JBL Century Gold vs. Tannoy D700

[Tula]

Hey Guys,

I'm new here and I have a question. I have owned a pair of JBl Century Gold speakers for 8 years now and I would like to swap them with a pair of Tannoy D700's.

Is there anyone here who has compared these speakers?

I have 2 setups:

1. Rotel RC1090 pre-amp + Rotel RB1080 power-amp which sound quite nice with the Century Gold's

2. Lyngdorf TDAI 2200 integrated digital amp, which doesnt sound as "rich" as the Rotel setup. In my opinion this combination sounds to neutral.

Any opinions?

Thanks!

Tristan

[Mr. Widget]

I am sorry to have to say I have never heard either system, however they both seem to be serious systems that merit a serious audition. Conceptually I am a big fan of Tannoy's approach, but I have yet to hear the Tannoy that has "done it for me."


Widget

[cooky1257]

I owned some of these Tannoys a few years ago and was very satisfied with the D700's.
They image very well are very dynamic if a little dry and lean sounding(none of the old school Tannoy warmth).
They are also nice looking/well proportioned boxes.
They both deserve a good listen, though you can't go far wrong with either really.
Cooky

[speakerdave]

Here's a ball park comparison, maybe. I've compared the LSR32 to the Tannoy SGM 10 AND an early version of the Manley ML10 made from that same model 2558R driver with a Mastering Lab crossover, and although both of the Tannoy based systems are very listenable and image a little better, I thought the LSR32 a better, more accurate speaker over all, especially for higher sound level, and at midfield distances. There is a point in the near field where the coincident design of the Tannoys becomes more coherent, but very near.

Both speakers were run full range with a GAS Thoebe and a McIntosh MC2200. The LSR32 and the 10" Tannoy models are flat to about 60 or 70, respectively, alone, so both of the models you are considering are designed for lower bass, I should think. I also tried both speakers full range sandwiched between two 1400nd's in M9500 style of staggered tuning enclosures, above and below (four total) for subwoofers, feathered into the natural roll off of the models under test with a UREI 525 (no crossover in front of the mid/highs). Each 1400nd had its own channel of a 6260. Experimentally I stuffed socks in the ports of both speakers, but I preferred them running they way they were designed, possibly because that gave symmetrical crossover slopes with the 18 dB UREI. By the way, the 1400nd/LSR32 combo was very dynamic and a lot of fun besides.

This was all ad hoc non-instrumented fooling around, so its significance may be nothing more than that.

[Audiobeer]

If the 2 sounded good to you and the decision was a toss up, I would definitely go with the Tannoy as it is impossible to get kits for the Golds, at least that's what I have heard.

[Tula]

Thanks a lot for your opinions guys!

[Tula]

Dave, thanks a lot for the technical details and expertise. I'm not quite familiar with the speakers you mentioned, but I can see you compared with a very good and technical approach.

Audiobeer, what exactly do you mean with "kits for the golds"? Do you mean spare parts?

I would also like to mention that I already own a pair of Century Golds, and I asked the question because I wanted to know if the Tannoys are a worthy upgrade.

Tristan

[timc]

He means spare parts yes. N/A sadly


-Tim

[BMWCCA]

I can't help myself: The JBLs are definitely the better looking pair, especially with the grilles/screens off. :)

And, after listening to my new 4345's now for . . . three days, let me say I believe time-alignment is overrated! ;)

[Tula]

OK, another question then: Why would I need spare parts? I've had these speakers for eight years now, I dont think there's anything wrong with them.

As far as looks ... sound matters for me :D

[BMWCCA]

OK, another question then: Why would I need spare parts? I've had these speakers for eight years now, I dont think there's anything wrong with them. For replacement going forward into the future! Blown tweets. Crumbling surrounds. Accidents, etc.


As far as looks ... sound matters for me :DSo you're just going to have to make the comparison and report back to us on what you find! :applaud:

[Tula]

I have listened to both sets of speakers and I have decided that the JBL Century Gold's are going. They sound very clear and detailed, but after 8 years it's time for them to go.

I have found that with the Tannoy D700 Speakers the music sounds more "alive" and the soundstage is bigger, makes the music come more foreward. Also with bass and low frequencies, you seem to "feel" them more than with the JBL's.

Some people might say the quality of the JBL's are better, but they don't have the sound I'm looking for right now. And if i can't sell them, I'm keeping them so I have 2 complete sets :D

[BMWCCA]

I have listened to both sets of speakers and I have decided that the JBL Century Gold's are going.
Variety is the spice of Life.

Enjoy. :)

[Mr. Widget]

I have listened to both sets of speakers and I have decided that the JBL Century Gold's are going. They sound very clear and detailed, but after 8 years it's time for them to go.8 years is a good long run... hell, most marriages don't last that long! :D

I hope to hear both of those systems at some point.


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[Akira]

And, after listening to my new 4345's now for . . . three days, let me say I believe time-alignment is overrated! ;)
I feel the same way. Time-alignment is over rated. I have a time aligned Tannoy system.
The one advantage of time alignment is that it always sounds right no matter what the volume. With a non aligned multidriver system I want to hear the perfect spl level to get comfortable with them....just my opinion.

As for the D700's what a great looking pair of speakers...call me shallow but looks count. :) (hey a good speaker is like a fine woman) I also like the idea of a floor standing system as they seem to integrate into a home environment visually and sonically. I'm certainly not a Tannoy fan but, in this case I think you made the right choice.