When it comes to audio equipment, Tannoy has been a brand name that resonated with music enthusiasts for decades. However, something has happened to Tannoy, and it’s not what we’re used to hearing from the legendary British loudspeaker manufacturer. It seems like Tannoy has been going through some rough patches lately, and it’s left many of us wondering what’s going on behind the scenes.
For those who aren’t aware, Tannoy has been in the business of crafting high-quality audio products since 1926. They’ve established themselves as a go-to brand for audiophiles who demand nothing but the best. But in recent years, something has shifted, and the brand’s once-sterling reputation seems to have been tarnished by missteps and negative press. So, what has happened to Tannoy, and can they turn things around?
In this article, we’ll explore the current state of Tannoy and take a closer look at what led to their recent setbacks. We’ll also examine whether the brand is worth sticking with or if it’s time to start considering other options. From production issues to management changes, we’ll cover all of the details you need to know to make an informed decision about whether to keep Tannoy on your radar or move on.
History of Tannoy
Tannoy, a manufacturer of premium audio equipment, has a rich history dating back to 1926. The company was founded in London by Guy Fountain, who was passionate about radio and audio technology from a young age. His early experiments with loudspeakers led to the development of the Dual Concentric driver, which became the signature feature of Tannoy speakers.
In the years following its founding, Tannoy continued to innovate and refine its products. The company’s speakers were used in public address systems across Britain during World War II and were even chosen for use in Buckingham Palace. Tannoy also expanded its product range to include microphones, amplifiers, and other audio equipment.
- Tannoy was awarded a Royal Warrant in 1951
- The company was acquired by music and electronics giant, Compton Electronics in 1967
- Compton Electronics was later acquired by electronics conglomerate, Martin Dawes Ltd in 1971
Throughout the 20th century, Tannoy remained at the forefront of audio technology. Its products were used in recording studios, concert halls, and broadcasting studios around the world. In recent years, Tannoy has continued to innovate with products like the Definition Install series, combining the company’s signature Dual Concentric driver with modern digital signal processing.
Today, Tannoy is part of the music and audio equipment conglomerate, Music Tribe. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation continues to result in some of the most highly-regarded audio products on the market.
Tannoy’s Acquisition
Founded in London in 1926, Tannoy is a British audio company known for its high-end speakers and public address systems. Tannoy was once one of the top audio brands in the world; however, the company’s fortunes began to falter after several ownership changes in the 2000s.
- In 2002, Tannoy was acquired by a Danish company, TC Group, which specializes in professional audio equipment.
- In 2015, TC Group was acquired by Music Group, a Chinese manufacturer of musical instruments and audio equipment.
- In 2020, Tannoy was acquired by Behringer, a subsidiary of Music Group.
Each acquisition brought changes to Tannoy’s product line and corporate structure, leading to both positive and negative outcomes. The acquisition by Behringer has sparked controversy in the audio industry due to Behringer’s reputation for producing budget-friendly products that prioritize affordability over quality.
Despite the challenges, Tannoy remains a respected brand in the audio industry, and the company continues to produce high-quality speakers and audio equipment. The table below summarizes Tannoy’s ownership changes over the years:
| Year | Owner |
|---|---|
| 1926 – 2002 | Tannoy Ltd. (UK) |
| 2002 – 2015 | TC Group (Denmark) |
| 2015 – 2020 | Music Group (China) |
| 2020 – Present | Behringer (Germany) |
Despite a turbulent few decades, Tannoy’s acquisition by Behringer could potentially revitalize the brand and introduce it to a new generation of audio enthusiasts. Only time will tell what the future holds for this iconic British audio company.
Tannoy’s Product Portfolio
Tannoy, a renowned audio equipment manufacturer, has been in the industry since 1926. The company has an extensive product portfolio that caters to various audio needs. Tannoy is mainly known for its high-quality speakers, but it also manufactures other audio equipment such as amplifiers, microphones, and headphones. In this article, we will discuss Tannoy’s product portfolio.
Tannoy’s Speakers
- Tannoy has a wide range of speakers that cater to various needs and budgets. The company’s speakers are classified based on their usage, i.e., home, studio, or commercial.
- Home speakers: Tannoy’s home speakers are designed to provide an immersive audio experience. The company’s home speakers range from bookshelf speakers to floor-standing speakers.
- Studio speakers: Tannoy’s studio speakers are designed for professional use. The company’s studio speakers are known for their accuracy and clarity, making them perfect for music production, sound engineering, and post-production.
- Commercial speakers: Tannoy’s commercial speakers are designed for large venues such as auditoriums, conference halls, and sound installations in malls and airports.
Tannoy’s Amplifiers, Microphones, and Headphones
Tannoy does not only manufacture speakers but also produces other audio equipment.
- Amplifiers: Tannoy amplifiers are designed to complement the company’s speakers. The company’s amplifiers range from integrated amplifiers to power amplifiers
- Microphones: Tannoy’s microphones are designed for broadcasting, studio recording, and live performances. The company’s microphones range from dynamic microphones to condenser microphones.
- Headphones: Tannoy’s headphones are known for their comfort and sound clarity. The company’s headphones range from wired to wireless headphones.
Tannoy’s Legacy Series
Tannoy’s Legacy Series is an homage to the company’s heritage. The Legacy Series consists of high-end speakers that use traditional craftsmanship and modern technology to deliver an immersive audio experience. The series includes several models such as the Legacy Eaton, Legacy Arden, and Legacy Cheviot. The Legacy Series is the epitome of Tannoy’s commitment to providing high-quality audio equipment that caters to various needs and budgets.
| Speaker Model | Main Features |
|---|---|
| Legacy Eaton | Classic design, 10-inch Dual Concentric driver, high-quality finish, and bi-wireable binding posts |
| Legacy Arden | Classic design, 15-inch Dual Concentric driver, high-quality finish, and bi-wireable binding posts |
| Legacy Cheviot | Classic design, 12-inch Dual Concentric driver, high-quality finish, and bi-wireable binding posts |
The Legacy Series is Tannoy’s way of preserving its rich history while also embracing modern technology to provide the best audio experience possible.
Tannoy’s Distribution Channels
Tannoy, the renowned British audio equipment manufacturer, has been in the business for over 90 years. They specialize in producing high-end sound equipment that is used in professional recording studios, concerts, and even in home theater systems. Over the years, Tannoy has built an extensive distribution network to ensure that their products are available to customers all over the world. Let’s take a closer look at Tannoy’s distribution channels.
Online Distribution
- Tannoy has a strong online presence, with their website serving as the primary distribution channel for their products.
- Their website features an online store where customers can purchase their products directly.
- They also use third-party online retailers such as Amazon to sell their products.
Brick and Mortar Stores
Tannoy also has a strong presence in brick and mortar stores. They partner with established retailers that specialize in audio and sound equipment to ensure that their products are available in physical stores.
- Tannoy has partnered with retailers such as Guitar Center, Best Buy, and Sam Ash to stock their products in-store.
- They also have authorized dealers all around the world who sell their products exclusively.
- Tannoy has dedicated showrooms in select cities around the world where customers can experience their products first-hand.
International Distribution
Tannoy is a global brand, and as such, they have built a strong international distribution network to ensure that their products are available in all parts of the world.
- They have offices and warehouses in Europe, North America, and Asia.
- Tannoy has distribution partners in over 60 countries.
- They have a dedicated team that handles international shipping and logistics.
Distributor Relationships
Tannoy has built strong relationships with their distributors to ensure that their products are well-represented in the market.
| Distributor | Region | Partnership Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Algam Entreprises | France | 25+ years |
| Music Network Pro | Italy | 15+ years |
| AMI | Japan | 20+ years |
As you can see, Tannoy has built long-lasting relationships with their distributors, which has contributed to their global success.
Competitors of Tannoy
Tannoy, the renowned audio equipment manufacturer, has faced its fair share of competition over the years. Here are some of the key players in the industry vying for a piece of the market:
- Bose: With a focus on high-quality sound and sleek design, Bose is a well-established brand in the audio equipment market. Their products range from headphones to home theater systems, all sharing a reputation for premium sound quality.
- Sony: With a strong presence in the consumer electronics industry, Sony has carved out a notable place in the audio corner of the market. Their products range from budget-friendly speakers to high-end home theater systems, all sporting the same level of reliability and quality expected from the Sony brand.
- JBL: JBL has established itself as a leader in the concert sound industry, making them a strong contender in the home audio equipment market as well. Their speakers provide full, clear sound with a focus on producing an immersive experience.
- Klipsch: Known for their specialty in high-end sound systems, Klipsch delivers on quality, power, and clarity. Their speakers feature distinct, bold designs that prioritize both functionality and aesthetics.
- QSC: QSC is a professional audio equipment manufacturer, providing equipment and sound solutions for everything from concerts and events to corporate spaces. They offer high-quality speakers and sound systems with a focus on durability and versatility.
While these brands all compete with Tannoy in the audio equipment market, they each have their own unique strengths and focuses. Some prioritize design, while others focus on sound quality, and others cater to specific industries. Ultimately, the competition between these brands contributes to an ever-evolving industry, pushing companies to innovate and produce better products for consumers.
Tannoy’s Marketing Strategy
Established in 1926, Tannoy has become one of the most recognized names in the audio industry. Over the years, the company has undergone significant changes in its marketing strategy to adapt to the ever-changing market dynamics. Here’s an in-depth analysis of Tannoy’s marketing strategy:
- Expanding the target market: Tannoy has expanded its target market from professional audio users to home users. This approach has allowed the company to diversify its revenue streams and focus on delivering high-quality audio to a broader audience.
- Building relationships: Tannoy’s marketing strategy emphasizes building strong relationships with its customers. This approach has helped the company to build trust and loyalty with its customer base through excellent customer service and regular communication.
- Investing in social media: Tannoy has invested heavily in social media platforms to reach its target audience. The company regularly posts informative and engaging content on its social media channels, which has helped to increase brand awareness and engagement.
Another aspect of Tannoy’s marketing strategy is product innovation. The company has invested in research and development to come up with new and innovative products that appeal to its target audience. Moreover, Tannoy has partnered with other companies to integrate its products into a wide range of sound systems, further expanding its reach.
Tannoy’s marketing strategy has resulted in the company being recognized as a leader in the audio industry. Its commitment to delivering high-quality products and excellent customer service has helped to build a loyal customer base that continues to support the brand.
| Year | Marketing Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1926 | Tannoy first established as a manufacturer of public address systems. |
| 1950s | Tannoy expands to the US market and innovates with its dual concentric speaker technology. |
| 1970s | Tannoy rebrands itself as a high-end residential audio brand. |
| 1990s | Tannoy partners with other companies to integrate its products into a range of sound systems. |
| 2000s | Tannoy expands its product offerings and invests in social media marketing. |
| Present | Tannoy continues to innovate with new products and invests in building strong customer relationships. |
Overall, Tannoy’s marketing strategy has been successful in helping the company to grow and adapt to market changes. With a focus on product innovation, building strong customer relationships, and expanding its reach through social media, the brand should continue to thrive for years to come.
Tannoy’s Future Outlook
Since the acquisition of Tannoy by Music Group in 2015, there have been some changes and developments in the brand’s future outlook. Here are some key points:
- Music Group has invested in the development of Tannoy’s manufacturing capabilities, including the opening of a new manufacturing facility in China, designed to produce high-quality drivers and other components.
- Tannoy has also expanded its product line, launching new series of loudspeakers in recent years, such as the Revolution XT and Definition Install series.
- The brand has also been actively involved in the innovation of loudspeaker technology, exploring new ways to improve sound quality and performance. For example, the patented Dual Concentric driver, which places the tweeter at the center of the woofer, has been refined and improved over the years and is a hallmark of the brand.
Looking ahead, Tannoy is well-positioned to continue its growth and expansion in the audio industry, given its strong reputation for high-quality sound, innovative products, and now, enhanced manufacturing capabilities.
Here is a snapshot of Tannoy’s current product offerings:
| Series | Description |
|---|---|
| Legacy Series | Classic, retro-inspired loudspeakers with modern technology and high-quality finishes. |
| Prestige Series | High-end, handcrafted loudspeakers designed for music enthusiasts and audiophiles. |
| Revolution XT Series | Intelligently designed loudspeakers featuring the Dual Concentric driver and other advanced technologies. |
| Definition Install Series | Professional-grade, customizable installation loudspeakers for a wide range of applications. |
Overall, Tannoy’s future outlook is bright, with continued growth and innovation on the horizon.
What Has Happened to Tannoy? FAQs
1. What is Tannoy?
Tannoy is a British audio equipment manufacturer that has been producing high-quality speakers since the 1920s.
2. Has Tannoy gone out of business?
No, Tannoy has not gone out of business. However, the company was acquired by Music Group in 2015.
3. Who is Music Group?
Music Group is a multi-brand audio equipment manufacturer and distributor based in China.
4. What changes have been made since the acquisition?
Since the acquisition, Tannoy has shifted its focus towards the commercial and professional audio market, rather than consumer audio products.
5. Are Tannoy speakers still available for purchase?
Yes, Tannoy speakers are still available for purchase. However, the company’s product offerings may have changed compared to what was available pre-acquisition.
6. How has the quality of Tannoy products been affected?
There is no clear evidence to suggest that the quality of Tannoy products has been negatively affected by the acquisition. However, some customers may prefer the old Tannoy products compared to the more recent ones.
7. Where can I find more information about Tannoy’s current products and offerings?
You can visit Tannoy’s official website or contact their customer support team for more information about their current products and offerings.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for reading about what has happened to Tannoy. While the company has undergone some changes in recent years, it is still producing high-quality audio equipment for professional and commercial use. If you’re interested in purchasing Tannoy products or learning more about them, don’t hesitate to check out their website or contact their customer support team. And as always, remember to check back for more updates and information on the latest in audio technology.