Tannoy Power V12 Speaker and Power VS15BP Subwoofer
There are few players in the audio industry who have a longer or more illustrious history than Tannoy. As their advertisements have long pointed out, in the UK the word Tannoy is synonymous with sound system, much in the same way that Xerox has come to generically mean a photostatic copy. History lesson aside, Tannoy has brought to market a large variety of loudspeakers which have typically boasted accurate sonics and wide dispersion.
Features
While both the Tannoy Power V12 and VS15BP speakers from Tannoy North America of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada are of the self-powered variety, both models are also available in passive versions as well, ideal for those who already have suitable amplification. The Power V (and passive V series) encompasses a fairly large variety of enclosure sizes in addition to the models reviewed here.
One of the-if not the most important?characteristics of the Power V12 and its stable mates is its use of a dual concentric design for arranging the drivers. Simply put, a speaker that utilizes a dual concentric design mounts the tweeter inside of the woofer cone. This is done for several reasons, the two most notable being improved time alignment and dispersion when compared to conventional driver arrangement.
All of the Power V and Power VS speakers utilize class-D amplification, which utilizes switching power supplies in order to reduce excess heat and power draw through more efficient utilization of line power.
As you would surmise from their model numbers, the Power V12 contains a 12-inch dual concentric driver, while the Power VS15BP contains a 15-inch driver.
The Power V's interface panel is laid out in a logical and intuitive way, as one would expect, save one detail, and that is the utilization of a Neutrik PowerCon AC mains cable and connector. Although the PowerCon is an excellent connector system, it does mean that one needs to take special care to always bring along the mating AC cable, as a standard IEC cable will leave you (literally) powerless. That said, the PowerCon provides a solid locking connection, quite unlike the standard IEC line cord.
Also contained on the interface panel are the following: a balanced XLR female input, balanced XLR male pass-through output, level control, limit and signal presence LEDs, fuse holder, power switch, and a slide switch which enables a high pass filter (90 Hz) to allow for better integration with a subwoofer. The onboard amplifier is rated at 400 watts output power (referenced to 8 ohms). Interestingly the speaker utilizes a passive crossover.
The Power VS15BP subwoofer features a similar input panel, save for the slide switch, which enables selection between 80 Hz and 110 Hz low pass filtration. In addition, it is rated at 400 watts output power (referenced to 8 ohms).
As would befit speaker systems such as these, the enclosures are extremely well constructed out of 5/8-inch birch plywood and finished in a durable textured black or white paint. Custom colors are available by special order.
Eight standard M10 flying and yoke bracket inserts are provided, along with recessed (and fairly ergonomic) carrying handles.
The grilles are constructed of powder-coated steel, and have a layer of foam laid between the inside of the grille and the drivers.
The Tannoy Power V12 loudspeaker retails for $2,639, and the Power VS15BP subwoofer carries a retail cost of $2,250. Both feature a five-year warranty exclusive of the electronics, which are warranted for the period of one year.
In Use
During the time I had the Tannoy speakers, I used them with a variety of associated equipment, including the Yamaha LS-9 digital console, as well as other live sound and studio-type consoles.
The Power V12 was noticeably free from the kinds of colorations that often plague lesser systems. The dreaded midrange "quack" or the "icepick in the ear" syndrome that one expects when driving not-quite-professional speakers to higher volume levels were not present.
Instead, the V12 sounded smooth and reminiscent of Tannoy's residential and studio monitor-type speakers. How much of this is due to the dual concentric design, rather than to the overall excellent construction quality? Who knows, and in a way, who cares? The net effect is excellent.
The Power VS15BP (BP standing for bandpass) subwoofer sounded dynamic and fairly quick. While you won't mistake it for a huge folded horn concert-type design, it is more than capable of providing solid low-end response, even at fairly uncomfortable levels.
Taken as a pair, the Power Vs integrated very well together, as would be expected, and provided punchy yet smooth reproduction of both live and pre-recorded sound sources. I would have no reluctance whatsoever installing these for any client looking for near-audiophile performance at a reasonable price.
Summary
The Tannoy Power V series speakers feature the exemplary sound quality and excellent build quality that people have come to expect from Tannoy over the past 75 years. Churches and other organizations that have the budget for a premium system such as this will likely enjoy their investment for years to come. Highly recommended.
Dieter Niederrad has been involved in the audio industry for more than 20 years, and provides consultative services to retail, house of worship, and industrial clients.
