The Tannoy Turnberry GR loudspeaker review delves into a classic design with modern capabilities. This in-depth look examines the speaker's unique dual concentric driver, a hallmark of Tannoy's legacy, analyzing its impact on sound reproduction and efficiency. We explore the innovative cabinet design, highlighting its cleverly integrated porting system that enhances placement flexibility and minimizes unwanted noise. The review also assesses the Turnberry GR's impressive sensitivity, aesthetic appeal, and build quality.Beyond the technical specifications, we evaluate the speaker's overall sonic performance across various musical genres. We discuss its dynamic range, tonal balance, and ability to handle both high-energy and delicate musical passages. The review concludes by considering the Turnberry GR's value proposition, weighing its premium price point against the unique listening experience and exceptional build quality it offers to discerning audiophiles. Ultimately, the question of whether it's "worth it" is addressed within the context of its niche appeal and distinctive sonic character.
Pros And Cons
- High sensitivity (93dB for one watt RMS), allowing use with smaller amplifiers.
- Seamless and cohesive sound across frequency range.
- Silent porting system.
- Easy placement, even in smaller rooms.
- High-quality build and finish; considered furniture-grade.
- Includes polishing materials.
- EQ adjustment on front panel.
- Excellent tonal balance; believable with voices and instruments.
- Flatters less-than-perfect recordings.
- Fast and dynamic sound, despite large size.
- Delivers scale and musical immersion.
- Expensive (£85,000).
- Old-fashioned styling (according to the reviewer).
- Enormous size.
- Lacks the fine detail of some higher-end speakers.
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The Tannoy Dual Concentric Driver: A Legacy of Innovation
The Tannoy Turnberry GR's defining feature is its dual concentric driver, a design dating back over 70 years. This innovative approach integrates a tweeter centrally within the woofer cone, achieving horn-loading of the tweeter through the woofer's natural flare. This ingenious solution not only simplifies cabinet construction but also promotes synergistic operation of the drivers, resulting in a cohesive and seamless sound reproduction.
The benefits extend beyond structural efficiency. The larger-than-usual 33mm aluminum and magnesium tweeter (compared to standard 25mm tweeters), relative to the 10-inch treated paper cone woofer, allows for a higher crossover point (1.3kHz). This prevents either driver from exceeding its operational limits and contributes to the speaker’s overall performance.
Cabinet Design and Porting System
The Turnberry GR's cabinet design is both visually striking and functionally optimized. The distinctive side-mounted fluting isn't merely decorative; it forms a sophisticated porting system. These ports, though narrow, cover a wide area on the cabinet's front, resulting in silent operation and compatibility with diverse placement options.
This clever porting allows for flexible placement, even in corners or close to walls, without compromising sound quality. This is a notable advantage, especially considering the speaker's size.
Sensitivity, Amplification, and Aesthetic
The Tannoy Turnberry GR boasts remarkably high sensitivity (93dB for one watt RMS). This impressive figure means you can achieve high sound levels even with low-powered amplifiers, offering flexibility in system design.
Aesthetically, the Turnberry GR adopts a traditional design, which may not appeal to everyone. Its large size and classic styling mean it commands attention in any room, making it a statement piece of hi-fi equipment.
Build Quality and Features
Despite its classic aesthetic, the Turnberry GR doesn’t skimp on quality. While not solid walnut, the use of HDF and a walnut veneer finish results in a high-quality cabinet. This attention to detail extends to small touches like the included polishing cloth.
A notable feature is the built-in EQ adjustment, allowing for subtle modifications to the frequency response around 700Hz. While simple, this feature proved surprisingly effective in tailoring the sound to the listening environment.
Sound Quality and Performance
The Tannoy Turnberry GR delivers a surprisingly dynamic and engaging sound, capable of filling large spaces with ease. Its exceptional sensitivity makes it remarkably efficient, even at low volumes. While not the most analytically detailed speaker, its tonal balance and ability to present music in a coherent and realistic fashion is a strong point.
It handles various musical genres with confidence, and even less-than-perfect recordings are rendered pleasingly. Despite its size and vintage styling, it's surprisingly nimble and capable of handling fast-paced music with impressive agility.
Conclusion: A Unique Listening Experience
The Tannoy Turnberry GR offers a unique listening experience, blending classic design, exceptional sensitivity, and surprisingly versatile performance. While its styling and size may be prohibitive for some, the quality of the build, the attention to detail, and the sheer musical enjoyment it delivers make it a compelling choice for those who appreciate these attributes.
Ultimately, whether the Tannoy Turnberry GR is “worth it” depends on individual preferences. It’s a niche product with a high price tag. However, for audiophiles seeking a unique and musically rewarding experience that’s unlike anything else on the market, the Turnberry GR stands out as a truly exceptional loudspeaker.