Prestige SANDRINGHAM SE, Owner'S Manual

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8
A Note on Auditory Perception
Our hearing mechanism locates natural sound sources with great accuracy by using the naturally occurring phase differences
(or arrival times) at middle frequencies, and intensity differences at higher frequencies, between each of our ears. Naturally
occurring sounds pass through the air to the ears at constant speed (345 metres/second or 1132 feet/second). All frequencies
travel at the same speed and therefore a frequency independent time delay is associated with the distances involved. (The
familiar time delay between a flash of lightning and the associated clap of thunder is an example). Human hearing relies
on the constant nature of the time delay with the intensity to locate natural sounds accurately. A pair of Tannoy Prestige
loudspeakers can uniquely reconstruct stereo images and provide excellent localisation of recorded sounds. The Tannoy
Dual Concentric™ driver principle ensures that the source of sound at high frequencies is on the same axis as the source
of sound at low frequencies.
The careful design of crossover network complements the drive unit to provide a coincident sound source at frequencies
where the human ear derives phase information for localisation. The loudspeaker system exhibits a time delay response
that is in essence independent of reproduced frequencies. In addition, the amplitude (or intensity) response is linear, smooth
and consistent. This provides the correct intensity of information to recreate the original sound stage.
Care of the Cabinet
The cabinet is constructed from carefully selected solid hardwood and veneers that have been hand finished to exacting
standards. The wood should only be cleaned with a dry cloth or with a light application of quality non-silicone furniture
polish, taking care not to get polish on the grille cloth.
In common with all solid wood furniture, exposure to extremes of heat, cold and varying humidity will cause the wood
to ease slightly. Therefore it is recommended that the loudspeaker is protected from environmental extremes to guard
against any such occurrence. Any wood will change colour when subjected to the UV content of ambient light. Light
veneer will darken appreciably to a rich natural patina, while dark wood may lighten.
The Crossover Network
During the design of the crossover network the acoustic, mechanical and electrical interactions of the high and low
frequency sections have been fully analysed. The crossover is therefore an integral part of the design of the system. The
crossover network provides complex equalisation in both amplitude and phase for each section and fully integrates the
response at the crossover point. All components are high precision, low-loss and thermally stable. Quality, low-loss
polypropylene capacitors are used. Air-cored inductors avoid saturation effects.
All components in the crossover network are hard wired to eliminate unwanted metal-to-metal contact and ensure freedom
from vibration. The components are laid out to minimise inter component coupling and are placed well away from the
driver magnetic field. Top quality high purity Van den Hul wiring is used throughout.
The complementary design of crossover and drive units means that the loudspeaker system as a whole behaves as a minimum
phase system over the audio band and therefore the acoustic sources of the high and low frequency sections are aligned
in time and space to ensure accurate reproduction of stereo images.
9
Tannoy Quality
An important part of Tannoy's design philosophy is to produce loudspeakers with a level of performance beyond the most
exacting specifications of contemporary source equipment.
Loudspeaker design is no longer a 'black art'. It is now possible to use computers to model designs and predict results.
Comprehensive test equipment is used to pinpoint problems with cabinets or drive units; anechoic chambers help in
producing accurate measurements. Both computer aided design (CAD) and sophisticated test equipment are used extensively
at Tannoy, but we always remember that listening tests must be the final judge.
Tannoy follows a policy of stringent quality control procedures using sophisticated measurement facilities. Strict quality
control is more easily achieved because all the loudspeakers are built in-house at the Tannoy factory in Scotland. All drive
units are designed and manufactured by Tannoy. All incoming parts are thoroughly tested to ensure that they are as
specified. Not only is all data computerised by CAD but rigorous testing procedures during construction ensures every
loudspeaker meets or exceeds our exacting standards.
Faultfinding
Tannoy loudspeakers are designed and manufactured to be reliable. When a fault occurs in a hi-fi system the effect is
always heard through the loudspeakers although they may not be the source of the fault. It is important to trace the cause
of the problem as accurately as possible. A fault heard on one source (only CD or tape for instance) is most unlikely to
be a loudspeaker problem. Loudspeakers do not in themselves generate hum, hiss or rumble although high quality, wide-
bandwidth loudspeakers may emphasise such problems.
Warranty and Service
Your Prestige loudspeakers will operate for many years without trouble provided that simple precautions are followed.
Tannoy loudspeakers are warranted against manufacturing defects in material or craftsmanship over a period of 5 years
from the date of purchase. This warranty is in addition to your statutory rights as a customer. Tannoy cannot however
be held responsible for failures caused by abuse, unauthorised modifications, improper operations or damage caused by
faults elsewhere in your system.
Tannoy Ltd or its authorised Distributor or Service Agent will make the determination of the cause of failure based on
physical inspection of the failed parts. If you suspect a problem with your loudspeakers then in the first instance discuss
it with your Tannoy Dealer. The Dealer has the expertise and experience to help you troubleshoot the system and assess
the situation. If you continue to have problems contact your Tannoy Distributor or Tannoy Customer Services at our
Coatbridge address.
Due to our policy of continuous improvement, all specifications are subject to change without notice.
Caution
The high peak power handling of Tannoy loudspeakers will allow responsible use with larger amplifiers on wide dynamic
range material. Take care with any amplifier, irrespective of power output, to avoid abnormal conditions such as switch-
on surges or output overload (clipping) that may result in peaks of power measuring greatly over the rated output.
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andringham