Tannoy Westminster vs Quad 989


Yes, Yes, Yes -- I know they are completely different speaker types...

My history, for many many years in the past I absolutely loved the sound of the old Klipsch speakers -- over the years I have had; KG2, KG4, Quintets, Chorus, and Klipschorn and completely loved them all, increasing with each move up the line.

Upon 2 moves ago -- I ended up with a room too small for the Klipschorns and they overwhelmed me in that room (though I still loved the sound). At that point I moved to Quads, which worked extremely well in that environment.

Why from horns to ESL's? Because I value intricate micro detail -- I primarily listen to jazz (but do enjoy classic rock) and the ESL's made the sax, woods, and voices sounds heavily (rock they do accurately but the impact is missing). Yes, I missed the intense impact of the horn but the ESL did the mids perfectly.

Now, I have moved again and have a larger listening venue again. I still love the ESL's but I have to say that I can't help relishing in the availability of some increased impact... Thus, brings me to the Tannoy... Its said that their kids are to die for, yet they certainly are able to provide the impact I would like on the occasion I may though in some Zeppelin.

Thus, I reckon the essence of my question is; would moving to 15" cones muddy the sound after being so used to ESL's? Is the Tannoy mid accurate or just a "housebound" of Tannoy?

I absolutely love being able to hear DEEP into the music, the nuances, the echoes of the venue -- I hear all that with the Quads. But, I due miss the impact, the "energy" that horns can produce.

But most of all; do I just have the upgrade psychosis or would there be a significant upgrade in my enjoyment of the music if I ditched the Quad 988's and moved to Tannoy Westminster's ???

If you have actually OWNED Westminster's, Canteberry's, and ESLs' or similar reproductions please reply with your comment -- Thank you
128x128grateful

Showing 1 response by islandmandan

I know I'm not following your instructions, as I've never owned Quads or Magnepans, but I've now had Tannoys for most of my adult life, with some of that time spent with B&W, and some very fine Dynaudio Contour 5.4's.

I decided to return to Tannoy, by virtue of feeling hampered by the limitation of amplifier types I could use with the Dynaudio's. I was longing to try tube amps, but Dynaudio's like power, lots of it.

Not being able to afford Canterburys or Westminsters, I built my own custom speakers using 12" HPD Tannoy drivers, and was able build them to a very high level of performance by optimizing every aspect of these loudspeakers.

I am able now to listen to the most realistic and satisfying music I've ever had the pleasure of doing in my large room (16' X 34" w/cathedral ceilings), with a 9 Wpc SET 300B amp.

As you know, you can't do that with electrostats.

I haven't had 15" Tannoys either, but I've never heard anyone complain about muddiness, or lack of detail, with the 15" drivers, quite the opposite, in fact.

I hope Kiddman, or other very knowledgeable Tannoy users, will add their input here. You might consider joining the Yahoo Tannoy site, and ask for comparisons between 12" and 15" Dual Concentrics.

I urge you to audition some Westminsters, or Canterburys or even come hear my custom built set, before making up your mind, and please excuse me for disobeying your instructions.

Best wishes,
Dan