Tannoy Power V6 Loudspeakers and Power VS10BP Subwoofer
This new fixed install set provides Dual Concentric drivers for your listening pleasure
by Roger Williams III, 3.15.2007
Roger Williams III is a systems designer for MAS Audio, a longtime NSCA, ICIA member and Syn-Aud-Con grad, and is a regular contributor to Pro Audio Review.
Venerable audio manufacturer Tannoy — founded by Guy R. Fountain in the 1920s — is one of the UK's longest tenured and most respected loudspeaker companies. Fountain's initial effort was to create inexpensive chargers for re-charging early radio batteries. He created an electrolytic rectifier from a composition of tantalum and lead alloy; hence, the name Tannoy was born.
The company soon started developing loudspeakers with DC-energized magnets, which led to Tannoy's involvement with sound reinforcement. The company aimed to go to loggerheads with Western Electric and Marconi, the big players in Europe at the time. Tannoy thereafter became well known for its portable sound reinforcement solutions.
Fountain eventually engineered a complete line of high-quality speakers, amplifiers and microphones. During WWII — when battlefield communications systems were urgently required — the company was heavily involved in electronics for the defense effort. Post-war directives included translation and conferencing equipment, and the development of precision broadcast/recording studio monitor speakers at the same time. The genesis of the Dual Concentric point-source design took place and became a mainstay of countless recording studios. The rest is history.
Tannoy came from sound reinforcement beginnings, and now the company continues its tradition with the Power V6 ($1,489) and VS10BP ($1,630) loudspeakers — aimed at the contractor looking for a distributed audio solution.
The PowerV series includes the V6, V8, V12, V12HP and V15 models. Subwoofers in the series are the V10BP and V15BP (the numerical indicators describe the primary driver speaker diameter). My tests were with the V6 and VS10BP units. All speakers are powered (amplified).
The Power V6 is a full-range Dual Concentric speaker with an integrated Class D amplifier capable of delivering a claimed 200 W. The 6-inch coaxial driver in the vented cabinet has a listed frequency response of 80 Hz – 22 kHz in its full range setting or can be selected by switch to roll off below 110 Hz for use with the Power VS10BP subwoofer. An internal passive frequency-dividing network crosses over the 6-inch driver at 1.6 kHz.
The unit is constructed of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), and is available in textured black or white paint finish. A powder-coated steel grill protects the speaker up front. Trapezoidal cabinet design allows for arraying with multiple units at 30-degree angles. Unit dimensions and weight are 13.26 x 9.92 x 9.44 inches at 18.7 pounds respectively. Mounting options include yoke, cluster or pole. The rear panel interface/amplifier topology includes XLR signal input, XLR audio link for signal pass-through, A/B mode switch, level control, signal presence LED, limiter LED and power indicator LED. Next to the LED's is a Neutrik Powercon locking AC mains connector, and above that a rocker-style power switch.
The Power V10BP band-pass powered subwoofer is manufacturer rated at 400 W output power with a listed frequency response of 35 Hz – 110 Hz (-3 dB) in the low pass filter position B, and 35 Hz – 80 Hz (-3 dB) in filter position A. It contains a single 10-inch low frequency driver. The enclosure is constructed from .6-inch multi-ply birch plywood. Dimensions run 14.37 x 13.98 x 23.23 inches; weight is 70 pounds. Integral handles are cut into the sides of the unit. A Class-D power amplifier with high-speed switching power supply resides within. The rear panel of the V10BP has a set of features identical to the V6. Flypoints catering to eyebolts are provided, and the V10BP comes in either black- or white-textured finish. An interesting design feature is the two “blanking” plates that can be switched to cover either the box-end bass ports or the side ports, depending on the cabinet's mounting position.
An auto-ranging power supply detects voltages between 100 and 240 V on the incoming AC line, and adjusts accordingly. There is auto-protection for the occurrence of brownouts and overvoltage, an inrush current limiting circuit for “soft” turn-on and, finally, peak limiters to protect drivers and the amplifier from excessive input signal transients.
In Use
I initially set up the two V6's and V10BP in my project studio to test frequency response with my NFE 2010-EX analyzer and Marshall calibrated microphone. Since there was no response chart included in the manual I was interested to see what the analyzer revealed. I will typically power up units under test for a while to stabilize them before use. I found the PowerV's to heat up significantly at idle before applying signal. My digital thermometer applied to the rear amplifier panel read at 104 degrees after about a quarter-hour. It would seem that these speakers need ample room to breathe.
I confirmed the manufacturer's frequency response specifications of 80 Hz – 22 kHz after running pink noise through the units separately; the V6 in full-range mode showed 3 dB peaks at 200 Hz, 12 kHz and 16 kHz, plus a 3 dB dip at 6.4 kHz, while steeply rolling off below 125 Hz down to 80 Hz. This is well within acceptable limits and shows the V6 to be a very linear speaker. The V10BP delivered satisfying results, with a slight (3 dB) dip at 80 Hz in the “B” mode setting.
I then inserted my Samsung DVD-R130 DVD recorder/player to listen to David Chesky's wide-ranging classical masterwork Area 31 through the PowerV's. Area 31 is a brilliant recording, and has exceptional dynamic range with a wide variety of instruments; it's a good test for any system, and I was very impressed with what I heard. Tom Chiu's violin was omnipresent yet not strident, and Wonjung Kim's soprano reproduced effortlessly. The orchestra's imaging was very true to life and quite natural.
I next utilized the V6's and V10BP in a small club setting for an acoustic trio (no drums), the front end of which was a Mackie 1402 VLZ mixer with a mix of Shure Beta 57A and 58B microphones on instruments and vocals. I found the speaker system needed scarcely any equalization to achieve a very likeable sound from sources including acoustic mandolin and dobro. The PowerV's delivered the necessary headroom from a very small footprint. Between selections the system was very quiet, revealing an excellent dynamic range capability. One would expect a deliberate “sweet-spot” from such a system utilizing a point source design, but coverage was fairly even. The limiters on the PowerV's never engaged, and the rear panel temperature noted earlier never increased beyond what I measured at idle.
Summary
I liked the PowerV system, and though I believe its primary use would be distributed fixed-install sound reinforcement it could be a good fit for portable and rental applications. Studio-quality sonics, quiet operation plus a compact footprint with numerous protection and mounting features all add up to an impressive design package.
Roger Williams III, a systems designer for MAS Audio, longtime NSCA, ICIA member and Syn-Aud-Con grad, is a regular contributor to Pro Audio Review.
General Cable Microphone Cable Broad-line distributor web site features real-time stock status and pricing, online ordering, RFQ, technical support, product datasheets and photos.
Audio Visual Equipment Find quality audio and visual equipment. Plasma tv's, LCD monitors, projectors, and much more at affordable prices.
Site
contents Copyright 2008 NewBay Media, LLC All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction
in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission
of NewBay Media, LLC is prohibited.
for reprint information.
