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What's best for Tannoy D-700s?

I finally have the opportunity to upgrade my system. I have been lugging around the extremely heavy Tannoy D-700s with me for years now, and have read that many audiophiles think they are guite good. I have not been happy with the sound I've gotten out of them, and suspect that this is due to not having the right amp, wiring and wall positioning.

So to all you marvelous audiophiles: please help me select an integrated amp, used or new, that would pair well with my Tannoys. Also, please let me know if it is really important to bi-wire them or do exotic things with their cross-overs.

I would like to spend less than $1500 on the amp (used). The ideal for me would be that the amp also supports 5 channel surround sound for a yet-to-be-purchased surround system, but I understand that in most cases, 5 or 7 channel amps in a range I can afford will not do both jobs well. So I'd also appreciate any advice as to whether having, for example, a 7 channel amp would work or if I should stick to 2 channel.

For those unfamiliar with the Tannoys, here are the specs from the manufacturer:

Nominal Impedance: 6 ohms
Minimum Impedance: 3 ohms
Sensitivity: 93dB/w
Frequency Response: 30Hz to 30KHz (=/- 3dB)
Maximum Input Power: 150watts
beranrose

Showing 3 responses by beranrose

beranrose OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for your help. Many have said that the Tannoy's are juice hungry, and I've been assuming (perhaps wrongly) that means I should go with a solid state amp.

If I can ask a follow up question, would I be able to get better performance at roughly the same price range with separate components, or at the price I am considering will an integrated amp always be the right solution?

Thanks is particular for the range of models you suggested, Mike. I took a look at your own system - impressive!
beranrose OP
4 posts
 
Thanks to both of you! I think I'll start with one of the integrateds Jaybo suggests, such as the Bryston 60, then maybe add a more powerful amp in the future and use the Bryston B60 as a preamp. This leaves some money for a squeezebox ....
beranrose OP
4 posts
 
Thanks, Erasmusj. Your advice about toeing in the speakers made a big difference when I tried it last night. Funny how things so simple can make such a big difference. Unfortunately, our new living room basically has one open wall and two walls willed with windows, so I'm not sure what to do about the reflections (I think the wife might strangle me if I went with heavy drapes all over the place), but I'm sure it will sound good nonetheless at lower volumes.

Good to know I don't need to bother with bi-wiring; I may do the biamping in the future.

Two follow up questions:
I've found that the Tannoy's sound stage is limited vertically (I'm over 2m tall, so it makes a difference when I am standfing or sitting). Have you tried aiming them upwards by shortening the back points or anything else to expand the stage upwards? We live in a Boston brownstone, so moving them farther away is not an option.

Could you tell me more about how you worked the rear and center channels? What speaker types and amplification do you use/ recommend?
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