"New" Tannoy System 12s


I just bought a used pair of System 12 Mk. 1s.

I have 3 burning questions:

1. Does anyone know where I could find a manual?

2. Also, apparently I need help in how to bi-wire these guys.

3. My amp (really a surround sound receiver) is rated at 110 watts RMS/channel. Some folks have told me that I will not enjoy a balanced frequency response until I invest in a more powerful amp (250-400 watt). Their contention is that my puny amp will have issues moving that big heavy magnet, and the low end will suffer as a result. Any thoughts on this theory?

Thanks (in advance) for all comments!!
edavis68

Showing 1 response by bombaywalla

I have the "OLD" DMT10 Mk2 speakers which I *think* belong to the same family of speakers as your "New" System 12 except that they are from the older generation (which are less hi-fi sounding & more neutral across the audio range).
I am driving the DMT10 Mk2 with a vintage Yamaha amp which is 120W/ch in class-AB mode & only 30W/ch in pure class-A mode. The DMT10 Mk2 are 94W/2.83V/m & a near-flat 8 Ohm load hence very easy to drive by the vintage Yamaha amp.
In class-A mode with 30W/ch, I feel that the amp drives the speakers quite well & I have plenty of volume for my room (16' X 16' X 10'+). I have very modest requirements for this particular system - is that why I'm satisfied?? Don't know??
Like you, I very much like the sound of these DMT10 Mk2 speakers. They are studio monitors without actually sounding like one. I can see why this model & the DMT12 Mk2 were the mainstay of many recording studios.

Yes, one must not be fooled by (or lulled by) the high sensitivity of these speakers in thinking that a low wattage amp will suffice. Yes, you will get sound but the dynamics might suffer.
OTOH, my recommendation would be to not take the words in the manual at face value & dump your amp right away. Listen keenly to the sonics 1st & determine what it is that you do not like about the receiver driving the "New" System 12. When you can clearly articulate that then you will know exactly what kind of new amp you will want. Otherwise, there is such a vast sea of audio equipment out there that making a sane choice will make your head spin many times over! Opinions from audiophiles might be of little help as each one will be making a recommendation based on his/her experience which might not match your own. It's better to figure out for yourself what sonic attributes you want in your next amp. FWIW. IMHO. YMMV.