deal.

Along with Richer Sounds - Super-Fi (you can buy on-line) have been very good to deal with - Another is Vickers Hi-Fi which have also been a good dealer.

 

[pp]

Shame B&W didn't tell me about the tweeter covers when I ordered £90-worth of replacement tweeters from them! Good to know tho.

Interesting point about the general lack DC6T owners comments on these forums, although there are a some helpful comments on this thread already.

 

[Anonymous]

PP

Don't be put off by others saying they find or have heard the tannoys to be to bright as ive had them now for about3 months and theyre sounding fantastic.

i think those that have tried them just havent given them time to bed in as i think these speakers take a lot longer to settle down because of the dual concentric speaker.

i guess it justs takes longer to wear in. ive also found that towing the speakers in more than usual helps as well.

i know your problem is getting to listen before you buy even richer sounds don't stock them in there shop you can only buy them online through them.

also bare in mind that what hifi have the roksan amp and the tannoys recommended in there mid range best buys.

regards

80s boy

 

[pp]

Thanks 80s boy.

A good range of opinions then, but you confirm what I have been struggling with - the official reviews are all good, and the system matching (per what hifi) is spot on, but it is nigh-on impossible to try before you buy!

Think I will take a punt on the DC6Ts (mindful of all the helpful advice everyone has ventured, and recognising from the comments here that it is a risk). Will report back with my findings....

Thanks all for the advice.

 

[plastic penguin]

Thanks 80s boy.

A good range of opinions then, but you confirm what I have been struggling with - the official reviews are all good, and the system matching (per what hifi) is spot on, but it is nigh-on impossible to try before you buy!

Think I will take a punt on the DC6Ts (mindful of all the helpful advice everyone has ventured, and recognising from the comments here that it is a risk). Will report back with my findings....

Thanks all for the advice.

This is why I mentioned the Kandy should be a really good match. If there is any brightness the Kandy will negate this. Yup, system matching, regardless of makes, is essential.

It'll also come down to room acoustics. If your room is reflective it'll have a fairly significant effect on the overall sound.

 

[the record spot]

Interesting point about the general lack DC6T owners comments on these forums, although there are a some helpful comments on this thread already.

If they're anything like the standmount DC4 Revolution, you'll have a lovely musical experience to look forward to. Can't recommend these highly enough, but obviously going to be different from the floorstanding ones you're looking at to some degree.

 

[pp]

Interesting point about the general lack DC6T owners comments on these forums, although there are a some helpful comments on this thread already.

If they're anything like the standmount DC4 Revolution, you'll have a lovely musical experience to look forward to. Can't recommend these highly enough, but obviously going to be different from the floorstanding ones you're looking at to some degree.

Thanks record spot, DC6Ts ordered today and should arrive tomorrow. Obviously they'll need a bit of running in, but I'll report back how I get on!

 

[Memphismusic]

Good luck with the purchase - I hope they work for you. I wish they did for me, because as i stated at the beginning, they have a lot of plus points

I'm only banging on because it cost me a fortune finding an enjoyable sound.

PP - Yes one of my problems was the reflective room - But the K2 didn't help - But B&W 684's, 685's, MA BR2's and also Wharfedale 10.1 all sounded fine - no harsness, so my only conclusion can be the tweeter set up on the Tannoys.

80's Boy - I'm glad you enjoy them (although i'm sure you also mentioned some harsness recently), but 5 months run in was enough for me, being played every day for that time doesn't add up to run in. Even What Hi-Fi have recently mentioned some brightness in latest issues.

I'm looking forward to your update after purchasing and please don't let my negativity put you off, if your heart is set on them.

 

[pp]

Thanks Memphismusic

Appreciate all your advice. I do have a have a reasonably "soft" furnished room, so should help take some of the edge off. Will definitely let you know how I get on.

There's always ebay as a plan B!

 

[plastic penguin]

Good luck with the purchase - I hope they work for you. I wish they did for me, because as i stated at the beginning, they have a lot of plus points

I'm only banging on because it cost me a fortune finding an enjoyable sound.

PP - Yes one of my problems was the reflective room - But the K2 didn't help - But B&W 684's, 685's, MA BR2's and also Wharfedale 10.1 all sounded fine - no harsness, so my only conclusion can be the tweeter set up on the Tannoys.

80's Boy - I'm glad you enjoy them (although i'm sure you also mentioned some harsness recently), but 5 months run in was enough for me, being played every day for that time doesn't add up to run in. Even What Hi-Fi have recently mentioned some brightness in latest issues.

I'm looking forward to your update after purchasing and please don't let my negativity put you off, if your heart is set on them.

Which PP are you addressing? this is now getting confusing. 😉

 

[the record spot]

Thanks record spot, DC6Ts ordered today and should arrive tomorrow. Obviously they'll need a bit of running in, but I'll report back how I get on!

Good stuff, hope you like them and congrats on the new purchase! Just listening to the Curtis Counce Group and it sounds brilliant - this is a jazz recording from the late 1950s (the CD is titled Carl's Blues) but a lovely recording. They really articulate the music well the Tannoys, so I'd expect the 6T to be equally strong in this field. Be interesting to know if they're as strong in the midrange

 

[Memphismusic]

Yes you PP, not the PP

 

[pp]

Ordered the speakers from the nice people at audioexpress (who I have used before). £580 including next day delivery.

As promised, my impressions (please forgive any pompous “audiophile” guff – is difficult to describe the sound without sounding like a wannabe staff writer for WHF).

Day 1

Physically these are very handsome speakers; imposing, refined and classy. Finish is very good. My wife (who has no time for any audiovisiual / computer stuff) came in the room and said “oh, those look nice".

To start running them in, I ran through a few of my reference tracks. Bear in mind, I don’t have a wealth of “high end” experience – my second system is an aging Cyrus 8 integrated amp, with B&W 685, fed lossless FLAC rips of CDs from a computer via a dacmagic (second gen), and my current system runs through MA BR5s. All tracks for this test are lossless FLAC (CD rips with EAC), through SB Touch (modified with TT3.0 ) via a NAS.

Thoughts as follows:

- Yo- Yo Ma playing Bach Cello suites – great reference album. Bags of detail, wide dynamics, really demanding in the lower to mid end.

The Tannoys sounded beautiful with this, presenting a believable presentation of a cello. Dynamics were great, flitting from quiet to loud almost effortlessly. Bags more “body” to the sound than my BR5s. Even at loud volumes, the Tannoys refused to flap.

Sound was “light” (if that is the right word) and airy. Maybe “spacious” is a better description? Detail was sky high (could hear the rasp of the bow on the strings on each note, the thump of Yo-Yo’s fingers on the neck, and the slight shuffling and coughing of the audience).

- Portishead, Western Eyes

Good sound from the Tannoys here. Vocals sounded bright, but not unduly harsh. Guess it might mellow with a bit more running in, but that’s the nature of this track.

Really “clean” sound in the vocals.

The piano thundered, and rather than the focussed gut punch I get from the MAs the deep bass seems to surround you.

- Tracy Chapman, Fast Car

Tannoys excelled here –sounded lovely. Real delicacy to the track without sounding lightweight. I find this track sometime sounded a bit muffled or “dead”, but not with the Tannoys.

- Scott Matthews, Elusive (live on Radio 2 Saturday Sessions).

Another good performance from the Tannoys. The acoustic guitar sounded clear and believable, and vocals sounded full and rich. The whole thing came together really nicely.

- Moloko , Over and Over

Tough one this. The orchestral intro sounded huge and impressively detailed. A bit “harsh” at the crescendo perhaps. Roisin Murphy’s voice sounded rich.

Have definitely heard worse with this track – the MAs are positively painful in the high end.

- Aphex Twin, aegosopolis

A stern test of any speaker. Beautifully recorded track, with the capacity to wreck most speakers (I honestly once blew a pair of Mondant Short Mezzo 2s in Richer Sound with this track).

The high end sounded good, with the reverb clearly and believably presented. A little bit lean perhaps.

The Tannoys did get a little bit bent out of shape with the deep bass passages (this is the one time when the focussed bass from the MAs perhaps makes a better fist of it – or maybe just different...), but I have definitely heard a lot worse with this track.

In summary so far, am pretty happy. A lovely detailed and articulate presentation. Almost transparent (?).Great effort at presenting a “point source” for the sound.

No unbearable treble harshness yet, but will keep you posted....

Only slight concern at the moment is a small dent in the rubber surround on one of the drivers (from compression in transit, I guess, and which I hope will fade as the rubber reverts to its normal shape), and a slight compression of one of the corners of the cabinets (again from transit), which I can probably live with (no-one else would notice).

 

[Anonymous]

PP

glad your enjoying the speakers even on day one your noticing how special these speakers are
and the more they burn in the smoother they will get.

i went and had a listen to some PMC FB1i Floor standers @ £2700 on a hi end cyrus set-up and to be honest as nice as they sounded they never really floated my boat i felt that the sound never really left the speakers you allways new the sound was coming from the left and right speaker where as the tannoys just seem to get out the way(if you know what i mean)of whats playing, im going to listen to some spenndor A6 floor standers on tuesday just out of couriosty.

but for me what hifi so far are right when they said the tannoys are special.

Enjoy and let us know how they sound after a few more hours on them.

regards

80s boy