So here are 3 images to introduce them as they sit hooked in my "HT" system
OK. Why the mixed feelings ?
These speakers (NB they are not the 615 MKIIs) are wonderfully coherent, with excellent linearity and almost velvety mids, very serious low frequencies, yet tight and fast, extended and airy top end, which, however, i suspect of some sibilance.
Where are the problems ?
Firstly, when i put them in place of my Quads, in the main system, they virtually killed the music ! The sound stage shrank both from the sides and from the back and front. The sound became "small' and ear fatigue was sensed as approaching fast.. Some detail and most micro detail disappeared from fine recordings i know well, and the sense of notes attack and decay, so beautifully conveyed by the Quads, was now missing or diminished at the very least. Disconnected them and back to the HT setup where they sounded so well - as above described. I don't know if it is the components of the main system or the smaller room of the HT system, but as much as i like them in the HT, i cannot stand them virtually - in the main ..
This is where i decided i wanted to upgrade them to the MKII revision, and wrote to Tannoy about this. Tannoy were a bit reluctant to give me the fine technical detail of the upgrade, eg capacitor type change - for a early 90s model speakers, so i opened the back to get to the crossovers, took the pictures below and came here for help ..
Three questions bug me, which i feel are the essence of a "low hanging fruit" upgrade :
1. What type of caps are those in the picture ?
2. What do i replace them with to get the most out of the Tannoys ?
3. How much will OFC solid copper wiring impact / improve the overall sound ?
Your input is requested and much appreciated .. The wiring you see is silver or silver plated copper (?) VDH. Any other suggestions are welcome too.
The system where they sound great has a hybrid amplification : 2 x ECC83 into a Class D output stage
Thank you
