What Hi-Fi? Verdict
Expensive, but the Tannoys fully justify the price tag with their expertly balanced performance
Pros
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Excellent build quality
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impressive bass weight and extension
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authoritative sound
Cons
- -
Hint of coarseness in treble – be careful when partnering with electronics
Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.
Listen to the Tannoy DC6Ts straight out of the box and you'll be forgiven for wondering what all the fuss is about. These speakers can take days to run in, but rest assured – it's worth the wait.
In the meantime, you can admire and examine their many features including the curvaceous cabinets and attractive real wood veneer. Peer around the back and you'll see that the bi-wiring formation of speaker terminals includes a fifth, ‘earth' binding post that you can connect to the corresponding terminal on your amp.
It's claimed that this improves the shielding in the driver units, enabling a clearer, more detailed sound.
Once run in, what immediately strikes you is the depth of bass on offer. There isn't a speaker in the group test that can delve as deep. Nowhere is this more evident than in the closing stages of the track Like A Dog Chasing Cars from the Dark Knight OST.
The drums sound dramatic, powerful and hit you purposefully before rumbling along to a finish. Here, the Tannoys manage to reach down to remarkable depths without over-extending.
What's even more impressive is that they maintain their cohesion while this is all happening. They never sound lop-sided, like too much attention is being lavished on the low frequencies.
Drivers provide a greater sweetspot
Move upwards to the mid-range and treble and the Tannoy's trademark Dual Concentric driver arrangement comes into effect. It's similar to KEF's Uni-Q arrangement in that it helps with the drivers' time alignment and promotes a greater sweetspot for the listener.
Vocals are delivered confidently and the speakers communicate succinctly and straight to the point. The Tannoys give an extremely convincing, powerful performance, especially during the studio performance of Kings Of Leon's Fans.
The DC6Ts aren't afraid to convey the enthusiasm of the punchy drum kit and lively lead vocals, and treble sounds crisp and concise. At times, overconfidence can creep in, so we'd recommend that you refrain from hooking them up to bright electronics.
It takes a lengthy audition to appreciate the DC6Ts, but once you're in the zone they make for an absorbing experience.
