The vintage vibe is strong with this one and having spent some time listening to other Tannoy models at some recent industry events — these are decidedly different from the current crop of modern looking loudspeakers that also come with eye-opening price tags. Tannoy’s best loudspeakers are certainly not inexpensive — but you most certainly get something that will look and sound great for decades in any type of home environment.
One example is the Tannoy III LZ (Monitor Red), which was introduced in 1967. The core of the speaker was its 10-inch Dual concentric transducer specifically designed for small enclosures, providing warmth and clarity of its bigger 12 and 15-inch counterparts.
Tech Note: The original dimensions of the III LZ were 23 1/4 x 13 1/4 x 11-inches.
Stirling III LZ Special Edition
More than just a tribute to the legendary III LZ first released in 1967, the Stirling III LZ Special Edition offers a wide frequency response and deep bass extension for natural imaging at high SPLs.
Every design element that made the original great is still incorporated into the Stirling III LZ Special Edition. This includes an impressive dynamic range, sound clarity, and a classic cabinet (each cabinet is handcrafted). However, the Special Edition also benefits from the advancement of the driver and electronic component technology.
Dual Concentric Drivers
Tannoy invented the dual concentric speaker design in 1947, and it has been refined and improved continuously over the decades The Stirling III LZ Special Edition incorporates the latest version of its critically acclaimed concentric speakers.
The Dual Concentric driver used in Stirling III LZ Special Editon provides coherence and point-source imaging for truly natural sound. With its Pepperpot Waveguide and Alnico motor system, the Stirling III LZ Special Edition is designed to deliver wide dynamics, excellent transient response, and sonic realism across a wide frequency range with minimal coloration. Combined with an aluminium-magnesium diaphragm and Mylar surround compression driver studio-quality tone and balanced sound pressure are projected in all directions.
Since loudspeakers perform in your living space, instead of an anechoic chamber, a front-mounted 2-band energy control panel allows you to selectively boost or cut the high frequencies to fit your room or personal taste. The Stirling III LZ Special Edition also includes Tannoy’s customizable binding posts to provide optimal signal transmission. A fifth binding post is also provided to reduce RF interference and improve mid-range clarity. The Special Edition is Bi-amp/Bi-Wire compatible.
The Enclosure
The enclosure for the special edition is based on some of the original III LZ design characteristics but with new high-density materials that weren’t available back in the 1960s. The Special Edition cabinet provides extreme rigidity to control low-frequency performance and boasts extensive bracing incorporating DMT (Differential Materials Technology) for proper driver coupling.
The pairing of the dual concentric drivers with the new cabinet design and craftmanship brings new life to the memory of the original III LZ in the form of the Stirling III LZ Special Edition Floorstanding Hi-Fi Loudspeaker.
Specifications
- System: Two-way Floorstanding speaker
- Low-Frequency Driver: Dual concentric 250 mm (10″) with paper pulp cone with twin roll impregnated fabric surround, 52 mm (2″) round wire voice coil/
- High-frequency Driver: Dual concentric 52 mm (2″) aluminum/magnesium alloy dome with round wire voice coil and mylar surround.
- Frequency Response (-6dB): 29 Hz – 27 kHz (-6 dB)
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 20 – 250 W
- Power Handling (IEC): 125 W continuous, 500 W peak
- Nominal Dispersion: 90 degrees conical
- Sensitivity (1 W @ 1 m): 93 dB
- Nominal Impedance: 8 Ω
- Minimum Impedance: 5 Ω
- Maximum SPL: 114 dB continuous, 120 dB peak
- Package Dimensions: 535 x 499 x 1046 mm (21.1 x 19.6 x 41.2″)
- Package Weight: 33.2 kg (110 lbs)
Price & Availability
Stirling III LZ Special Edition is priced at $12,500/pair (£11,995/€12,500) and is available through Tannoy and authorized dealers and distributors as supply lasts.
Tip: Every Stirling III LZ Special Edition includes an owner’s care package as well as a Birth Certificate verifying its authenticity. Just like the original III LZ, the Special Edition is designed and manufactured in the UK.
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