Tannoy i30 Overview & Design
Tannoy is a U.K. based company known for their dual concentric, point source loudspeakers. Simply explained, a dual concentric speaker is actually two speakers in one, with the voice coils from the two drivers aligned in the same axis. The alignment of the voice coils in the same concentric plane produces a phase-coherent or phase-aligned output signal for a natural sound quality with wide dispersion characteristics.
The i30 uses iCT (Inductive Coupling Technology), a dual concentric speaker design with two 4-inch mid-bass woofers and a wireless high-frequency driver. The iCT drivers offer the same phase-coherent sound of a point source speaker with the added benefit of eliminating the need for a crossover. The high-frequency components of the audio signal are magnetically inducted to the 1-inch high-frequency driver (or tweeter) because of its close proximity to the woofer’s voice coil. Technology aside, the design achieves the desired results. The Tannoy i30 has a natural, well-balanced sound quality with a wide listening area and good sonic imaging. The dual iCT drivers are powered by a 50-watt (25 watts x 2) digital amplifier and backed by a digital sound processor to shape the sound quality of the 4-inch drivers.
The i30 is a vented system with a rear bass port that enhances bass performance, especially when placed close to a wall. The port also neatly doubles as a carrying handle.
Tannoy i30 Sound Quality
Notable Features
The i30s notable features include an optional bracket for wall-mounting the i30, the firstI’ve seen with that capability. Otherwise, it’s compact size makes it well suited for placement on a desk, nightstand, kitchen countertop or even a music system for a party. Additionally, the iPod can be synched with the iTunes music site while it’s docked in the i30 via the rear panel USB socket (cable not included).
The i30 comes with five dock adaptors for different iPod models, and the audio input on the back of the i30 can be used for other portable music players or iPods that don’t have a docking connector, such as the iPod Shuffle. The i30 also comes with a small remote control to operate the basic functions of the iPod.
Summary & Specifications
The Tannoy i30 is great as a no-frills iPod music system. Some iPod systems may have more features, but if you’re looking for a stylish, portable tabletop system with a clean, detailed sound quality that’s easy on the ears, check out the Tannoy i30. It’s ideal for an office, bedroom, kitchen, den or studio, anywhere a compact iPod music system is needed.
Specifications
- Power Output: 25 watts x 2
- Frequency Response (-6dB): 60Hz-22kHz
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 5.38" x 18" x 5.5"
- Weight: 8.2 lbs.
Suggested retail price: $399
www.tannoydigital.com
