Tannoy DEFINITION DC10A User Manual
Page 3
DEFINITION DC10A OWNER’S MANUAL_03
IntRoDUctIon
Thank you for selecting a Tannoy loudspeaker developed in the UK by our dedicated team of design engineers. They are
the choice of discriminating music lovers the world over. Musical excellence is designed into our loudspeakers from the
start. Careful selection of the very best components combined with strict quality control procedures in the production
process ensures this level of excellence is maintained.
To gain maximum performance from your Definition DC10As, please take time to read this owner’s manual in full before
installation. Once you have set up your new loudspeakers please complete and return the registration document or register
your product online at www.tannoy.com - this does not limit your legal rights.
Loudspeakers are electromechanical devices that ‘run-in’ through use; performance will therefore improve after an initial
period of 24hrs use. Once they have been further run-in over a longer period, there will be clear enhancement of the stereo
imaging, mid-band quality and bass performance characteristics.
We are confident that you will continue to enjoy your new Tannoy Definition DC10As for many years to come.
WARnInG, stRonG MAGnetIc FIeLDs
The powerful magnet system in the Definition DC10A will cause picture distortion with conventional CRT televisions and
monitors, and should not be used in the close proximity. There are no issues with plasma, LCD or LED televisions or
monitors.
tecHnoLoGY
Alcomax 3 Dual concentric™
The time coherent, point source and constant directivity nature of the dispersion characteristics inherent in the Dual Concentric
drive unit makes it an accepted industry standard in studio monitoring. By exceeding the rigorous demands of the recording
and mastering environment Tannoy can ensure that playback performance is strictly controlled to accurately reflect the
sound engineer’s artistry. In nature all sounds emanate from a single point in space. The high frequency unit of the Dual,
centrally mounted in the throat of the main mid/bass driver, is so positioned as to acoustically replicate this single point
source; delivering an incredibly natural sound with a very wide imaging ‘sweet spot’ that creates an expansive soundstage
with remarkably focused placement of images.
The DC10A’s 10” Dual Concentric driver is derived from the classic Duals found in some of Tannoy’s most successful and
longest running Prestige series models. Powered by the highest quality Alcomax 3 Alnico motors, this classic driver magnet
material has exceptional field strength and is electrically conductive. This minimises non-linear voice coil inductive effects and
reduces micro distortions from eddy currents, leading to a sweet, natural and inherently coherent sound.
From instrument amplifiers to guitar pick-ups, Alnico is revered across the music industry for its musicality and dynamics as
well as its ability to resolve low level information and texture in the music. Tannoy has long used Alnico drivers in its range
topping loudspeakers to best reproduce every note and intonation that the musician intended - a realism rarely achieved by
ceramic ferrite motor systems.
The 10” Dual of the DC10A uses the latest iteration of Tannoy’s aluminium alloy tweeter with PepperPot WaveGuide
TM
.
Mid-and low-frequency reproduction is handled by a multi-fibre cone, allied to the Alcomax 3 magnet assembly engineered
to sit on the outside of the voice coils. This configuration delivers the greatest magnetic flux density across the poles,
employing to full effect the smoothness and musicality of the Alnico magnet system. Each DC10A driver is hand assembled
by Tannoy engineers before being tested and mounted into the cabinet with a unique bracing mechanism.
Audiophile crossover
High-end components and a ‘simple straight’ philosophy combine to create a crossover with an ultra-clean signal path.
Low loss laminated core inductors ensure optimum LF performance while the HF networks audiophile-grade polypropylene
capacitors are acoustically damped using Tannoy ‘s Differential Materials Technology (DMT
TM
) material. Non inductive metal
film resistors are used in the high frequency feed. The Definition DC10A crossover sets the benchmark for signal integrity,
reproducing music with all the articulation and intelligibility of the original performance.
Deep cryogenic treatment
The entire crossover assembly is subject to revolutionary Deep Cryogenic Treatment (DCT), achieving unparalleled
gains in resolution and creating a more natural, cohesive sound. Using a proprietary process, the Definition DC10A crossover
is super-cooled to minus 190 degrees Celsius and returned to room temperature over a controlled period. This permanently
reduces internal stresses in the microstructure of the crossover’s component materials, leading to better signal transfer and
superior resolution of fine detail. One of the largest benefits is to the solder joints, which are traditionally an area of poor
crystalline structure.