Steps to start using GRF's that have been in storage?

[louisjames]

Hi

I'm new to this forum and finally have a place where I can put my system back together again. The GRF's (rectangles from 1967) have been in a climate controlled storage unit for the past 10 years. I've read a number of different takes on how to bring systems / speakers back up and figure that the same steps would apply to any speaker? But since this is a dedicated Tannoy forum I thought I'd ask if there are any particulars I should know or do? I will have my tech check out the x-overs and have read about the upgrades that can be done, but for now I'll be be using them as-is provided things are good to go. Amps are two mono Leak TL-12's that have been refurbed and are running the original KT-66's, and for the time being I'll be using my Rotel RC-995 preamp (not the best but what I have available) while I look around for a good match with the amps and speakers (any recommendations for both tube and SS?).

Thanks in advance
LJ

 

[joeinid]

Hi LJ! Welcome to the forum! Thank you for joining.

 

[Douger]

Welcome, LJ! While electronics need to be eased in after a long storage, it is unlikely that your Tannoys have special needs. The surrounds back then were made to last. The crossover components may need some time to come back but I would just start playing the system and listen for any
problems. As for preamp suggestions, are you in North America?

 

[louisjames]

Welcome, LJ! While electronics need to be eased in after a long storage, it is unlikely that your Tannoys have special needs. The surrounds back then were made to last. The crossover components may need some time to come back but I would just start playing the system and listen for any
problems. As for preamp suggestions, are you in North America?

Thank you Douger. The Tannoy's have been all over the country with me but I've never had them in storage this long so thought it best to ask. And yes, I'm based out of SF for work currently. I'll probably be "stuck" with the Rotel for a while as my wife and I just bought a place but might as well start saving for a good pre to work with the Leak's and the Tannoy's. Appreciate the help.

 

[Paul]

The GRF is great speakers. So how you enjoying them so far ? I would looking for some used pre amp for a time being.

 

[louisjames]

The GRF is great speakers. So how you enjoying them so far ? I would looking for some used pre amp for a time being.

They're getting moved in this weekend and then I need to reset up my Salamander rack and get things in place. I'll be sure to to post how they sound after all these years but I can't wait. After years of listening to my wife's all-in-one Panny system, it be a pleasure. Although it hasn't been all bad as I use a set of Tannoy NFM 8 II's for mastering and while they are near-field's, they still have that great Tannoy sound. Nothing like dual-concentric's for honing in on the frequencies you want to tweak and for giving a honest representation of the music. And yes, I'd be buying used no matter what. The only separates I ever bought new was an Arcam Alpha amp, pre and cd player back in the mid-90's. Pretty good stuff for the time. Talked to a pal tonight who is trying to get me to refurb my Fisher 500c to use with the GRF's but I think I want to go with a solid state pre this time around.

 

[Paul]

Very cool. Can't wait to hear your impression and welcome back to REAL audio after Panasonic boom box ; )

I agree with you on dual concentric's sounds. I'm loving my Westminster GR more and more everyday.

 

[louisjames]

Very cool. Can't wait to hear your impression and welcome back to REAL audio after Panasonic boom box ; )

I agree with you on dual concentric's sounds. I'm loving my Westminster GR more and more everyday.

Dual C's can be an acquired taste for some. I had friends tell me they're too harsh or too revealing or too focused. Usually these are clients who are startled by how poor their mixes are but still try and blame it on my monitors, or when I had the GRF's hooked up, on those. All good. They can revel in their muddiness. LOL. Seriously though, different strokes for different folks and very often warmth or the perception of warmth (more often smear in the low mids - - remember the "loudness" button on the 70's receivers that boosted the 125 range?) wins out over clarity and articulation. That's one of the reasons I want to go with a SS pre. I find that especially with the Leak's or my Fisher 500c (beautifully modded by Fisher Doc back in the day) things were just a tad too "warm" for my liking. Then again, to each his own and that's why there are so many different designs and products out there.