Tannoy Cheviot Mk II (1975)
The Tannoy Cheviot Mk II is a classic floor-standing loudspeaker introduced in 1975 as part of Tannoy’s esteemed Prestige series. Renowned for its elegant design and exceptional midrange clarity, the Cheviot Mk II exemplifies British high-fidelity engineering from the 1970s. Built around Tannoy’s signature dual concentric driver, this speaker delivers a coherent, lifelike soundstage that has made it a favorite among vintage audio enthusiasts and collectors.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
| Model | Cheviot Mk II |
| Brand | Tannoy |
| Production Years | 1975–1980 |
| Category | Passive Floor-standing Speaker |
| Recommended Power | 50–100W RMS |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 91 dB (1W/1m) |
| Driver Configuration | 12-inch dual concentric (tweeter-in-the-mouth) |
| Crossover | 2-way with front-panel level controls |
| Cabinet Design | Front-ported, solid wood veneer |
| Dimensions (H×W×D) | Approx. 76 × 30 × 38 cm (30 × 12 × 15 in) |
| Weight | Approx. 22 kg (48.5 lbs) per cabinet |
Historical Significance
The Cheviot Mk II was a flagship model in Tannoy's Prestige line, designed to bring professional monitor performance into the home. Tannoy is a Scottish company founded in 1926, and it had long been known for its dual concentric driver - a design where the tweeter is mounted concentrically in the center of the woofer. This puts the sound out as a time-aligned point source, which minimizes phase distortion and gives a cohesive sound image.
In the 1970s, the Cheviot series was the top of Tannoy's consumer offerings. The Mk II revision improved on its predecessor with refined crossover components and better cabinet construction. It has a warm, natural tonality and a strong midrange presence. It became a staple in high-end British audio systems and is still sought after today.
Sound Signature
The Cheviot Mk II has a warm, smooth, and detailed sound, and it is especially good with vocals and acoustic instruments. The dual concentric driver gives it midrange clarity and a stable, three-dimensional soundstage. High frequencies are extended but non-fatiguing. The 12-inch woofer gives full, room-filling bass, though it is not as tight or controlled as modern designs. That reflects the sonic preferences of its era.
Because of the point-source design, the speaker has wide horizontal dispersion and consistent tonality across a broad listening area. That suits both stereo imaging and relaxed listening.
Maintenance and Restoration Tips
Because of their age, Cheviot Mk II speakers often need maintenance to restore their performance:
- Foam Surrounds: The original foam surrounds on the woofer typically degrade over time, leading to distortion or complete failure. Replacing them with modern butyl rubber surrounds is a common and recommended refurbishment.
- Crossover Components: Electrolytic capacitors in the crossover network may dry out or fail after decades. A full recapping using high-quality audio-grade components can significantly improve clarity and reliability.
- Cabinet Care: The solid wood veneer is prone to lifting or wear. Gentle cleaning with a wood-safe polish and careful repair of lifted edges can preserve or restore the speaker’s aesthetic appeal.
- Grilles and Terminals: Check for missing grille clips or corroded binding posts. Upgrading to modern, high-conductivity speaker terminals can improve connectivity.
Many specialists offer restoration services for vintage Tannoy speakers.
Collectibility and Market Value
The Tannoy Cheviot Mk II has a collectibility rating of 7/10. Buyers prize its design, its historical significance, and its sound. Well-maintained or professionally restored pairs typically sell for $800 to $1,500 USD on the secondary market. Prices depend on condition, provenance, and completeness, including original grilles and hardware.
It is not as rare as some limited-run models. It remains a respected example of 1970s British hi-fi and still attracts audiophiles looking for vintage warmth and coherence.
Conclusion
The Cheviot Mk II has an elegant wood cabinet, a dual concentric driver, and a lush, musical sound. It works as a daily listener or as the centerpiece of a classic hi-fi setup.
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