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Mercury F Custom Manual 0108.fh 11/2/08 15:07 Page 2
C M Y CM MY CY CMY K
WARRANTY
This equipment has been produced and tested with care and precision. All Tannoy speaker systems are built to give
first class service and carry a 5-year warranty. Active subwoofers carry a 1-year warranty.
If the equipment proves to be defective within this period for any reason other than accident, misuse, unauthorised
modification or fair wear and tear, Tannoy will repair any such defect or, at our option, replace it without charge for
parts, labour or return carriage. This warranty is given in addition to the customer's statutory rights.
If you suspect a problem with your loudspeakers please contact your local Tannoy dealer who will be able to advise
on appropriate action.
2
INTRODUCTION
OWNERS MANUAL
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
2
AMPLIFIER MATCHING
3
FINE TUNING
4
BASS TUNING
5
BI-AMPING
6
SCREENING
7
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
9
SET-UP DIAGRAMS
10-12
3
AMPLIFIER MATCHING
Consult the enclosed product specification sheet as this clearly shows the acceptable power range for
amplifier matching to your speakers. The high peak power handling of Tannoy loudspeakers permits
responsible use with more powerful amplifiers - please read the Warranty.
As with all loudspeaker systems, the power handling is a function of voice coil thermal capacity. Care
should be taken to avoid overdriving any amplifier, as this will cause output overload resulting in
'clipping' or distortion within the output signal. This, if done for any extended period, will cause damage
to the speakers.
Generally an amplifier of higher power that is running hard, but free of distortion, will do less damage
to the loudspeaker than a lower power amplifier continually clipping. Remember also that a high
powered amplifier running at less than 90% of output power generally sounds a great deal better than
a lower powered example struggling to achieve 100%. An amplifier with insufficient drive capability
will not allow the full performance of the loudspeakers to be realised.
CABLE CHOICE
Always use the best quality of cable available within your budget. High quality audio signals passing
from the amplifier to the loudspeaker are unusual in their demands on the cable. Wide dynamic range
and frequency bandwidth information has to coexist with the ability to transmit peak currents of at least
10amps, without incurring any loss or signal impairment. This explains why the sound quality of the
information reproduced by the loudspeakers is so dependant on the physical properties of the cables
connecting them to the amplifier.
Technically, we recommend two-core cable with cross section area not less than 1.5 square millimetres
(1.5mm
2
) for cable runs of up to 3 metres. For longer lengths you will require to use cable with a
minimum cross sectional area of 2.5 square millimetres (2.5mm
2
). In addition always keep the cable
runs the same length for each speaker.
Cable construction can affect the sound quality. Be prepared to experiment to find a cable that suits
your ear and audio system. We do not recommend the use of braided (Litz) or coaxial cables as these
have a high capacitance that may affect the stability of certain amplifiers.
Congratulations on purchasing Tannoy Mercury F Custom loudspeakers. This Limited Edition
upgrade to the Mercury F range boasts some excellent sonic improvements, ideal for audio
enthusiasts who truly appreciate great sound. Since the original Mercury M20 speaker was
released as part of the Planet range almost twenty-five years ago, Tannoy Mercury loudspeakers
have become highly acclaimed by the audiophile community. A number of enhancements have been
made to this product to give it superior performance for high fidelity listening:
Crossover - the crossover components have been upgraded and a high quality polypropylene
capacitor used in the tweeter feed. The circuit topology has also been revised. Together, these
changes give greater detail at high frequencies, better stereo imaging and a more controlled bottom end.
Tannoy DMT™ (Differential Material Technology) - the interface between drive unit and the cabinet
structure is crucial and this area is given special attention in the Custom models. Bracing materials
of different acoustic properties are used to dampen the driver to the internal bracing and then to the
enclosure body itself; resulting in an exceptionally well damped structure that minimises the effect of
unwanted resonances.
Wiring – the internal wiring has been replaced with high purity Van den Hul silver plated cable,
which offers lower energy loss and greater transparency.
Termination panel – the termination panel of the original F1, F4 and FC have been upgraded
with high quality gold plated brass terminals, for mimimum information loss.
Due to its compact size and typical on-wall positioning, the FR Custom is equipped with spring
terminals for ease of installaton.
To gain maximum performance from your loudspeakers, please take time to read this owners
manual in full before installation. Once you have set up your new loudspeakers please complete
and returm the registration document - this does not limit your legal rights.
Loudspeakers are electromechanical devices that ‘run-in’ through use; performance will therefore
improve after an intial period of 24hrs use. Once they have been further run-in over a longer period,
there will be clear enhancement of stero imaging, mid-band qulaity and bass performance
characteristics.
We are confident that you will continue to enjoy your new Tannoy loudspeakers for many years to
come.