OWNERS MANUAL
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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.
OWNERS MANUAL
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.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
AMPLIFIER MATCHING
FINE TUNING
2
3
4
BI-AMPING
6
7
We are confident that you will continue to enjoy your new Tannoy loudspeakers for many years to
come.
SCREENING
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 9
SET-UP DIAGRAMS 10-12
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.
BASS TUNING
5
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.
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.
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.
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.
CABLE CHOICE
INTRODUCTION
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.
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:
Technically, we recommend two-core cable with cross section area not less than 1.5 square millimetres
(1.5mm2 ) for cable runs of up to 3 metres. For longer lengths you will require to use cable with a
2
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.
minimum cross sectional area of 2.5 square millimetres (2.5mm). 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.
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.
2
3
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QUICK SET UP
Loudspeaker stands should be rigidly built and preferably mass loaded with dry sand. The optimum
listening height will be dictated by the seating in your room, usually between 300mm (12") and 600mm
(24") high. Stand mounted speakers will produce their best stereo image and soundstage if you can
just see the top face of the cabinet. Check the 'lift' needed to put the speakers in this position before
purchasing your stands.
PLEASE REFER TO THE SPECIFICATION AND INSTALLATION DIAGRAM SHEET SUPPLIED WITH THIS
MANUAL
1. Remove the loudspeakers from all packaging.
Fold the carton flaps right back and invert the carton and contents.
Lift the carton clear of the contents.
Refer to the paragraph headed Positioning for stand mounted speaker placement advice.
(See figure 3)
Remove all the inner packaging from the product.(See figure 1)
It is strongly recommended that you store all the packaging to allow protected transportation
in future.
FLOOR STANDING LOUDSPEAKERS
For optimum performance from floor-standing loudspeakers, the design team at Tannoy recommends
that the supplied carpet piercing spikes be fitted. A rigid footing for the speaker, with a secure interface
between the cabinet and the floor, brings about an improvement in clarity, bass 'speed' and definition.
2. Stand mounting or bookshelf speakers should be located securely in an appropriate position. If wall
mounting any speakers, we strongly recommend that you use a bracket which will support the base
of the speaker. Use of a bracket that screws directly onto the back panel of the speaker can cause
too much strain to be exerted on the fixing point and the panel itself. This may cause panel
detachment when in use and could present the risk of injury.
First level the spikes by eye then hand tighten the lock nuts. Rock the loudspeaker gently from side to
side so that the spikes find their way through the weave of the carpet and on to the solid surface below.
Once fine adjustments have been made to level the loudspeaker and ensure stability, tighten the lock
nuts firmly but without using undue force.
3. Floor-standing models perform best with carpet piercing spikes fitted. These are supplied, along
with lock nuts, and should be fitted into the threaded holes in the base of the cabinet. Level the
speaker and then tighten the lock nuts firmly but without using undue force. Spike locating cups
are provided in the accessory pack and these may be used to protect sensitive floor surfaces.
Refer to the paragraph headed Positioning for floor standing speaker placement advice.
(See figure 3)
BASS TUNING
Many Tannoy loudspeakers are also provided with a foam port damper bung inside the port tube
located on the front or rear panel of the cabinet. The speakers have been designed for use in rooms
with average to good acoustics without these dampers fitted, so please take them out before use.
4. To protect your speakers and amplifier from damage it is important to ensure that the
amplifier is switched OFF prior to connecting or disconnecting any cabling.
Correct polarity of the cable connections between the amplifier and speakers is essential.
In smaller rooms, where loudspeaker positioning is forced closer to rear or side walls, the port damper
can be inserted into the reflex port. This will reduce the bass energy but 'speed-up' the sound presentation.
There is no absolute right or wrong here, therefore much will depend on your own musical preferences.
(See figure 2)
For optimum performance when connecting the system in standard single wire mode to a
speaker terminal panel equipped with full bi-wiring facility, always make cable connections, with
the links fitted, to the HF terminals.(See figure 2)
POSITIONING
The positive (plus) terminal on the amplifier left channel (marked + or coloured red) must be
connected to the positive terminal on the left speaker. The left speaker is the one on the left as
you look at the stereo pair from your listening position.
Begin by angling the speakers towards your chosen listening position, usually this is on the centre line
of the room, so that when seated you can just see the inner side panel of each speaker.
The front of the loudspeaker should not be obstructed in any way.
The negative (minus) terminal on the amplifier left channel (marked - or coloured black) must
be connected to the negative terminal on the left speaker.
The loudspeakers should be located between 1.5 to 4.5 metres (5ft to 15ft) apart - with the listening
position set slightly further away than the speakers are apart.
Repeat this connection process for the right speaker. Remember that the positive (+ or red)
on the amplifier must be connected to the positive (+ or red) on the speaker and the negative
(- or black) to negative.
All models are fully shielded to eliminate colour fringing effects when placed close to televisions.
Avoid positioning the loudspeakers in corners of the room, as this will have a negative effect on
performance; maintain a distance of at least 0.5 metres (20 inches) from the rear wall, and 1 metre
(39 inches) from the side. (See figure 3)
Select a signal source, such as a CD player; switch on the amplifier and slowly turn up the
volume control to check that both loudspeakers are reproducing bass and treble information.
BI-WIRING
FINE TUNING
Where the facility to bi-wire your loudspeakers is provided we would strongly recommend that you
install your system using this wiring option. With this method you will require separate cable feeds from
your amplifier to the HF and LF units of each loudspeaker. Generally this will result in a significant
improvement in resolution, transparency, stereo focus and instrument separation.
To get best results from your new Tannoy loudspeakers it is worthwhile spending a little time finding
the optimum set-up configuration. Here are a few tips to help you with this process:
STAND MOUNTING AND BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS
Small speakers should not be placed directly on the floor but can be used on bookshelves or tables.
However, the sound reproduction quality achieved will never be as good when not ideally positioned.
Your dealer can show you a selection of purpose built stands, designed to realise the full performance
potential of your loudspeakers.
4
5
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Use a high quality bi-wire cable to connect the speakers to the amplifier. It is recommended that the
same cable length and type be used for both bass and treble.
HOME CINEMA 5.1
Unlike other forms of encoded surround audio, 5.1 offers full bandwidth capability for the surround
and centre channels, with the ability to treat the subwoofer as a single discreet channel for special
effects playback or, for music applications, as a dedicated low frequency instrument channel. This
places new demands on the surround and centre channel loudspeakers in both the mixing environment
and the playback environment.
It is essential that the coupling links between the loudspeaker terminals be removed. Avoid potential
damage to your amplifier - ensure that all connections are secure and the polarity is correct in all
wiring. (See figure 4)
* Be sure that the amplifier is switched OFF and then prepare the two sets of cabling for each 'side'
of the system separately. Measure and cut four lengths of cable, two per speaker. Label two of the
cable lengths Left LF and Left HF (low frequency and high frequency) then repeat this process for
the right pair.
The 5.1 format allows the mix engineer in the recording studio to assign audio information to one or
more discreet channels of playback; providing very vivid and exacting localisation for the apparent
sound sources in the listening environment. To reliably recreate that accurate localisation during
playback, the selection and location of loudspeakers becomes the single most critical issue next to
the talent of the mix engineer in the studio.
* Undo the speaker terminals and remove the link bar - retain these in a safe place for future use.
* If your amplifier is not equipped with separate output terminals for bass and treble information then,
at the amplifier end of the cables, twist the Left LF+ (positive) and the Left HF+ (positive) together.
Connect these to the amplifier Left channel positive terminal marked + (plus) or coloured red.
THE SYSTEM
A fully operational 5.1 system consists of two main front loudspeakers, two rear effects speakers at
the rear (usually wall mounted) and a centre channel. The subwoofer provides the .1 part of the system.
(See figure 5)
Twist the Left LF- (negative) and the HF- (negative) cables together and connect them to the
amplifier Left channel negative terminal marked - (minus) or coloured black.
At the loudspeaker end connect the cables labelled Left LF+ and Left LF- to the left hand loudspeaker
LF terminals, ensuring that you note the polarity markings on the cable sheathing.
SCREENING
Loudspeaker drive units contain large magnets. These are capable of generating a substantial magnetic
field extending a considerable distance beyond the sidewalls of the speaker enclosure. This field can
cause picture distortion if the speakers are placed too close to the TV. However, to avoid these colour
fringing effects all Mercury models are fully shielded.
Then proceed to connect the Left HF+ and Left HF- to the HF terminals on the same loudspeaker.
* Repeat this process to connect the right hand loudspeaker to the amplifier right channel output, once
again ensuring that polarity is correct throughout.
* Switch the amplifier on with the volume control set at its lowest setting. Select a favourite source and
slowly turn up the volume to a low level. Check that bass and treble information is being reproduced
from both speakers- if not, switch off the amplifier and recheck the connections.
FRONT SPEAKERS
The main speaker pair provides much of the delivery of the front soundstage; they should therefore
be large enough to handle the power output and dynamics required. Stand mounted speakers can
be used for this purpose but the power handling and extra bass extension achievable from floor standing
models will add greatly to the overall assurance of the performance. The speakers should be positioned
either side of the TV or projection screen placed in line with the screen surface.
BI-AMPING
Bi-Amping extends the principle of bi-wiring one stage further. In this connection option separate power
amplifiers are used for bass and treble signals in each loudspeaker. Four mono (or two stereo) amplifiers
of the same type are required for a stereo pair of loudspeakers. Ensure that the links between the
loudspeaker terminals are removed and that correct polarity is maintained throughout.
CENTRE CHANNEL SPEAKERS
As the main effects speaker for the front soundstage, the critical factor in its performance is placement.
In all cases the centre channel speaker should be placed as near to the TV screen as possible; effective
shielding will allow placement on top of the TV itself. If the shape of the top of the TV casing will not
allow a stable placement it can be shelf mounted just above. The viewing position when seated
determines the ideal mounting height, but in all cases this should be as close as possible to ear height.
If two stereo amplifiers are used, it is recommended that one amplifier supply bass information to left
and right loudspeakers and the other, the treble information.(See figure 6)
GRILLES
Special acoustically transparent material is used on the grilles. However, for ultimate fidelity the enthusiast
will appreciate the slight improvement in clarity and detail that is achieved by removing the grilles
during listening.
As with the main speakers the front baffle panel should be as near as possible in line with the screen
surface.
REAR EFFECTS SPEAKERS
CARE OF THE CABINET
The integrity of the special effects soundstage created by the source material will be compromised if
the speakers are installed on the sidewalls, for that reason they should always be placed behind the
main viewing position.
Vinyl finished enclosures normally require no more than a wipe with a dry polishing cloth. Fingerprints
or other more stubborn marks need only a gentle wipe with a slightly damp cloth.
The placement of floor standing speakers at the rear should mirror as near as possible the location
of the front pair and 0.5 metres (20 inches) from the rear wall. Wall-mounted loudspeakers should
be shelf or bracket mounted 1.5 to 4.5 metres (5ft to 15ft) apart with a height mounting height range
of 1.5 to 2 metres (5ft to 7ft).
6
7
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SUBWOOFER
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
As the subwoofer only produces low frequency, therefore monaural information, it is difficult to detect
its location by ear. It could as a result be situated anywhere in the room, but optimum performance
will be gained by locating the subwoofer between the main stereo pair of speakers. Bass output will
increase when placed next to a wall or in a corner so use the subwoofer volume control to balance
the output with the rest of the system.
Mercury F1
Mercury F4
Mercury FR
Mercury FC
PERFORMANCE
Recommended amplifier power
Watts RMS
10-70
50
10-140
100
10-60
40
10-90
70
Continuous power handling
Watts Peak
Peak power handling - Watts
Sensitivity (2.83 Volts @ 1m)
Nominal Impedance - Ohms
Low frequency alignment (-6dB)
Frequency response +/– 3dB
100
200
80
140
87dB
8
91dB
8
86dB
8
90dB
8
55Hz
55Hz-20kHz
34Hz
35Hz-20kHz
59Hz
68Hz
68Hz-20kHz
59Hz-20kHz
DRIVE UNIT CONFIGURATION
High frequency
25mm (1.00”)
Nitro-urethane
layer dampened
woven polyester
dome,
25mm (1.00”)
Nitro-urethane
layer dampened
woven polyester
dome,
25mm (1.00”)
Nitro-urethane
layer dampened
woven polyester
dome,
25mm (1.00”)
Nitro-urethane
layer dampened
woven polyester
dome,
neodymium
shielded magnet
assembly
neodymium
shielded magnet
assembly
neodymium
shielded magnet
assembly
neodymium
shielded magnet
assembly
Low frequency
Shielded
130mm (5.00”)
Multi-fibre
coated pulped
paper cone
2 x 165mm (6.50”)
Multi-fibre coated
pulped paper
cone
100mm (4.0”)
Multi-fibre
coated pulped
paper cone
2 x 100mm (4.00”)
Multi-fibre
coated pulped
paper cone
Ye s
Ye s
Ye s
Ye s
CROSSOVER
Crossover frequency
2.9 kHz
2.7 kHz
2.9 kHz
2.8 kHz
Bi-wirable
4th order
acoustic
Type
4th order
acoustic
4th order
acoustic
4th order
acoustic
Linkwitz-Riley
Linkwitz-Riley
Linkwitz-Riley
Linkwitz-Riley
CABINET
Enclosure type
Front reflex
Front reflex
Rear reflex
Twin Rear
reflex
Construction
15mm particle
board, internally
cross-braced
enclosure
15mm particle
board, internally
cross-braced
enclosure
12mm particle
board, internally
cross-braced
enclosure
15mm particle
board, internally
cross-braced
enclosure
19mm MDF
front baffle
19mm MDF
front baffle
15mm MDF
front baffle
19mm MDF
front baffle
Dimensions - inc grille
mm (inches)
300 x 170 x 220
(11.81 x 6.69 x 8.66) (38.19 x 8.03 x 11.4) (8.27 x 5.51 x 6.30)
970 x 204 x 290
210 x 140 x 160
150 x 430 x 170
(5.91 x 16.93 x 6.69)
Volume - litres (cubic feet)
Weight (each) - kgs (lbs)
Finish options
6.6 (0.23)
4.0 (8.8)
40 (1.4)
2.6 (0.09)
2.2 (4.9)
5.3 (0.19)
6.9 (15.2)
13.5 (29.8)
Apple
Dark Oak
Apple
Dark Oak
Apple
Dark Oak
Apple
Dark Oak
8
9
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SET-UP DIAGRAMS
FIG. 1
SET-UP DIAGRAMS
FIG. 3
0.5 METRES OR MORE
1.5 TO 4.5 METRES
1 METRE
OR MORE
FIG. 2
FIG. 4
TO RIGHT
SPEAKER
TO RIGHT
SPEAKER
+
-
+
-
+
-
+
-
L
R
L
R
POWER AMPLIFIER
POWER AMPLIFIER
LF-
HF-
HF+
LF+
LF-
HF-
HF+
LF+
LINKS IN PLACE
LINKS REMOVED
10
11
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NOTES
SET-UP DIAGRAMS
FIG. 5
HEIGHT FROM FLOOR
1.5-2.0 METRES
SUB
FIG. 6
+
-
+
-
L
R
HIGH FREQUENCY
POWER AMPLIFIER
LF-
LF+
LOW FREQUENCY
POWER AMPLIFIER
L
R
HF-
HF+
-
-
+
+
LINKS REMOVED
12
13
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NOTES
NOTES
14
15
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Tannoy adopts a policy of continuous improvement and product specification is subject to change.
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