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Tannoy Westminster GR or SE?

I've been reading quite a lot about the Westminsters and I happen to have an opportunity to purchase either the SE as the GR versions, at the same price, but won't have a chance to listen to them before deciding.

I love the paper cone speakers, like the Glenair, and got very anxious when hearing that the GR model has some new synthetic fibers added to the paper cones, it really gave me the chills!

I use the Audio Note Ongaku UK and the listening room is 31x20x11 feet. I listen mostly to symphonic music and jazz.

Has anyone listened to both SE and GR and could advise me which way I should go?

Thanks!
americano
kiddman
341 posts
 
Good luck finding a good opinion in a "blind leading the blind" industry such as this. Almost everyone assumes newer is better, that every "upgrade" is really a huge push forward in the discovery of new physics, and where reviewers parrot the manufacturer claims like.....well......parrots.

Let's face it, almost nothing is different except some fibers and a change in the diaphragm. I doubt Tannoy would be dumb enough to go backwards in sound (though we could say the tulip was backwards.....).

I respect them for resisting the urge to rape and pillage with new pricing for supposed upgrades.

americano OP
3 posts
 
Kiddman,

Actually the GR's MSRP is $10k higher than the SE's...
beewax
173 posts
 
I totally agree with Kiddman on " Tannoy would be dumb enough to go backwards in sound"
just wait for the newest model that comes out at the time of your purchase.
kiddman
341 posts
 
Wow, I thought they were the same price. I'm sure they are making up for years of not raising the price and a new model change is the way to do it, even if the costs are not high for the change (and certainly those tiny changes cost them next to nothing). I'm not saying they are taking advantage, I've been wondering when they were going to raise the price on these, even without changes.

My guess is that they sound very similar, and that the main difference in sound is the diaphragm - if you can even hear a difference. I suspect the availability of two models is temporary until parts and built units of the SE are exhausted. I'm not a bit concerned about getting rid of or updating my SEs. Now, if there were major horn geometry changes, a fundamental change in the cabinet, or if there were a change from foam surround to pleated (obviously not the case, it was already pleated) I would be exceedingly curious to hear the new ones. As it is, no concern, I love mine as they are.

If you have plenty of money and don't care much about the $10k, get the latest and resale will be higher. If the money is really meaningful get the SE before they are gone (or at least find out if they are going to keep making it, which does not make a lot of sense to me but might be true).
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