Definition Install DC12i

Product Description
This compact MDF cabinet is vented and rigidly constructed with extensive bracing to be acoustically inert. The speaker is designed to be hidden within a custom designed installation; mounted on wall either behind the screen or acoustically transparent decorative panels with no appreciable loss of performance. The unit can be mounted either horizontally or vertically using the integral keyhole mounts and the supplied wall plate. Designed to be used in left, centre or right locations the high power handling DC12i and at 97dB (1W = 2.83V for 8 Ohms) is exceptionally sensitive and therefore capable of very high output levels, explosive dynamics and stunning detail in both music and movie applications in vast array of listening and viewing environments
The Dual Concentric is effectively two drivers properly merged into one where, unlike ordinary drive units, the high frequency unit is positioned on the back of the low frequency driver. As a result they are on same axis, so ensuring that sound energy is effectively propagated from the same point and delivered through the centre of the low frequency cone as true point source. Such integration optimises reproduction quality by providing a constant time delay over the frequency spectrum, exceptional transient performance, wide dispersion and superior harmonic alignment; all of which delivers to the listening position a natural, clean and integrated sound with greatly enhanced intelligibility, sound staging and dynamics.
Characteristic of the Dual Concentric design is a very wide 'sweet spot' with an exceptionally even response throughout the listening area, as well as an extraordinary transient response; reasons enough for this phase accurate Tannoy designed drive unit to have been the choice of professional studio engineers all over the world for many years.
The high power handling Definition Install DC12i has been designed around the unique Tannoy Dual Concentric drive unit to bring audiophile performance to a wide range of installation applications; from media rooms to home theatre and boardrooms through to high end marine interiors these loudspeakers deliver class leading accuracy, sensitivity and dynamics.
300mm (12.00) high sensitivity, point source and Exceptional transient performance Constant time delay over the frequency spectrum constant directivity Dual Concentric drive unit

Features

90 degree conical dispersion
Recommended amplifier power 100 to 400W @ 8 Ohms Sensitivity 97dB (1W = 2.83V for 8 Ohms) Maximum SPL 126dB average Rugged construction MDF enclosure, vented,
Enhanced intelligibility, sound staging and dynamics
Natural, clean and integrated sound
Superior harmonic alignment

Multiple hanging options

internally braced and finished with textured black paint

Media rooms Boardrooms

Applications
Home theatre High end marine interiors
Tannoy United Kingdom Tannoy North America Tannoy Deutschland Tannoy France
T: (0) T: (519) T: (180) T: (0)7473
E: enquiries@tannoy.com E: inquiries@tannoyna.com anfragen@tannoy.com E: ventes@tannoy.com
Definition Install DC12i data file // issue 1.06 // 15.01.08
Tannoy adopts a policy of continuous improvement and product specification is subject to change

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency Range (1)

50Hz - 38kHz

System

Construction

Finish Enclosure

Dispersion (-6dB)

System Sensitivity (1W @1m) (2) 97dB (1W = 2.83V for 8 Ohms) 90 degrees conical 1 x 300mm (12.00) point source constant directivity Dual Concentric
Driver Complement Crossover Directivity Factor (Q) Directivity Index (DI) Rated Maximum SPL (2) Average Peak Power Handling Average Programme Peak

Fittings

Connectors
Passive 1.4kHz with dynamic HF protection 6.0 averaged 1kHz to 10kHz 7.4 averaged 1kHz to 10kHz 120dB 126dB 200W 400W 800W

Dimensions NET Weight

550 x 410 x 255mm (H x W x D) (21.65 x 16.14 x 10.04) (H x W x D) 20kg (44 lbs)
8 x M10 bracket inserts, 4 wall plate keyhole fixings, allowing landscape or portrait mounting orientations 1 x wall plate
2 x 4mm gold plated binding posts

Textured black paint

MDF, vented and internally braced
Recommended Amplifier Power 400W @ 8 Ohms Nominal Impedance Distortion 8 Ohms
Tannoy operates a policy of continuous research and development. The introduction of new materials or manufacturing methods will always equal or exceed the published specifications, which Tannoy reserves the right to alter without prior notice. Please verify the latest specifications when dealing with critical applications.
Full independent verification of published specifications carried out by NWAA Labs, California can also be obtained from the downloads section of www.tannoy.com
A full range of measurements, performance data, CLF and Ease Data can be downloaded from www.tannoy.com
Notes: (1) Average over stated bandwidth. Measured at 1 metre on axis. (2) Unweighted pink noise input, measured at 1 metre in an anechoic chamber
1% Full Power (4.00V) 250Hz 1kHz 10kHz
10% Full Power (12.65V) 250Hz 1kHz 10kHz
2nd Harmonic 0.17% 0.52% 0.96%
2nd Harmonic 0.53% 2.36% 2.68%
3rd Harmonic 0.09% 0.99% 0.02%
3rd Harmonic 0.35% 1.88% 0.16%

PART NUMBER 8000 5190

Ordering Information

MODEL NAME

COLOUR Black

PACKED QUANTITY 1

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS
1m on-axis frequency response

SSPL, 1W/1m (dB)

ANECHOIC FREQUENCY RESPONSE
100 Frequency (Hz) frequency (Hz) 100000

Impedance vs frequency

Impedance (ohms)

IMPEDANCE

frequency (Hz)
Horizontal off-axis response

Level (dB)

0 deg 10 deg 20deg 30deg 40deg

OFF AXIS RESPONSE

100000
Vertical off-axis response

Beamwidth vs Frequency

240 210

Degrees

BEAMWIDTH

DI vs Frequency

DIRECTIVITY INDEX
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS POLAR PLOTS (1/3 OCTAVE)
100 Hz 125 Hz 160 Hz 200 Hz 250 Hz 315 Hz 400 Hz 500 Hz

-24 -36

90 270
630 Hz 800 Hz 1 kHz 1.25 kHz
1.6 kHz 2 kHz 2.5 kHz 3.15 kHz
4 kHz 5 kHz 6.3 kHz 8 kHz
10 kHz 12.5 kHz 16 kHz 20 kHz

DIMENSIONAL SKETCHES

410.0 410.0mm [16.14"] 16.14
255.0 255.0mm [10.04"] 10.04
550.0 550.0mm 21.65 [21.65"]
SUPPLIED WALL MOUNTING PLATE
120.0 120.0mm [4.72"] 4.72
150.0mm 150.0 5.91 [5.91"]
90.0 150.0 90.0mm 150.0mm [3.54"] [5.91"] 3.54 5.91

Fixing hole dimensions

5.0 5.0mm [0.20"] 0.20
The loudspeaker shall consist of a 300mm (12.00) full range, point source Dual Concentric transducer. The low and high frequency elements shall be combined by an internal passive crossover network operating at 1.4kHz with dynamic HF protection. Performance of the loudspeaker, without any electronic control, shall meet or exceed the following criteria: Frequency range measured at 1 metre on axis with swept sine wave shall be 50Hz to 38kHz. Sensitivity shall be at least 97dB (anechoic) for 2.83 Volts @ 1 metre and shall be capable of producing a peak output level of 126dB (anechoic) on axis at 1 metre. The dispersion of the loudspeaker shall be 90 degrees conical (-6dB). The system shall have a nominal impedance of 8 Ohms and maximum power handling shall be 400 Watts (programme). The enclosure shall be an optimally tuned 39.50 litre vented cabinet of MDF construction. Connectors shall be 2 x 4mm binding posts. The enclosure shall be fitted with 8 x integral M10 bracket inserts and 4 x keyhole fixings for portrait or landscape mounting using supplied wall plate. The enclosure shall not exceed the following dimensions: 550 x 410 x 255mm (21.65 x 16.14 x 10.04) (H x W x D). The loudspeaker shall be the Tannoy Definition Install DC12i.

Architectural specifications

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Tannoy Denition DC10T loudspeaker [ Review ]

Dynamic Definition

A large, muscular, elegant and contemporary variation on the Dual Concentric theme
PRODUCT Tannoy Definition Dc10T TYPE floorstanding loudspeaker PRICE 5,000 per pair KEY FEATURES Size (WxhxD): 34x112.5x32cm P Weight: 34.5kg P Drivers: 254mm Dual concentric mid/treble, 254mm bass P Power handling: 125 watts (8 ohms) P Sensitivity: 92dB P frequency response: 30hz-35khz P high gloss black finish P Deep cryogenic-treated crossover components P Strongly curved sides and heavy bracing CONTACT q www.tannoy.com
and construction sits below the Dc unit, to ensure plenty of low-frequency output. one interesting detail is that the surrounds of both these drivers are made from heavily doped fabric and formed into a double-S profile. This rather old-fashioned technique has
narrow rear panel. The grille is held in place by magnets concealed beneath the front panel surface, which are invisible if the grille is not used. Under the surface, the body is constructed from high-quality plywood, made from dense
annoy is one of the oldest names in British hi-fi (and ProAudio) loudspeakers, as well as being one of remarkably few companies from any field of operations whose names have passed into the english language as verbs (hoover and Google being two other obvious examples). Although the company has changed hands several times its currently part of the Danish ProAudio operation Tc Group it has still maintained considerable continuity, both in terms of the team responsible for the designs and in the unique Dual concentric drive unit that has formed a cornerstone of its model line-up since 1948. Tannoy seemed to become preoccupied with its professional audio products in the immediate aftermath of the Tc Group merger in 2002. however, it now appears to be paying more attention to the hi-fi sector, first with the introduction of the Revolution ranges of models during 2008 and now the much more upmarket and brand new Definitions. This Dc10T is the largest of three Definition models, which are a very different proposition from the range that carried the same name back in the mid-1990s. At 5,000 per pair, this is an unquestionably costly loudspeaker, but its also a very substantial and beautifully built one. The Dc10T name translates as follows: the Dc bit refers to the Dual concentric drive unit that does most of the work; the 10 refers to the size (in inches) of both drive units; T is for Tower, the type of speaker we usually refer to as a floorstander. The Dc10T is actually a two-and-a-half-way design, with two 10-inch (254mm) drive units. The Dual concentric driver combines a 180mm paper bass/mid cone with a 25mm hornloaded tweeter that fires through the centre of the cone, so its effectively a two-way full-range drive unit. A bass-only drive unit of similar size
Provided the amplifier and speaker cables are up to the task, (the DC10T) sounds powerful as well as entertainingly agile.
been coming back into favour recently, as it seems to have less hysteresis than the more common rubber surrounds. Subjectively, this seems to give greater speed at some expense in terms of coloration. The earlier, more costly Dimension series feature an extra external super tweeter, but the WideBand tweeter used in this Definition model has a 25-micron, titanium dome that extends its frequency response to 35khz. The tweeter horn is the latest version of Tannoys tulip waveguide and, incidentally, keeps the delicate parts well away from prying fingers and accidental damage. other engineering features include a crossover network whose components have received deep cryogenic treatment, while internal wiring is silver-plated, high-purity copper. Twin terminal pairs are fitted for bi-wiring or biamping, plus a fifth terminal that may be used to earth the driver chassis to the amplifier allegedly reducing Rf interference and enhancing dynamic range. All this considerable engineering is packaged into a large, very elegantly shaped and beautifully finished enclosure, with notably crisp and clean contemporary lines. our samples came in a high-gloss black finish, dramatically contrasting with the silver trim around each driver and near the base, but dark walnut and cherry (again high-gloss) are slightly less extreme alternatives. The relatively large main driver means that this speaker has to be quite wide and also fairly tall (in order to get the tweeter horn up to seated ear-level). Behind the consequently rather imposing front panel, the sides are strongly curved towards a much narrower back, so that reflections and internal horizontal standing waves should be nicely dispersed. Two large ports are also mounted on the birch grown in cold regions of the world. The bracing incorporates Tannoys Differential Material Technology (DMT) techniques to couple the driver/enclosure interface rigidly and with appropriate self-damping. We have one minor criticism, however, regarding the spike floor-coupling arrangements. Although they are well-handled, the narrow back

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does compromise stability. A plinth would enhance both appearance and stability, though a rear outrigger would be sufficient to improve the latter. SOUND QUALITY Ports tuned to a low 28hz, plus two large 254mm bass drivers ensure that the Dc10T delivers more than ample low bass, even when sited well clear of the walls in our reasonably large (4.2x2.6x5.5m) listening room. indeed one can fairly argue that the Dc10T delivers rather too much bass below 75hz under our listening conditions, but this doesnt really prove a problem subjectively in practice, because the quality of the bass is mostly very good. Provided the amplifier and speaker cables are up to the task, it sounds powerful as well as entertainingly agile, albeit with just an occasional hint of chestiness. The caveat is important because the load drops to a very low three ohms at low frequencies, which is really too low for comfort. however, the practical implications are difficult to assess, because the sensitivity across the same bass frequencies is very high indeed, of the order of 95-97dB. The overall midband sensitivity is pretty generous at around 9192dB, so even low-power amplifiers should deliver decently high listening levels without distress. The greater worry is the possible influence of the speaker cables, which must be low in resistance (either short, or with a good cross-section of conductor). Although sensitivity is high and the overall balance above 100hz is pretty well-ordered, its not particularly smooth and the far-field

Detail

Optional high-gloss black finish Strongly curved sides
Dual Concentric 254mm bass/mid/treble driver 254mm bass-only driver
DMT (differential materials technology) driver mounting
Deep-cryogenictreated crossover components
Five terminals add chassis earthing to bi-wiring

BOX-FREE SPEAKERS

Deep Cryogenic Treatment (DCT) is a technique applied in a number of hi-tech engineering industries today. It involves using liquid gases such as nitrogen to slowly cool key components, especially metals, to around -190 degrees centigrade, then restore them equally slowly, to room temperature. This process is believed to relieve stresses created during manufacturing processes and is claimed to result in more consistent physical structures at a microscopic level. Although the mechanisms and reasons are still not well understood and evidence is largely anecdotal, its use in audio components (consumer and professional) does seem to be growing steadily, thanks to the efforts and facilities of companies like Frozen Solid Audio. Respected cable makers such as Townshend, Ecosse and Black Rhodium have been using DCT for some time and after extensive listening and engineering reliability tests, Tannoy is now applying it to the new Denition series crossover networks and internal cables.

power response shows a quite obvious dip at the mid-to-treble crossover point (1.5khz). The Dc10T might not, therefore, be the most neutral speaker on the block. certainly, voices do sound a bit shut-in, with some cupped hands coloration, but a few minutes playing music quickly makes one realise that those factors are not necessarily the most important ingredients in making music sound interesting, involving and fun. indeed, as soon as the speakers are connected up to music sources, their fun factor comes through strongly. This is an immensely entertaining loudspeaker, thanks to a combination of fine overall coherence and excellent dynamic capabilities. few speakers can match its ability to define dynamic contrasts and hence convey the musical expression that is an innate part of tight dynamic control. Most of the listening was carried out using Vertex AQ speaker cables from a Naim NAc552 preamp (NAP500 amplification), fed from a cDS3/555PS cD player, a Linn/ Rega/Soundsmith turntable and a Magnum Dynalab MD103T fM tuner. Additional listening was done with the five-conductor, LfD-sourced Tannoy-branded cable (originally supplied for the Dimension series). The extra earth wire did seem to offer a modest increase in dynamic range by lowering the noise floor. And a pair of 200/400W MSB M200 Platinum monoblock power amps were added to the mix, which allowed the speakers to be driven to unfeasibly high levels. Their ability to upset the neighbourhood by delivering Leftfields alternative house album Leftism at full power and with excellent quality was deeply impressive, making this an ideal speaker for
those who like to party at home. The horn-loaded tweeter used by Dual concentric drivers has high inherent efficiency and hence plenty of headroom. While the Dc10Ts top end sounds clean, sweet, wellbalanced and nicely integrated, the horn does concentrate the treble output into a 90degree cone, so the ratio of direct-to-reflected treble sound is lower than with a conventional direct-radiating tweeter. This, in turn, has significant consequences for the stereo imaging, sharpening the soundstage focus, but somewhat reducing the impression of musicians performing in the room. This Dc10T is not without character and its colorations might, perhaps, be a little too obvious for some tastes. equally important, however, it supplies an uncommon degree of dynamic grip and drama, which seems more than fair compensation. HFC Paul Messenger

VERDICT

SOUND EASE OF DRIVE
R PRO Classy shape and fine highgloss finish, this big speaker has high sensitivity and delivers real dynamic expression with plenty of grip and punch, plus precisely focused stereo images S CON Bass is a bit too strong and midrange has some coloration. Needs low resistance speaker cables.
CONCLUSION Classy big speaker has massive bass, high sensitivity, real dynamic grip and precise image focus. A real party animal, but midrange has some coloration. A separate plinth would also improve stability.

OVERALL SCORE

URL www.techradar.com/608326

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