Tannoy Eyris 1 1 pair Bi Wirable Book Shelf Speakers

Tannoy "Eyris 1" Pair of Bi Wirable Book Shelf Speakers with VTI Stands

Color: Walnut

S/N# 386222P

The Eyris 1 is the smallest of three models in Tannoy’s latest range of hi-fi loudspeakers. At 36 x 17 x 26cm (h/w/d), it is smaller than many bookshelf speakers. But if its weight, design, components and finish are anything to go by, there can be no doubt that the Eyris 1 is a serious piece of audio hardware.

The Eyris 1 is an extension of Tannoy’s WIDEBAND technology which, simply put, incorporates the use of a super tweeter that extends the speaker’s HF (high frequency) response to beyond 40kHz. Now, many will wonder, as I did, why would Tannoy bother pushing the HF to so far beyond the upper limit of human hearing? Were they thinking of dogs and cats as listeners?

But, according to the company’s engineers, there exists musical information in the very high frequency region and, although we humans can’t hear it, WIDEBAND technology increases the immediacy, airiness and impact of the music, making it sound more natural and true to life. Additionally, extending the HF response by two octaves (from the usual 10kHz that is the realistic upper limit of adult hearing) corrects time and phase response within the bandwidth of normal human hearing. This adds realism to the soundstage by improving imaging and placement of instruments.

The WIDEBAND super tweeter is a 25mm titanium dome unit in its own module initially developed for Tannoy’s flagship model Kingdom (at five feet tall and incorporating an 18-inch woofer, that’s a Tannoy) and later, for models in the highly successful Dimension range. The use of a metal dome is not unexpected, as a metal diaphragm is more capable of producing ultra HF than fabric or plastic. Audio manufacturers commonly use metal dome tweeters, but they are not usually called upon to produce HF any higher than 30kHz. Tannoy’s HF unit however crosses over at 2.5kHz (2nd order LF and 1st order HF) from a 145mm cone bass/midrange driver and extends the HF response all the way to 44kHz.

The bass/midrange driver is also special in its way. The cone is made of doped paper, but of a special formulation described simply as “multi pulp”. The ingredients could be straw, rag, wood or a combination of these – Tannoy is not telling. What are more obvious are the huge magnets behind the cone assembly, two of them. The Eyris 1 will handle power peaks in excess of 75 watts and run happily on a sustained 55 watts.

The two drivers are mounted on an arch-shaped baffle (30mm thick MDF), but in an unusual way. The module of the HF unit makes up the arch, occupying the extreme top of the speaker. This module is mostly aluminium, the HF unit being sealed into it and protected by a meshed metal grille. This grille is magnetically fastened and purists can remove it for “best” sound, but will do so at the risk of damaging the tweeter.

Further down the baffle, the bass/midrange driver is flush-mounted, held down by ten (!) screws. Just below it is the port (vent), reverse venturi flare of 65mm diameter. Yes, the Eyris 1 is a bass-reflex speaker of 7.5 litres volume, operating at eight ohms impedance.

On the speaker’s rear panel is another unusual item: a cylindrical plate around whose diameter project five terminals. These terminals are for the speaker cables to the amplifier and are chunky silver-plated screws that accept either 4mm banana plugs or spade lugs. There are two negative and two positive terminals, encouraging bi-wiring or even bi-amping. In the event that the user opts for a single cable, Tannoy provides a jumper lead that pairs the terminals.

Okay, fine, but what about the fifth terminal? Ah, here’s something I’ve never seen in a speaker before: an earth point. According to Tannoy, connecting this terminal with the earth terminal of the amplifier further improves the sound. But that’s entirely optional, which is just as well because my amplifier doesn’t have an earth terminal.

It is best to call David www.weinhartdesign.com with questions in Los Angeles Showroom from 11-4 @ 310-472-8880 or on my cell after hours and weekends from 10-10 @ 310-927-2260 or e-mail me directly @ [email protected]

Weinhart Design has lots of other items new and used and if you’re in Los Angeles or visiting please accept my invitation to experience our World Class Audio Showroom and please visit our web site www.weinhartdesign.com

We are always interested in purchasing quality Audio and Video items, CD & LP collections and most quality trades are welcomed.

All sales out of California are State Sales Tax exempt. California State Sales Tax of 9% applies for items picked up or shipped to a California address.

We accept payments by Bank Wire Transfers without fees and is the only form of payment on all sales out of the U.S. and Canada. We prefer this method of payment and also makes shipping to addresses other than billing OK.

VISA, MC and Papal are gladly accepted within the U.S. and Canada as long as the charge is approved and shipping to the billing address on record and adds a 3% fee to cover costs.

Please call me directly in my world class showroom in Los Angeles weekdays from 11-4PM @ 310-472-8880 or on my cell including weekends from 10-10PM 310-927-2260 and I can answer your questions and help you with all of your new and pre owned needs.

Making better Sound One system at a time,

David Weinhart
Weinhart Design, Inc.
President & CEO

The Audio and Video Expert
e: [email protected]
www.weinhartdesign.com

2337 Roscomare Road, Studio #1
Los Angeles, California 90077
Showroom) 310-472-8880
Cell) 310-927-2260